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Signs of a Faulty Water Heater That Needs Service
Water heaters are crucial appliances for homes and many businesses, so it’s important to be able to identify when they are experiencing issues and need professional attention. Some warning signs are obvious, like a water heater that leaks or doesn’t provide hot water, while others are less apparent. Here is a quick guide to help understand more signs that a water heater needs repair, maintenance, or replacement.
High Utility Bills
Water heaters are usually the second biggest energy expense in a home, so when utility bills increase unexpectedly, it could be due to water heater inefficiency. The energy efficiency of a water heater can suffer for many reasons. It may need routine water heater maintenance if it’s been skipped, the water heater may be inefficient due to age and need replacement, or it could be malfunctioning and need repair.
Routine maintenance is important for maintaining efficiency and properly caring for a water heater. Additionally, water heaters lose efficiency as they age. However, if the water heater is well maintained and isn’t old and nearing the end of its life expectancy, it can signal a problem with the unit in need of water heater repair.
Noisy Operation
Another sign that something is wrong with a water heater, indicating maintenance or repair is needed, is the noises they make during operation. Some of the sounds that water heaters can make when they need attention are:
- Banging or popping: These sounds can be a sign of sediment buildup in the water heater that needs to be flushed from the unit as a part of maintenance.
- Ticking or whistling: These sounds can occur because of an issue with the pressure in the water heater and may need valves adjusted or tightened.
- Humming or vibrating: These noises can be due to loose fixtures or parts of the water heater in need of tightening or repair.
If the water heater makes unusual sounds, it’s important to call professionals to inspect it, determine the reason, and make the necessary repairs or adjustments.
Smelly or Discolored Water
Strange odors and discoloration of hot water can also be signs of problems with the water heater, including corrosion, which can require a water heater replacement. Discolored, rusty-looking, or cloudy hot water or hot water with a strange, metallic smell can occur due to corrosion and deterioration within the water heater.
Corrosion can occur due to aging or neglected maintenance, so it’s important to schedule routine maintenance where tasks can be done to prevent corrosion, such as flushing the tank of sediment buildup and replacing an anode rod once it has worn out. If someone notices any unusual smells or colors in the hot water, they should have the water heater inspected promptly to determine the cause and take appropriate action.
About Water Heaters Only, Inc.
Water Heaters Only, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving the Mesa area. They provide flat-rate pricing, same-day service, and no overtime fees. Call them for commercial and residential water heater services in Mesa, AZ.
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