Is your water heater failing?
You don’t have to be a plumber to start noticing the key signs that it may be time to call for a replacement—before the water heater starts to leak or you end up starting the morning with a cold shower.
By paying attention to these signs you can start planning!
#1) What does it mean when your water heater starts making strange sounds?
Strange noises can include banging, rumbling, or popping. Here is what each sound might mean.
- Banging noises are often the result of a pressure surge. This means somewhere in your water tank, water is being forced to stop and start abruptly, creating a shockwave.
- Rumbling noises often indicate sediment build up. Many Katy, TX residents struggle with hard water.
- Popping noises are another sign of sediment build up. However, a popping noise indicates sediment has trapped water at the bottom of the tank, creating steam bubbles.
Take these sounds seriously! They’re never happening for no reason. Your water heater may need to be repaired or replaced.
#2) What does it mean when you see visible leaks or rust on the water heater tank?
Rust indicates your water heater tank may be corroding from the inside out. Even small puddles or moisture around the tank can be indicative of a serious issue, indicating a potential tank failure.
Rust and visible leaks are a serious sign! Call Acosta Plumbing right away.
#3) Does discolored or smelly water indicate a bad hot water heater?
Rusty, brown-tinted water may be a problem with your water heater or your pipes. Nevertheless, it’s never a good sign. It suggests internal corrosion.
Nasty smells indicate an even bigger problem: it’s a sign of bacterial growth, again either in the water heater or in your pipes.
Either way, you need to schedule an inspection with Acosta Plumber so we can track down the source of the problem and recommend a fix.
#4) What does it mean when you run out of hot water too fast?
Some bad hot water heaters produce hot water, but they stop producing enough hot water to serve your entire family. If you’ve always had enough hot water in the past, even for every family member taking showers one after the other, then a sudden lack of hot water could indicate a big problem.
Often, running out of hot water too fast is a sign of a heating element that’s starting to fail. It can also be a sign of significant mineral build-up within the tank.
Either way, you’ll soon be without hot water altogether if you don’t get your unit checked out ASAP.
#5) How long is a hot water heater expected to last?
The average water heater lasts 8-12 years. If your hot water heater is getting old, you need to start planning for a replacement—even if you don’t see any other signs of water heater failure. Your unit is living on borrowed time.
At the very least, you should schedule an annual inspection so you can catch major problems before they arise.
What should you do if you suspect you have a hot water heater problem in Katy, TX?
If you live in the Katy, TX area, you should contact us for a water heater replacement! Acosta Plumbing guarantees 100% satisfaction and will send you a professional team of highly skilled plumbers.
Call (346) 474-5174 to make all your hot water problems disappear!