The new year is a good time to check the health of your appliances, many of which did double duty during the holidays. One of those appliances must be your water heater, which had to help wash more dishes, more laundry and more people than usual. Here are signs that it needs attention.
Colored Water
Water, of course, should be colorless. When the water that comes out of your hot water tap is rusty or turbid, it means that the pipes that serve your water heater or the inside of the heater itself are corroding. When this happens, it not only discolors the water and makes it taste bad but also puts the tank itself at risk of leaks.
Leaks Around the Heater
Another sign that your heater needs service is a puddle of water around its base. Leaks need fixing as soon as possible, for even small ones can cause a surprising amount of damage. One visit from the plumber might be able to fix yours, but if leaks persist, you might need to replace the water heater.
Odd Noises From the Tank
Your water heater might hum while it’s working, but it shouldn’t bang, pop or rumble. These sounds mean that sediment has built up in the tank and calcified. This hard sediment can trap water that heats up to the point where it bursts. That bursting is the sound you hear, and it means your tank needs professional help right away.
Bad Smells
Your hot water tank shouldn’t smell like rotten eggs. This is a sign that the inside has become unsanitary, and bacteria have started to proliferate. One thing that causes this is water temperature that is set too low. Bacteria can also result if the water heater is shut down and not used again for a long time. Flushing the tank with an antibacterial solution usually solves this problem.
Water Is No Longer Hot
Like weird noises, water that comes out lukewarm or even cold can be caused by a buildup of sediment in the tank. The sediment makes the tank inefficient, and if the water is actually cold, this can mean the tank’s heating elements have stopped working altogether.
Your Energy Bill Has Spiked
Shocking energy bills even though you haven’t been using more energy than usual are signs that something is straining to work. Your water heater might be the culprit.
The hubbub of the holidays can do a number on your water heater that you might not notice until the new year. If your water heater needs service, call on our skilled and experienced technicians at PHD Plumbing in Yuma, AZ.