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When Water Heaters Should Be Serviced

Posted on May 31, 2024 by

Signs a Water Heater Is Failing and Needs Attention

Households rely on a working water heater to bathe, shower, do laundry, and wash dishes. However, if the water heating system fails, it can leave household residents uncomfortable and unable to perform chores properly. 

To avoid these problems, homeowners need to recognize the signs that a water heater is malfunctioning and needs water heater repair, maintenance, or replacement. Obvious signs include a loss of hot water and a leaking water heater, but this post will share less obvious ones to know about.

Higher Than Usual Utility Bills 

bills Rising utility bills can indicate several water heater problems. While homeowners might not initially suspect the water heater, expensive utility bills could point to inefficiencies with the unit due to a malfunction, old age, or neglected water heater maintenance. 

When a water heater malfunctions, ages, or isn’t well maintained, it must work harder to heat water to the desired temperature. This extra effort translates to higher energy consumption, leading to an increase in water heating costs. Depending on the cause of the inefficiency, maintenance, repair, or replacement can be the solution.

Strange Sounds 

sounds When homeowners hear unusual sounds from their water heater, it can also signal that the unit needs maintenance or repair. The type of noise it’s producing can be a clue to the issue. Some common sounds that might be heard when a water heater needs service are:

  • Banging: Loud banging noises, sometimes referred to as water hammer, can indicate high water pressure within the tank or sediment buildup around the heating element.
  • Whistling: A high-pitched whistling sound might be caused by water pressure forcing its way through a narrow passage within the unit.
  • Popping: Popping noises can point to sediment accumulating in the water heater tank.
  • Crackling or hissing: These sounds are more common in electric water heaters and can signify sediment buildup around the heating element, hindering its functionality.
  • Ticking: A subtle ticking sound might be caused by fluctuating water pressure within the tank.
  • Humming or vibrating: A humming or vibrating noise could indicate loose fixtures, valves, or even the heating element needing attention.

Unusual Color or Smell of the Water

Unusual smells and water discoloration of the hot water that comes from the water heater are also red flags of a problem that can indicate a water heater replacement may be needed. This is because they could be a sign of corrosion in the water heater, which is often a reason to get a replacement. 

A corroded water heater can cause a strange, often metallic smell from the hot water and can also cause the hot water to come out of fixtures discolored, like a rusty color. The best way to avoid corrosion and extend the lifespan of the water heater is with routine maintenance. Maintenance tasks like removing corrosive sediment from the tank and replacing the anode rod go a long way toward prevention. 

About Premium Plumbing

Premium Plumbing has been serving the Tampa area since 2015. They provide flat-rate pricing, a beneficial membership plan, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them for water heater repair, maintenance, and replacement services in Tampa, FL. 

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