What Are The Symptoms of a Failing Water Heater?

A water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your home. It provides the hot water necessary to clean and sanitize, keep up with dishes and laundry, and take a relaxing shower.

It’s important to recognize the symptoms of water heater problems to avoid being without hot water. That way, you can schedule repairs or a replacement before your water heater fails completely.

The most common signs of a possible water heater failure include:

1. No Hot Water Production

When the water heater is producing no hot water at all, the thermostat may have failed, the gas valve may be faulty if it’s a gas model, or the circuit breaker may have tripped if it’s an electric model.

Switching the breaker off, then back on may reset an electric water heater, but if the thermostat or gas valve has failed, you need professional water heater repairs.

2. Inconsistent Water Temperatures

If the water fluctuates between hot and cold too often, you may have a faulty thermostat that needs to be replaced.

Sediment accumulation may also be the cause if you have a conventional water heater. Sand, limescale, and rust can collect in the tank and reduce its hot water capacity. In that case, you’ll need to drain and flush the tank yourself or hire a certified plumber to do the job.

3. Running Out of Hot Water

Over years of use, your water heater tank can collect magnesium and calcium from hard water, rust from the tank, and sand and silt from the water supply. This can partially fill the tank and reduce its capacity, leaving you with less hot water.

Another possible cause can be a faulty heating element in an electric water heater. Call a professional to drain and flush the tank or replace the heating element.

4. Low Water Pressure

Mineral accumulations or limescale can damage any type of water heater, but tankless water heaters are especially vulnerable.

The hard mineral deposits can clog the heat exchanger, reducing water pressure or even causing the heat exchanger to fail. Likewise, minerals can clog the supply lines on a standard tank water heater.

Standard and tankless water heaters can often be flushed out by a professional to remove the mineral deposits, but in some cases, the water heater or supply lines may need to be replaced.

5. Leaking Storage Tank

When you have a conventional gas or electric water heater, be mindful of any leaks or moisture near the tank’s base. With 20 to 40 gallons or more, a ruptured water heater tank can flood your home and cause catastrophic damage.

If the tank is leaking, the water heater will need to be replaced, but repairs may be possible if the leak is coming from the pressure relief valve, the drain valve, or the water lines.

6. Rusty or Discolored Water

If your hot water is noticeably rusty, murky, or stains your fixtures, corrosion may begin forming in the tank. This can lead to a leak and the need for a water heater replacement if it’s not addressed quickly.

In some cases, a new anode rod can help your water heater to last a few more years before a replacement is needed.

7. Abnormal Noises

Unusual sounds from your water heater may indicate failing heating elements or malfunctioning burners. Electric heating elements can often be replaced, and a thorough cleaning often solves issues with the burners in a gas water heater.

Other causes of abnormal noises can be sediment accumulation, a leaking pressure relief valve, or a leaking tank. It is best to have a professional plumber troubleshoot the problem.

Call Blue Bear for Water Heater Repair & Replacement in the South Shore

When you need fast, reliable help with water heater problems in the South Shore, turn to the friendly team at Blue Bear Plumbing, Heating & Air. We offer water heater repairs and replacements, as well as full-service plumbing throughout the region.

Our company is locally owned and operated, and we offer 24/7 emergency service so that you can always get the help you need when you need it. Our experienced technicians always deliver quality work backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Restore your water heater with repair or replacement from Blue Bear. Call 781-706-4682 to schedule water heater services in the South Shore and MetroWest areas.