How to Know When Your Water Heater is Going Out
Your hot water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. Without a hot water heater you would not have hot water for doing dishes, laundry, or showering. Fortunately, hot water heaters can last between 10 and 20 years in most cases. However, it’s important to know the signs that indicate when your old water heater is on its way out.
Warning Signs Your Hot Water Heater is Going Out
- Your hot water heater is leaking – If your hot water heater is leaking, this is a typical sign that it may be on its way out. If the leak is caused by loose connections, a valve needs to be replaced, or a pressure adjustment is required, then your water heater likely has some life left in it. However, if the water tank itself is rusted or cracked, it’s time to replace your water heater.
- Not getting hot water from the pipes – If when you turn the hot water on in your kitchen or bathroom you receive only lukewarm or cold water, then there is likely something wrong with your water heater. Hot water may also take a long time to arrive at the tap and/or run out quickly.
If this situation sounds familiar, contacting a qualified plumbing company to inspect your water heater in Bend, Oregon can help you determine what’s causing the issue.
- Water is not running clear – Another one of the signs that your hot water heater is going out is if the water isn’t running clear. Cloudy or rusty water is a symptom of mineral deposits and sediment buildup in your water supply and sometimes the water heater tank itself, or corrosion in the tank.
- Strange odors – If the water in your home smells metallic then this is another sign of rust contaminating your system, either due to rusty pipes or corrosion from inside the water heater.
- Strange noises – Just like with most appliances, strange sounds coming from your water heater often indicate it’s getting old and might be on its last leg.
- Changing water temperature – If hot water is not running steadily for a normal length of time and suddenly changes temperature while you’re using it, such as while you’re taking a shower, this can be one of the signs that your water heater is going out.
- Expensive repairs – If your hot water heater is often in need of repairs, then it might be time to invest in a new, more cost effective and energy efficient model. Water heater maintenance costs are not supposed to be expensive, so when repairs start to add up, paying for a replacement is usually a better long term investment.
If you recognize any of the above signs that could indicate your water heater is at the end of its life, contact our qualified plumbers in Bend, Oregon today before you find yourself dealing with water heater failure.
Contact Ponderosa Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
If you’re searching online for “how to know when a water heater needs replacing” or “why is my hot water running cold?” then it’s time to consider investing in a new water heater- and the professionals at Ponderosa Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical can help you do that.
Contact us today at (541) 549-1605 to schedule a service call and allow us to help you decide on the best course of action for your home’s plumbing system.
