How to Tell if Your Water Heater Is Failing

Water heaters are a necessity, especially in the winter. From steamy showers to hot water for washing your hands, hot water keeps you comfortable and safe. Unfortunately, water heaters aren’t indestructible, and eventually, they’ll start to break down. Here are some warning signs that your water heater is on its way out.

No Hot Water

If you can’t get any hot water, or if your water changes temperature quickly and drastically, it’s usually because your water heater isn’t able to heat properly.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can come from any number of things, but if you notice your hot water is lower pressure than your cold water, your water heater might be dealing with a sediment buildup. 

Discolored Water

Corroding water pipes leave rusty or murky residue in the water, which will then change your water’s color. If this is only happening to your hot water, it means your water heater is the problem.

Odd Noises

When your water heater is beginning to fail, it might start making odd noises. The exact noise you hear can point to a specific type of problem, all of them related to the health, or lack thereof, of your water heater: 

• A banging, rumbling, or popping noise is a sign of sedimentary buildup in the water tank.
• A hissing or crackling sound can mean your gas heater has a moisture buildup, or your electric heater is unable to heat the water due to an obstruction.
• A screeching sound usually means your tank is having pressure problems.

Contact a Plumber

While some water heater problems aren’t too difficult to fix, going near a broken water heater can be dangerous if you’re inexperienced. That’s why you should get in touch with D. Rohde Heating, Plumbing & AC to fix or replace your water heater.