How Homeowners Can Tell if Their Water Heater Needs Service
There are certain obvious signs that all homeowners are aware of when it comes to their water heaters. For example, if the hot water suddenly stops, then it’s a pretty clear sign that something is wrong with the water heater. Likewise, if the unit itself is leaking, there’s no doubt the water heater needs repair. These could both be considered water heater emergencies.
But what about the less obvious signs? How can homeowners prevent these types of emergencies? This article will cover exactly that. The three signs below can help homeowners determine if they need water heater service before an emergency occurs.
Increased Utility Costs
One of the earliest signs that a water heater needs servicing is increased utility costs. Unfortunately, it can be hard to isolate the water heater as the culprit without a little investigation. Of course, it’s not impossible. Suppose the utility bill is higher than normal. In that case, homeowners should consider if there have been any major changes lately, such as using the heater more or having additional people in the house. If everything has been normal, homeowners should consider checking their water heater because it’s often overlooked.
There are several reasons why the water heater can cause higher-than-normal utility bills. If the unit hasn’t been serviced regularly—that is, once a year—sediment could build up inside. This could affect the unit's efficiency, raising costs. Similarly, older or malfunctioning water heaters can also raise utility bills. If the unit is the suspected culprit, professional water heater maintenance can help determine the problem.
Odd Sounds
When considering whether there’s a problem with the water heater, homeowners should take some time to listen to their unit. Sometimes, the strange noises emanating from the unit are loud enough to be heard throughout the house. Other times, they may go unnoticed because of the water heater's location. Either way, it’s worth a listen to determine if there’s something wrong with the water heater.
Banging or clanging can indicate that the water pressure in the water heater is too high, causing what’s sometimes called a water hammer. If the unit makes a popping, crackling, or hissing sound, it usually indicates that there’s too much sediment in the tank and that it needs to be flushed. If the unit whistles, it’s often a problem with a loose valve. Luckily, water heater maintenance can generally fix all these issues.
Discolored or Strange-Smelling Water
Last on the list of signs to look out for has to do with the hot water that comes out of the unit. If the water is discolored or smells odd, it could be a sign that the tank is on its last legs. If the water is cloudy (and stays that way after settling), it could indicate a high amount of sediment in the water heater tank. If the water is brown or rust-colored, and only the hot water is affected, it’s probably rust from a failing water heater tank. If the tank is rusting out, the only solution is to replace the water heater. If the water smells bad, it could be a problem with the anode rod in the water heater. Often, replacing the anode rod can eliminate this issue.
Whatever the problem homeowners experience with their water heater, it’s a good idea to have a professional plumber look at the unit. Sometimes, the answer is water heater maintenance. The answer may be replacement water heaters for older water heaters. Either way, a professional opinion from a trusted plumber is the best way to address the issue.
About Force Plumbing & Heating LLC
The friendly pros at Force Plumbing & Heating have proudly served Red Bank, NJ, for over a decade. As a family-owned and operated business, they take pride in their workmanship, on-time arrivals, and customer satisfaction. To back this up, they provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. Contact them today for water heater services in Red Bank, NJ.
