Water heaters are an important part of any home, providing hot water for baths, showers, washing dishes, and more. But like any other appliance, they can break down and may require repair or replacement. To help you identify when you need to call a professional plumber to inspect your water heater, here are 10 signs that could indicate it needs some attention.
- Lack of Hot Water: One of the most common signs that you need water heater repair in Columbus, OH is if there’s no hot water coming from the taps after running them for several minutes. This could indicate a problem with the thermostat or element inside the unit itself.
- Strange Sounds: If your water heater is making strange noises, like popping, rumbling, or gurgling, it could be caused by a buildup of sediment in the bottom of the tank. It’s time to call for repairs if you notice these sounds emanating from your water heater.
- Water Leaks: If you find any water around the base of your hot water heater, this is another sign that something isn’t working correctly and can cause serious damage if not addressed immediately. It may be an issue with the plumbing connections or it could be due to corrosion on the inside of the tank itself.
- Rusty Water: If you start noticing rusty water coming out of any faucets in your home, this could indicate corroding pipes leading up to and/or connected to your water heater tank. This can be a sign of age and deterioration, so it’s important to call for professional repairs before the problem gets worse.
- Unusual Odors: If you smell any sort of strange or unpleasant odor coming from your hot water taps, this could indicate the presence of bacteria inside your water heater tank, which is another sign that it needs repair.
- Discolored Water: Discolored hot water is also a sign that something isn’t quite right with your water heater. Depending on the color of the water, this could indicate corrosion inside the tank, a buildup of sediment, or improper pH balance in the pipes leading up to it.
- High Energy Bills: If you’re noticing an unexplained increase in your energy bills, it could be due to an inefficient or malfunctioning water heater. This is because the unit needs to work harder and longer than usual to heat the water, which requires more electricity or gas.
- Age: The average life expectancy of a typical water heater is about 8-12 years, depending on usage levels and other factors. If yours is getting older and hasn’t been inspected by a professional plumber recently, it’s best to call for repairs before something goes wrong.
- Fluctuating Temperature: If you find that the hot water temperature fluctuates during use, this could indicate a problem with the thermostat or one of its components inside the tank. It’s important to get this problem fixed as it can lead to more serious issues, such as scalding water coming out of your taps.
- Separation: If you notice that the two chambers of your tank-style water heater are separating, or if there is any rust accumulating around its base, it’s time to call for repairs. This is a sign of corrosion and aging and needs to be addressed before it gets worse.
By being aware of these 10 signs, you can identify when you need to repair your water heater in Columbus, OH, and take steps to ensure that your home has access to hot water whenever needed. Don’t forget to contact a professional plumber for regular maintenance checks too!
At Ohio Water Heaters, we specialize in all types of water heater repair and maintenance, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you suspect any issues with your unit. When you schedule an appointment with us, one of our experienced technicians will inspect the unit and provide a free quote to repair or replace it, so you can get your hot water running again in no time. We will also provide you with tips and advice to help keep your water heater running smoothly for years to come. Contact us today at (614) 327-6971 for all your water heater needs in Columbus, OH!
