Your water heater is important, especially during the cold seasons. For this reason, it must be functional at all times. Nevertheless, there are various instances when your water heater will fail to work. It would help if you stayed abreast of all water heater conditions to avoid last-minute stress. Here are seven warning signs of water heater failure.
1. Leaking
A functional water heater should not leak water whatsoever. Leaking is a common sign of water heater failure. Inspect your water heater system for any water leakages, dripping, or pooling around your system. An expert could repair the issue by tightening the connections, adjusting pressure, or installing new valves.
2. Reduced Water Flow
Reduced water flow may signal a faulty water heater. The reduced water flow could be due to sediment accumulation and other objects in your water heater or within the plumbing. Either way, you should call a water heater service to repair your water heater system and restore its normal pressure and flow.
3. Fluctuating Water Temperature
There’s nothing more irritating than having fluctuating water temperatures when you’re taking a shower. If your water temperature keeps fluctuating and you have to adjust the temperature dial every time, this is a warning sign of a failed water heater.
4. Regular Repair
Repairing your water heater system once in a while should not be a big issue. However, if your system needs regular repair, then it’s a sign that it is malfunctioning. If the costs of repair are very high, consider contacting water heater service experts to change the whole unit. This will save you a lot of money and time.
5. Increased Energy Bills
Increased energy bill is another common sign of water heater failure. According to the Department of Energy, approximately 17% of the energy used in your home goes toward heating your water. Your water heater system could be faulty if you’re using more energy to heat your water.
6. Discolored Water
Water coming off your water heater system should be clean at all times. Your system is malfunctioning if the water coming out of the faucets is discolored. The discoloration could be due to rust deposits from your pipes and system.
7. Shortage of Hot Water
Inadequate hot water is another sign that your water heater is malfunctioning. This could be due to the accumulation of sediments in your tank. It would be best to drain and flush your tank every year to reduce sediment accumulation.
A faulty water heater is frustrating and inconvenient. Contact a water heater service if your system exhibits any of these warning signs. Having early repairs will save your water heater from extensive damage.