Nobody wants to have a Duluth water heater plumbing emergency.
That is what you will have if your Duluth hot water heater gives out when temperatures are freezing outside. You need to know what to watch out for when it comes to the signs a water heater may fail soon. Here we will go through the most common warning signs a water heater is going bad.
Seven main signs a Duluth water heater may fail:
- Water Heater Age
- Evidence of Leaks
- Too Little Hot Water
- Inconsistent Water Temperature
- Loud Noises
- Cloudy Hot Water
- Repeated Repairs
How old?
Age matters when it comes to water heater failures. The older the unit, the more likely it is to fail. You can extend the life of your water heater with regular maintenance. Typically a water heater will function for about ten years or so before replacing it. Suppose you do not know the age of your water heater. The unit’s serial number can be of help. Look for it on the manufacturer’s label attached to the water heater. The year it was produced is indicated by the first two digits of the serial number. For example, 17 means 2017, and 12 means 2012.
Got leaks?
Signs of leaks anywhere around a water heater can spell failure. Check behind the unit and all around it for dripping pipes, tank leaks, pooling water, and puddling water. Contact a reliable plumber to perform a water heater check if you notice leaks. Some leaks are due to minor issues like loose connections and valves that tightening can fix. Other times a valve, like a temperature/pressure-relief (or TPR) valve, has malfunctioned and is replaced. Leaks may also occur when a water heater storage tank is corroded or has cracked. Leaks are signs a Duluth water heater may fail.
Not hot?
An early warning sign that a hot water heater will fail is a shortage of hot water. When hot water runs out quickly and barely stays warm through a shower, this indicates problems with the unit. You can turn the temperature setting up on the water heater, but it will not solve your problem. Sediment buildup or electrical issues are usually to blame when a Duluth water heater is slow to heat water.
Temperature changing?
Always having to adjust the water temperature is not normal. When your water temperature fluctuates inconsistently or continuously, you may have a problem. Think about replacing your water heater sooner than later if you do not have reliable water temperatures.
Not Clear?
The water coming out of your hot water tap should be clear in color and odorless. When it is not, that is a sign of a failing Duluth water heater. Water that is orange or rust-colored with or without a metallic smell points to rust in your plumbing system. Usually, a rusty pipe or a rusty, corroded water heater is the culprit. Mineral deposits also cause plumbing system issues. If your hot water is cloudy or milky looking mineral buildup may be causing your water heater to deteriorate.
What Noises?
A sediment layer will form at the bottom of the storage tank. As water is heated and cools, more sediment layers will form, hardening and thickening. This mineral buildup causes the loud pops, bangs, and rumbles you hear from older Duluth water heaters. The hardened sediment buildup decreases water heater energy efficiency and puts additional wear and tear on other components. As the deterioration progresses, cracks and leaks become more likely. Flushing your water heater’s storage tank annually will decrease mineral deposits and sediment buildup, adding years to its life.
How much?
Water heater repair is the most affordable option at times. But, not always. Most Duluth water heaters get more expensive to repair as they age. Older units can have multiple malfunctions requiring extensive repairs. Generally, in these cases, replacing the water heater makes the most sense. The cost of several water heater repairs is typically more than the cost to replace the unit.
Call the Duluth water heater experts.
Learn more about our Duluth plumbing services. Anthony Wimpey Plumbing is a local family business ready to help you. Call 770-385-5660 24 hours a day for assistance. Check out our water line repair checklist for signs you have a water line issue.