The hot water heater in your home is a very important appliance as it ensures that you will have access to hot water when you need it. Whether it is for cooking, bathing, or cleaning, hot water is something that is easily taken for granted. However, if it is not properly cared for, a hot water heater can break down. Because of this, you will want to ensure you are caring for your water heater and having it repaired on a timely basis. There are various signs that you are in need of hot water repair services.
The most obvious sign that something is wrong with your hot water heater is if there is a lack of hot water. If your hot water heater is not producing enough hot water, you will either get no hot water when using the shower or other water feature or you will have less than normal. Overall, if you notice that your hot water supply is diminished, it can be a sign that something is wrong that needs to be fixed by a mechanic or technician.
If you hear odd noises coming from your water heater, such as grinding, loud banging, popping, or cracking sounds, it could be a sign that there is an issue with the heating element or the hot water heater or the tank itself, or the motor. If the heater is not working efficiently or the tank is full of sediment, you may need to have it fixed to correct the issue. Delaying repairs could make things worse.
Another sign that something is wrong with your hot water heater is if there are strange smells coming from it. Any type of odd smell can be a sign that something is wrong. If you notice a smell of rotten eggs or gas, it is a clear sign that you have a gas leak. In these situations, you should call your gas company immediately if you cannot turn off the gas yourself. Also, if you smell mold or other odd sounds, it can be a sign of a water leak or stale water not circulating through.
A hot water heater will hold dozens of gallons of water at once. While it is durable and built to last, that much water can put strain on any type of appliance. Because of this, you will want to ensure that there are no leaks or cracks in the tank or in the valves. If there is a leak and water is coming out of the hot water heater, it would be wise to turn the water off until you can have it serviced by a technician. If necessary, ensure you place plenty of towels around the tank to ensure the water does not spread.
If you notice an increase in your gas, electricity, or water bills without any changes to your water usage and other habits, this could be a sign that your hot water heater is not functioning properly. This can be due to a variety of factors, but if it is not addressed, energy bills will continue to rise.
While hot water heaters are built to last, they do not work forever. Due to this, you will want to make sure you are staying current with regular maintenance and repairs. Even with proper care, it is unlikely that the hot water heater will continue to be effective for more than 15 years. If yours is older than this, it is likely time to have it replaced if it is not working efficiently.
Having access to hot water is very important. If you notice that your hot water heater is not working properly, calling in a professional for water heater repair is a great idea. There are various signs that you need to call in a professional to have your hot water heater fixed and improved.