Is Your Home Being Affected By a Faulty Water Heater?
A broken water heater is one of those issues that every homeowner dreads - not only does it make dishwashing harder and showers uncomfortable, but it can also be expensive if the whole unit needs to be replaced. That's why it's so important to catch symptoms of a failing water heater as early as possible while there's still time to fix the problem.
In some cases, the signs are pretty obvious. If the water heater is 10+ years old and is experiencing problems, it's near enough to the end of its life expectancy that it may make more sense to replace it. Likewise, if the unit frequently needs repairs, a water heater replacement may be more cost-effective than continuing to shell out for repairs. Or, if the water temperature never seems high enough or fluctuates constantly, it may be time to throw in the towel.
Other symptoms aren't quite as obvious but are no less urgent. This article will outline a few telltale signs of a malfunctioning water heater that often get overlooked or mistaken for other issues. If homeowners notice these issues, they must contact their trusted plumber to address them as soon as possible!
Loud Noises
This is a serious issue, as it can crack the tank's glass inner lining, exposing the outer tank shell to corrosion. The good news is that flushing the tank regularly (every year or so, depending on the hardness of the area's water) will remove the sediment and prevent it from reaching critical levels.
The Hot Water Is Discolored or Foul-Smelling
Most conventional water heaters are equipped with an anode rod, which helps prevent corrosion inside the tank by attracting corrosive materials in the water, essentially sacrificing itself to preserve the tank. The tank will be exposed to corrosion if the anode rod is completely consumed.
To prevent this, one must replace the anode rod and flush the tank as part of routine water heater maintenance. If homeowners are experiencing discolored or smelly water, the damage may already be too severe, but they should call a pro to see if they can salvage the tank.
Water Is Leaking from the Unit
Last but not least, if the water heater itself appears to be leaking, it may mean that the unit is on its last leg. Of course, this isn't always the case. It may simply be relatively minor and easy to fix, such as a faulty T&P (temperature & pressure) relief valve, a loose pipe connection, or a worn drain valve. Sometimes, it may not be a leak but only condensed water.
But in many cases, the problem could be a serious and urgent one. The anode rod may have disintegrated, allowing water to leak from where it used to be. The tank may have cracked or rusted due to sediment buildup or corrosion. Unfortunately, a damaged tank generally cannot be repaired, and a whole water heater replacement will be necessary. If the home has a tankless water heater, leaks may also indicate internal corrosion, mineral scale buildup, or overpressurization, all of which are urgent issues.
Due to the wide variety of possible causes of water heater leaks, homeowners would do well to contact their plumber or the company that installed the water heater as soon as they see signs of a leak. These professionals can determine the cause and find the appropriate solution.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
The experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing have served the Northfield community with pride for over 40 years. They offer 24/7 emergency service and a rewarding membership plan. They also back up every service aspect with unbeatable guarantees, including a 2-year labor warranty. Call Benjamin Franklin for water heater replacement in Northfield, MN today!
