Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing on You

If the idea of forced cold showers doesn’t sound good to you, it’s wise to keep an eye on your water heater. Most people don’t recognize the signs that their water heater is about to break down, leaving them in for a nasty surprise when the hot water runs out. Instead, take a moment to learn about the signs that your water heater is failing, so you can call your local 24-hour plumbers in Las Vegas, NV and get it fixed before disaster strikes:

• You’ve noticed rusty water: Rusty water is a sign that there’s an issue with your water heater, and it’s one of the most obvious. If you notice rusty water only when the hot water is engaged, you’ve probably got an issue with your water heater rusting from the inside. If it continues, the water heater will eventually break and flood your home. However, you might also be dealing with rusty pipes, which is common with galvanized piping. To test it, fill up buckets from your hot water heater. If the water still looks rusty on bucket number three, you’re dealing with a rusted hot water heater.
• There are leaks around your water heater: Puddles where they shouldn’t be is often a dead giveaway that there’s something wrong with your plumbing. The leaks can either come from small cracks in your heater that leak when the metal expands, or from the piping and fittings that connect to the plumbing lines. If you notice water around your water heater, call a professional plumber for service right away.
• You hear strange noises: As always, when an appliance starts making strange noises, it’s time to call in the pros. If you hear rumbling or banging in your water heater, it’s likely due to a layer of sediment. Water heaters often experience sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which then hardens over time as it’s heated and reheated. The sediment layer can cause damage to the tank, which leads to the aforementioned tiny water leaks. It also makes your water heater far less efficient—the heater will need to expend a lot more effort to heat less water. When you hear these rumbling and banging noises, it usually means your water heater is approaching the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
• The water heater is at the end of its normal lifespan: Every appliance has a finite lifespan, and water heaters are no exception. If your water heater is over 10 years old, consider replacing it, especially if you notice any of these other signs. If you’re not sure how old your water heater is, call a professional out to look at it. It might be cheaper and easier to replace it than to keep repairing the old one.

Don’t let your water heater surprise you—check it monthly to see if you notice any of these signs of failure, then call Orchard Plumbing, your local 24-hour plumbers in Las Vegas, NV, to make the necessary repairs or replacement.