Water heaters are incredible appliances for daily living in every home. If you didn’t have this essential unit, you couldn’t shower, wash dishes or do laundry in the typical way. However, water heaters are not perfect. In other words, they don’t last forever. Most water heaters have a lifespan of up to 12 years.
These appliances require some attention, and if you never bother to observe what your water heater is doing, you could be in for an unwelcome surprise. Check out how to spot signs of trouble this autumn.
Something Doesn’t Smell Right
Your nose knows when something’s up, and odor can be a good guide. Bacteria can grow inside water tanks because the appliance provides a warm and moist environment. This, in turn, can lead to an unappealing smell. Rust and corrosion can also cause bacteria to grow inside your water heater.
Energy Bills Are Rising
Another indicator that your water heater is having problems can be spotted when you receive your monthly energy bill. Sometimes, a rising bill means sediment buildup has occurred, resulting in an uneven transfer of heat throughout the unit. Your water heater will not operate as efficiently as before.
It’s Leaking
This can be a nightmare sign and something no homeowner wants to see. A leaking water heater can mean it’s time for a replacement. However, this isn’t always the case. There could be a crack in the tank, a loose valve fitting, a faulty pipe connection, a worn-out anode rod or something else. If water is leaking from your water heater, the experts advise turning off the unit and calling in a plumber.
Strange Noises
Another sign of a water heater in trouble this fall is its lack of silence. If your appliance is suddenly making strange noises, including banging or popping, that could indicate you’ve got a problem onboard. Sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank can cause the unit to overheat and eventually fail.
Low Water Pressure
This can be another frustrating sign that something isn’t functioning properly with your water heater. Low water pressure from the hot water faucets is trying to tell you there’s probably sediment buildup at the bottom of the heater’s tank. Sediment buildup can also cause a shortage of hot water.
Call the Exoerts
Your water heater is everything, and if you’ve detected signs of trouble, don’t ignore them this fall. Contact the industry’s finest at Alabama Home Pros for all your water heater and plumbing services in Montgomery, AL.