Signs Of Trouble For Your Water Heater

The most costly, and, arguably, most important part of your plumbing system is the water heater. It provides you with hot water whenever you need it. The water heater is one of the many parts of your plumbing system that requires regular maintenance to keep performing at a high level. If your water heater is reaching the end of its rope, there are several signs you should look for to help you determine if you need a replacement or not. If you are unsure and your water heater is not performing up to standard, you can hire a professional plumber to help you with any repairs or help you with finding a new water heater to replace your old one. Look for these signs of a water heater going out.

Temperature Issues

A common water heater problem is when the water temperature is either too hot or too cold, no matter how you adjust the faucet. A good and ideal temperature for hot water is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to check your thermostat before worrying about more serious problems. If a thermostat adjustment does not fix the problem, you may have a more serious problem, such as broken heating element.

Noise

If your hot water heater is making all sorts of noises that it usually does not make, such as banging, knocking, creaking, or whining, it could be because the water heater has too much built up sediment inside of the tank. The tank will have to be flushed before the noises stop happening. There are ways you can do this yourself, but hiring a professional plumber to help you is usually the better method, as you do not want to perform the task incorrectly and have to replace the water heater due to unforeseen damages.

Leaks

A leaking water tank has no easy fix. Regularly check your water heater for any leaks, and keep an eye out for standing water around and near the unit itself. If you do notice a leak or a puddle, you will want to call in a professional plumber as soon as you can. The tank will need to be replaced before flooding or other damage can occur. These issues can cost you a lot of money if you neglect to change the tank, so do not wait until it is too late.