A water heater is a home appliance that you cannot absolutely manage without because you need hot water for almost everything. If it goes out of order, you can imagine life coming to a standstill. Wouldn’t it be better to invest in regular maintenance rather than waiting for something to go wrong? Obviously, it would be! As a homeowner, you need to be vigilant about the obvious and subtle signs of problems in your home heater. If the appliance is not heating water properly, it surely needs to be checked by an expert. At the same time, periodic checks are essential to ensure that it is up and running all the time. While scheduling periodic maintenance is important, there are some times when you could require one right now. Here are some signs that you should look out for.
Hot water runs out quickly
A storage heater will keep the water hot and ready all the time. It has two heating elements, one in the upper part and the other in the lower part. Both of them work together to heat the water from the top and below, which means that you will get hot water on the go when you take a shower or bath. However, the appliance might seem to run out of hot water before you are done. If this happens time and again, a maintenance check is warranted right now. This sign could indicate that one (or both) of the heating element is not working properly and may require replacement. This is something that you should leave to professionals only.
Low pressure for water
Besides water running out quickly, you could experience that it comes at low pressure. This is another telltale sign that you need to call a professional to have a look at the machine. This problem is common in storage heaters where mineral build-ups in the tank block off the pipes that carry the water to the faucets. Obviously, it will have to struggle hard to reach through the blockages and the pressure will be low. A maintenance check followed by a proper cleanup will resolve the condition and have the appliance up and running properly.
Water is lukewarm
If you are accustomed to using water at a specific temperature, you will immediately notice anything amiss. It is best to consider a maintenance check for your Tankless Water Heater in Las Vegas if it takes a long time to heat the water even when it is warm outside. In some cases, you may not be getting hot water simply because it is too cold outside. Obviously, the supply coming from the pipelines will be extremely cold and may take longer than usual to heat up.
Rumbling sounds
An unusual sound from any appliance is an indication of a problem, which should be addressed sooner rather than later. Don’t ignore a rumbling or clanging sound from the heater because it could be a sign of sediment buildup in the tank. This is something that happens over time as sediment hardens and deposits at the tank’s bottom due to constant exposure to high temperatures. While it can interfere with the performance of the heater, the appliance may get damaged if you don’t get it cleaned up. Unusual sounds emanating from a tankless heater should also not be ignored because this could indicate a serious issue.
Rusty tinge in the water
Ideally, the hot water coming from a heater should be clear. If you notice a rusty appearance, take it as a warning sign of something being wrong with the appliance. This usually indicates that the heater is degrading from within and happens with ones that are old. In the worst-case scenario, the heater may burst and cause extensive damage. Another reason you shouldn’t use an aging heater is that it will be less energy efficient and could raise your power bills. Rust-colored water, therefore, is a sign that you should watch out for. Also, don’t wait for a moment when you notice this symptom and get immediate help from expert professionals.
Leakage
Another serious concern for homeowners is leakage from your water heater. It is advisable to address even the minor ones because ignoring them could result in major leaks. Leaking water tends to cause structural damage to the property in the long run and may even elevate the risk of mold infestation. While leaks are evident sometimes, you may not always be able to spot them easily. Regular inspection of the water heater and its surroundings ensures that you are able to detect any leaks in time and get them repaired as well.
Timely maintenance in these circumstances can save you from major expenses in the long run. Additionally, you should invest in regular checks even if there are no issues or indications of problems with the heater. These checks prolong the life of the appliance and keep it working in top condition year after year.
