Is Your Water Heater Failing? Signs to Look For

A functional and efficient water heater ensures a constant hot water supply for day-to-day use, like showering, doing laundry, and dishwashing. However, although water heaters are made to last and rarely fail unexpectedly, your water heater is not invincible.



Luckily, water heater failure manifests in a few key signs that can alert you to potential problems before they become too serious. Discover some telltale signs that your water heater requires urgent attention from a professional plumber.

The Appliance Is Leaky

A leaky water heater can cause significant water and energy wastage in your home, not to forget that leaks are a safety and health hazard. As such, take proactive measures as soon as you notice signs of leaks, such as puddles of water around the appliance or insufficient hot water supply.

Water heater leaks may result from condensation. If water is particularly cold when it enters the tank, water in the air may condense on the outer surface of the tank. Eventually, the moisture drips off as a puddle of water. In that case, you have nothing to worry about.

However, if the pooled water is not caused by condensation but rather due to cracks in the tank or pipes, you need to repair or replace your water heater as soon as possible. Ignoring a leaking water heater increases the risks of wall and floor damage and may ruin your valuables, which calls for more expensive repairs.

In the worst-case scenario, the leaks may cause severe burns if you come in contact with extremely hot water.

The Water Heater Is Noisy

Water heaters should be practically noiseless during operations. So, if yours makes strange noises, it may signify broken water heater components. The noise may also result from less severe issues, such as sediment buildup in the tank.

Strange sounds may also be due to loose valves or connections or inconsistent water pressure in your property. Let a plumber inspect the system to determine the root of the noises and recommend a suitable solution.

The Appliance Is Out of Hot Water

If you suddenly experience a decrease in the hot water supply, that's an obvious sign of an inefficient water heater. The

primary cause of insufficient water heating is sediment buildup inside the tank. The buildup comes from minerals such as calcium accumulating in the tank.

The sediment compromises the heater's ability to heat water fast, resulting in a low hot water supply or inadequate heating.

It is noteworthy that although sediment buildup is not a sign of water heater failure, the issue causes a spike in energy consumption and can further damage the system. So, if your water heater is no longer producing enough hot water, have the system serviced immediately.

The Water Is Discolored

Rust forms when the metal tank corrodes due to age and water exposure. The appliance has metallic components with a coating. But over time, the coating may chip and expose the metal, leading to rust formation.

Rust in the water is usually accompanied by a metallic smell and taste. And if you don't rectify the problem soon, rust may cause further damage to your appliance.

The Water Heater Is Old

No appliance lasts forever, and your water heater is no exception. If you’ve had your water heater for over a decade, it may be time to start shopping for a replacement. This is especially the case if you’ve also seen other signs of failure.

A failing water heater poses several risks and inconveniences in your home, and ignoring the signs can lead to further damage. So don't wait until the appliance fails unexpectedly to contact a professional for repairs or replacements.

You can count on us at Garden Spot Mechanical for all your water heater needs — from maintenance and repairs to replacements. Contact us today to have the experts inspect your system and restore the efficiency of your appliance.