The 6 Warning Signs of a Failing Hot Water Heater

Ignoring hot water heater failure symptoms can result in MAJOR property damage, in addition to leaving you without hot water. If your hot water heater "goes," which means the piping or the appliance malfunctions in any way, water will keep pumping into your living space until it is detected and the main water supply valve is turned off.

While you are at work, your home could be flooded with up to 500 gallons of water every hour if your hot water heater breaks out. In a typical hot tub, that is two and a half times as much water as there is! While you are away, imagine all the water being pumped into your house or basement. We don't want yours to be one of the many hot water heaters that fail and cause significant water damage.

No hot water

Lack of enough hot water when you need it is the most typical indicator of a hot water heater that is failing. You have a problem if the water in your shower is lukewarm or if it takes a while for the taps to start displacing hot water.

Mineral deposits in water gradually segregate and settle out at the bottom of the storage tank as water is heated there over time (either by a gas or electrical source). In time, a barrier between the water and burner is formed as a result of these deposits' ongoing accumulation. Your showers become colder as a result of less heat reaching the water.

If you ignore these symptoms, sediment keeps amassing and puts stress on the heating element of your hot water heater. It will eventually stop working, leaking, or stopping altogether.

It's Producing Weird Noises

An additional common indicator of a failing water heater is strange noises coming from it. Gelinas HVAC should be contacted if your water heater is popping, cracking, or rumbling. The causes of water heater noises might also include mineral accumulation and hard water. Air pockets in the sediment layer will produce rumbling noises, while mineral deposits may provide popping sounds.

The Look and Smell of Your Water Is Off.

You have symptoms of a failed hot water heater if your hot water appears slightly murky or if it tastes (or smells) metallic. If impurities and deposits enter your water supply from the water tank, the water will become cloudy. These deposits frequently have a metallic odor or flavor.

These sediments block faucets and plumbing valves, lower water pressure, and result in other plumbing issues when they enter your water supply. But don't worry you can easily get your hot water repairs by calling expert plumbers. 

Pressure valve that is leaking or is broken

The hot water tank's pressure relief valve is an underappreciated yet crucial safety feature. Your water heater's temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve releases built-up pressure and stops temperatures or pressure levels from rising to unsafe levels, preventing a tank rupture or, worse, an explosion. When you test the valve, either the TPR is leaking or there is insufficient water flow through the pipe.

The Hot Water Heater Tank in Your Home Is Leaking

If you notice any pools of water under your tank, either the TPR valve has a severe leak or rust is causing fractures and breaks in the tank. Water heater replacement is necessary right away if there are obvious symptoms that your tank is leaking. The situation is quite risky. Keep in mind that a leaking hot water heater can quickly flood your entire house, producing damage that significantly exceeds the price of a replacement unit!

It's an old hot water heater.

The lifespan of a domestic hot water heater normally ranges from six to thirteen years, depending on your water supply and the caliber of the unit you buy. You have a limited amount of time if your appliance is older than ten years. As previously said, the expense, discomfort, and possible safety risk that a ruptured hot water heater presents outweighs the price of a replacement unit. Installing a high-quality, energy-efficient water heater will only cost a fraction of the expense of water damage.