Signs Your Water Heather Needs To Be Repaired Or Replaced
10 Signs Your SW Oklahoma Water Heater Needs To Be Repaired Or Replaced
Knowing The Signs Can Prevent An Unwelcome Surprise
Imagine taking a shower in your SW Oklahoma home, then suddenly, you have no hot water. The water turns frigid, making you scream and jump out of your shower as quickly as possible – maybe even with a hair full of shampoo or conditioner.
It’s a nightmare scenario; however, when your water heater fails, it can be a cold reality.
Often, issues arise without homeowners knowing their water heater needs repairing or replacing. While we can never completely prevent water heater malfunctions, we can identify when they’re likely to happen and create plans to safeguard against them.
By knowing the signs, you can protect your home – and your morning routine – from the hassle and stress of a broken water heater. Here are ten signs your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced.
1. Puddle Of Water Around The Water Heater
Take a look at your water heater – is there a puddle of water around it on the floor? Damp spots or pools of standing water are a tell-tale sign of an issue.
When there is a leak around the water heater, replacement is your best option. If you see signs of a leak, don’t wait to call a trusted professional. An expert technician can assess the extent of the damage and create a solution to repair or replace your water heater.
2. Less Water Pressure
While less water pressure is not always a sign that your water heater is getting ready to croak, it’s best to get it checked out. Low pressure can point to mineral deposits or corrosion buildup on the heating element, both of which require service and maintenance.
Although lower water pressure could mean a plumbing issue, it’s still worth having your water heater looked at just in case.
3. Water Has A Rust Color To It
When your water comes out of the faucet, is it clear, or does it have a slight rust tint? If there is an issue with your water heater, you might even be able to smell a faint scent of rust when using your faucets.
Having anything other than clear water could indicate something is going wrong with your water heater.
At the first sign of rust in the water, a service expert needs to be called immediately, as this could be potentially dangerous to everyone in your home.
4. Odd Sounds When In Use
When someone is taking a shower or the washing machine starts its cycle, do you hear odd sounds from your water heater? Many people hear a metal bang, squealing, and knocking when their water heater is close to the end.
Loud or strange sounds are not normal for water heaters, and they warrant a look into your system. An HVAC and plumbing specialist can quickly determine if a component needs replacing in your water heater – and they can create a solid plan for fixing your system.
5. No Hot Water At All
One of the most obvious signs that your water heater is on the brink of disaster is when there is no hot water, at all. If someone turns on the faucet and no hot water comes out, then it’s time to call a specialist.
This issue can have many causes and can be easily remedied if caught in time. A simple repair may be enough to get your system running; however, it may be time to replace the whole unit if it’s too far gone.
6. The Water Heater Is Old
If your water heater is older than 10 years, then you should seriously consider having an HVAC professional evaluate its performance. Many manufacturers include a warranty that lasts for 7 to 10 years, and when the warranty expires, repairs may become more costly.
If your current water heater is older than 10 years and exhibits any of the other signs mentioned here (rusty water, loud sounds, etc.), it could be time to replace it before an even bigger issue arises.
7. Water Is Warm But Not Hot
If your water is warm but not hot, then it could be a sign that the heating element needs replacing. This can sometimes be fixed on its own, but you’ll need to have a service technician inspect the system.
Many homeowners think adjusting the thermostat on the water heater will make the water hot again, but this can actually cause more harm than good. It’s better to call a professional and have them determine what the issue is before attempting repairs yourself.
8. Increase In Energy Cost
Did you know that your water heater is a significant source of energy use in your home? When it is not running correctly, you could notice an increase in energy costs.
This can be one of the toughest signs to identify, but if you’ve noticed a sudden increase in energy consumption in tandem with one of the other signs listed here, then it’s time to call for help.
9. Water Temperature Fluctuates
Many people have described the water as being warm, then going hot, and returning to warm and cold. They often mistake this issue for not having a large enough water heater for their home.
However, in many cases, it could be caused by a faulty heating element that is not routinely heating the water as it should. A simple repair can have the water heater back up and running in these cases.
10. Hot Water Does Not Last As Long As It Used To
Do you find your hot water running out more quickly? Then it might be time to upgrade your water heater.
Especially if the number of people in your household has stayed the same, and the number of showers and baths are steady, it’s a sure sign that you need a repair or replacement.
Get A Free Estimate For Your SW Oklahoma Water Heater Repair Or Replacement
If your SW Oklahoma water heater is showing signs of not functioning correctly, then it is time to call in the experts. Robinson Air is here to provide a free estimate on your water heater needs, whether a repair or a replacement.
Contact us or call us today at 580-699-5760 to ensure you are not surprised by a freezing cold shower anytime soon!