The water heater tank enables you to take warm showers and helps you unwind after a long day. However, despite frequent servicing, the heater will still wear out at some point. The length of your water heater’s life depends on how often you service it.
Spotting the early warning signs of a potential hot water tank failure can save you from costly repairs. Here are some common hints that your hot water tank needs attention.
1. Your Water Heater is Ancient
Unfortunately, hot water tanks don’t last indefinitely, and you may need to replace your hot water tank if you have had it for a long time. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it may start to fail. The older the water tank gets, debris collects inside, making it challenging for the appliance to work efficiently. Eventually, the section that produces the heat fails, and the tank no longer has hot water. Consulting a professional to ensure its lifespan would be the best option.
2. No Sign of Warm Water
The primary function of a water heater is to provide warm or hot water. If it doesn’t serve that purpose, the heater is of no use. The debris that might have built up could be the leading cause of this. Also, since the tank requires more energy to function after the sediments have damaged the tank, the hot water will get used up quickly, or there will be none at all.
3. Your Heater Sounds Weird
Your water heater isn’t supposed to be noisy. However, if you hear rumbling or cracking noises, it could be a clue that the heater is failing. The debris accumulated inside could be causing that noise and forcing the heater to work harder. If the heater exceeds its working capacity, it might result in cracks or leaks inside the heater, leading to high repair costs.
4. The Water Doesn’t Look Right
There is only one way you want your water to look – clear, with some exceptions. If you detect a hint of water that looks cloudy or unclear, it may be a warning sign that the tank is not working efficiently. For example, mineral deposits might be travelling out of the water heater and fogging up the hot water, resulting in a cloudy appearance. Although that water is not harmful, it could still indicate that the water heater tank is rusty.
5. You Smell Something Funky
The point of washing anything with water is to come out clean, whether it’s your hands, body, clothes, or dishes. But, if the water you’re using smells or tastes unusual and metallic, it may be due to the mineral deposits inside. If you notice anything unusual in the smell or taste, you must get your water heater tank inspected by a professional.
6. The Tank is Leaking
If you notice any water dripping from your pipes, it might mean that there are loose connections in your home. However, it could also be a sign that your water heater tank is leaking due to cracks. On the other hand, the leaks could occur due to pressure, long-term usage, or other underlying problems. Whatever the reason may be, you must get professional help to investigate the matter. Whatever the reason may be, you must get professional help to investigate the matter.
A water heater is an essential component of every home. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an eye on any warning signs of its failure.
It’s interesting to know that debris buildup may be causing the lack of hot water from your water heater. My three roommates and I haven’t had hot water in our apartment since last weekend. We’ll have to hire an expert plumber that can repair our water heater and remove any buildup in the next couple of days.