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10 Signs You May Need a New Water Heater

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your water heater needs to be repaired. Often you may oversee these minor yet obvious hints that your water heater gives you. Many common problems are actually quite easy to recognize before you call your trusted emergency plumber in Trabuco Canyon.

Here are several telltale signs to watch for and avoid the damage of a failed water heater.

1. Age of your water heater

Most water heaters come with a 5-year or a 10-year warranty. Depending on the usage and water conditions, they may last between 10 and 15 years. If yours is older or you can’t remember when it was replaced, and it shows the warning signs such as working erratically or leaking around the base of the tank, it has most likely reached the end of its useful life.

2. Signs of rust

If you see rust stains on the outside of the tank or the water that comes out of the hot faucet appears rusty, you should have the water heater replaced.

3. Muddy or sandy water

This might be a signal of increased sediment in the water tank. In some cases, you can remove the sediment build-up by draining the contents, but the safest thing to do is call your emergency plumber in Trabuco Canyon, or the area you live, to have it inspected and taken care of properly.

4. Smell or taste of the water

If hot water has a metallic taste or a strange smell, this is one of the signs of a potential failure of your water heater.

5. Rumbling and noise

Pay attention to the sound your water heater makes. While it’s normal to hear a sound as water heats up, rumbling or banging sounds are a sign of trouble. They are caused by the sediment build-up. The noise occurs when mineral deposits come in contact with the water heater elements.

6. Leaks

A leaky water heater is one of the most common plumbing emergencies. Keep an eye out for tiny fractures on the tank. Leaking and water around the tank indicate an internal failure. You should take immediate action to prevent further damage or possible flooding. Call a professional right away to remove and replace the water heater.

7.  Warm instead of hot water

If your water heater is unable to produce hot water consistently or to maintain a constant water temperature, it is a signal of its upcoming failure.

8. No hot water

This is a definite sign your water heater has reached the end of its life. On the other hand, perhaps the circuit breaker has tripped or the pilot light is out. In both cases, you should seek professional help.

9. Decreased efficiency

As the water heater ages, the layer of hardened sediment can grow to as much as 12 to 18 inches. This diminishes the water heater’s capacity substantially and the heater will also have to use more electricity or gas to heat the water. So besides higher bills, you may have troubles filling the tub for a bath or won’t even have enough hot water to last through a shower.

10. Constant repairs

If the repairs keep adding up and you have your emergency plumber in Trabuco Canyon on speed dial, it’s a sign that problems won’t go away. On the contrary, they’ll keep on coming. Sometimes it’s best to have your water heater replaced to avoid additional costs and, potentially, some serious damage.

Call the leading emergency plumber Trabuco Canyon

Keep in mind that the only remedy for an impaired water heater is to replace it. Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency to happen. If you have any concerns regarding your water heater or you notice any of the signs above, contact a trusted emergency plumber Trabuco Canyon. With over 15 years of experience, Emergency Home Solutions is the leading Orange County full-service restoration company that offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Our experienced and highly skilled professionals will take care of any plumbing issues, mold or water damage related problems you may have.