Whether you have a traditional or tankless water heater, there are warning signs that you’re in need of water heater repair. Learn how to spot those signs here.
The average household uses about 64 gallons of hot water a day.
Water heaters keep homes running. They ensure the house stays clean. They also keep our families safe from germs.
But too often we don’t pay attention to the lifespan of a water heater. If neglected too long, a water heater will turn your basement into a pond.
Throughout the year, schedule a few hours for water heater repair work. Regular care keeps water heaters running reliably.
Are you a new homeowner who is unsure how to spot trouble with your water heater? Use this quick water heater repair guide to get started.
1. Finding Water Where It Doesn’t Belong
Water is supposed to stay inside the water heater. Damage from ignoring this type of water heater repair can cost thousands to fix. It can go from a little puddle to clean up to pumping water from your basement.
There are a few main suspects when the water heater leaks. First, check the pipes. Sometimes the fittings aren’t tightened or stripped.
The second culprit? A bad pressure-relief valve. The good news is, the valves are replaceable.
2. Rust on the Water Heater
Where water and metal meet, there is eventually rust. Rusted parts are doomed to fail as they weaken.
Sometimes you can help your water heater limp along by replacing the rusty parts. Unfortunately, rust is like glitter. Once it makes its way into a place, it’s there for good.
Rust eats metal, making it disintegrate. In time, any rust on the water heater will eat through the water storage tank. That’s a mess you don’t want to clean up.
Whenever you’re working on the water heater, take a flashlight and check it for rust.
3. Playing the Hot/Cold Game
The water heater should keep the hot water at a steady temperature. It doesn’t matter if the heater is tankless or not, the temperature should remain steady.
If your water heater won’t hold temperature, check the heating element.
Sometimes the pilot just needs relighting. But if the heating element needs constant relighting, that means it’s bad.
Call in a professional to see if it is a simple water heater repair or not. When it comes to dealing with gas systems, let the professionals handle it.
4. The Water Heater Is Too Loud
Water heaters shouldn’t make any loud banging or crackling sounds.
Sediment often builds up inside the water heater. When it coats the heating elements, they make a banging noise.
Another reason water heaters make noise is because of a bad dip tube. It allows the hot and cold water to mix.
5. The Water Heater Lifespan Reaches Its End
Water heaters are an important part of water well and storage systems like those from The Water Tank Factory. We use them more often than we realize.
Due to so much use, water heaters only last around 8 years. With regular repairs and water-saving tricks, a water heater might last 12 to 15 years.
Water Heater Repair Done Early Will Save Money Later
You do not want to be surprised by a flood. Repairing a large, furnished basement can cost around $9,000.
Don’t let water heater repair catch you off-guard. A few hours each year will prevent flood in your home.
For more helpful tips on home repairs, visit our Lifestyle section.