Unexpected water heater failure isn’t fun, especially as the cold weather approaches. Thankfully, water heaters often show signs of stress in advance, and if you act quickly, you’ll avert disaster and keep your water hot. Learn to recognize the following signs of a malfunctioning water heater to stay ahead of problems. 

Top 4 Ways to Know Your Water Heater Is Beginning to Malfunction

1. Noise

Over time, your water heater accumulates sediment from naturally occurring minerals in the water. When the system turns on, this sediment will be stirred up and cause a significant amount of banging noise against the interior of your heater. If you hear strange sounds, don’t hesitate to call a professional and have your system flushed. problem is flushing the system stirs up the sediment  and could cause it to leak and the drain valve is above where most of the sediment sits.

2. Leaks

Periodically examine your water heater to look for potential problems. Leaks sometimes develop as a result of worn connections or cracked pipes, and will typically be detectable upon inspection. If you notice damage, contact a professional plumber to determine if this issue requires a simple repair or an entire replacement.

3. Rust

If you turn on the hot water tap and rusty water flows out, this is an indication of serious trouble with the water heater. The sacrificial anode – part of the water heater that helps stave off corrosion – needs to be replaced at six-year intervals, and sometimes fails even before then.  If the inside of the tank is rusting, it’s best to call for professional help straight away. 

4. Frequent Repairs

Water heaters require regular maintenance to keep them in optimal condition. But if you notice that your system requires repairs more often than usual, this could indicate that the system is close to failing. Often replacing the system can help you save money in the long run on repairs.

 

 

If you notice any of these signs, contact the experts at Miller Plumbing. Based in Rush, NY, these local plumbers have provided exceptional plumbing services with honest advice and competitive rates to homeowners throughout Monroe, Livingston, and Ontario Counties since 1969. Specializing in advanced water heater service, they efficiently diagnose and remedy problems of any size. If necessary, they can even offer water heater installation services. To schedule an appointment, call them today at (585) 533-1404 or visit them online for more information about their services.