Your water heater is one of the most important devices in your home, and your life will come to a grinding halt if it breaks down. That is why you should always keep a close eye out for any warning signs that it needs to be serviced or replaced entirely. Luckily, many of the most common water heater issues can be taken care of quickly and without spending much money as long as you catch them right away.
It’s More Than a Decade Old
Many different factors will impact the service life of your water heater including how often it is used and what type of maintenance is carried out. As a general rule, modern water heaters should be replaced after 10 or 15 years. Once your water heater is more than a decade old, some of the major components will become worn and damaged.
Unusual Rumbling or Banging Noises
When a water heater isn’t cleaned regularly, sediment is going to collect at the bottom of the tank. That sediment will then press on the outer walls and make loud noises whenever the water is being heated up. Those who catch this issue early on might be able to contact a local contractor who specializes in water heater repair Kilmarnock VA instead of replacing the unit entirely.
The Hot Water Runs Out Too Quickly
Most electric water heaters use two separate elements to heat the water. One element keeps the water in the bottom of the basin warm while the other element heats up the fresh water coming into the basin. Your hot water might run out quickly if one of those elements becomes damaged or is caked in sediment.
The Water Looks or Tastes Funny
You should immediately contact a plumber if the water inside your home ever looks, smells, or tastes funny. Some of those problems might be caused by a small amount of harmless sediment in the water, but you should always err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. At the very least, you will need to replace the filter inside the unit.
Homeowners who want to avoid these issues entirely should contact a local water heater company at least once a year for service calls. An experienced contractor can carry out a variety of important maintenance tasks including cleaning the filter, adjusting the flame, and checking for leaks.