Having no hot water would be an inconvenience for most people, and having to wait for a damaged water heater to get fixed is frustrating, to say the least. Most of us would agree that an unexpected water heater failure would interrupt our daily routines—no hot water, no morning shower! So, while there are clear indications of a busted water heater, like water pouring out from under your garage or a saturated carpet, the goal is to notice the signs before problems arise. Keep a watchful eye and you may be able to get away with some basic water heater repairs and avoid needing a unit replacement.
Courtesy of a trusted plumbing service in Biloxi, MS, here are some of the common signs that your water heater needs repairs or replacement.
You hear unusual noises
Depending on where your water heater is located, you might be able to hear it kick on when you turn on a hot water faucet. While that particular sound is normal, others are not. Strange noises coming from the tank could mean there are hard mineral deposits and sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. If you hear a low rumbling, popping or banging coming from the unit as the hot water heats up, those are signs it’s nearing the end of its life.
The water is rusty
There are a couple reasons you might see rusty water. First, you might find a deep dark red or orange color rust in water that has leaked from the tank—a water heater leak is another indication you need to call a repair service. This is a sign of corroding metal parts and piping. Also, that rust is likely in the water inside the tank. You will notice the rusty color when the hot water faucets on your sinks and showers are turned on. You may also notice a metallic odor.
It’s wet around the unit
Water heater tank leaks are not always apparent—especially when the crack is small and the leak slow. It’s a good idea to regularly inspect your water heater and the ground around it for moisture and condensation, as these are signs of a slow leak. Because of the expansion and contraction that occurs in between hot water usage, the leak may stop when the metal tank cools. Call a professional for a thorough inspection if you suspect a leak.
There’s not much hot water
A sudden lack of hot water in your house could mean a fix as simple as adjusting the hot water dial on the unit. However, water that is only lukewarm even with the hot water faucet on full blast could mean you need to replace the unit. Also, pay attention to water pressure, as low pressure is telling you there’s a problem.
Regular cleanings and inspections are an important part of water heater maintenance. But don’t wait for a total unit failure before calling a plumbing service in Biloxi, MS. If your residential water heater is showing signs of problems, call the skilled team of plumbers at Coastal Plumbing Company to come save the day!