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A water heater is an appliance that your family uses every day. When it fails to provide adequate hot water, clothing starts coming out of the wash looking dingy, dishes just aren’t as sparkly as they once were, showers aren’t long or comfortable enough and it’s noticeable to all! Know how to recognize the warning signs and know what to do when your water heater is not making the grade.
Some of the thing to keep an eye out for are:
- Running out of hot water quicker than normal
- This could indicate that you’re a victim of sedimentation, which is a buildup of sediment in the bottom of the tank. Sometimes, your water heater isn’t failing, the sediment is the reason for running out of water too soon. Sediment collects in the bottom of the water heater creating sludge that replaces water. As a result the volume of water gets reduced and yout water heater has to work harder. Part of out MVP inspection is the draining and flushing of sediment from your water heater. It is the most overlooked task around a home, and we have some of the most sediment heavy water in the country!
- Water suddenly looks rusty and smells bad
- Rusty water can mean there is corrosion inside your water heater. If this is the case, the tank and anode rods need to be checked, so we can determine which is the culprit and repair or replace the part if possible.
- Bad odor in water. This is also caused by sediment. Over time sediment breeds bacteria. A decaying anode gives off hydrogen gas, which nourishes the bacteria; these bacteria produce a nasty smell, like rotten eggs. Get rid of the sediment to get rid of the smell.
- Water heater makes noises
- If your water heater is making noises, that may mean the water is overheating. This again is attributed to the sediment buildup. The noise is produced when the water in the tank begins to boil.
- Water heater is leaking
- If you have a puddle underneath your water heater, check it out. This can be due to gaskets or fittings or nearby pipes.
- The temperature pressure valve (TPR) can also create a puddle, make sure the TPR is closing correctly. Sometimes the TPR is defective and will need to be replaced. A non-functioning TPR valve is very serious and can even cause your tank to explode. Have a professional plumber replace defective TPR valves immediately.
- If you notice rusty water around the bottom of your water heater chances are the bottom has rusted out and it is leaking. The only solution at this point is to replace your water heater.
One of the most important ways to prevent these common problems is to make sure you are following a regular maintenance plan with your water heater. It is very important to drain your water heater annually. This rids the tank of sediment buildup, which left unchecked causes a multitude of problems.
You can save money in the long run by avoiding breakdowns and extending the life of your appliance with regular water heater maintenance. So don’t sweat, call Bayonet, and you’ll be protected with 5 year warranties on any repair we make for as long as you’re an MVP member.