Faulty Water Heater Problems
Water heaters are one of the great inventions that make it possible for us all, urban to suburban to rural, to have hot water at a moment’s notice. People have come a long way from pioneer days when the only choice for heating up water was on the stove. Understandably, these integral pieces of the home receive a lot of use.
Over time they will wear out and present several signs and symptoms that tell us they are ready to be replaced. While expecting hot water and receiving cold when you turn on the tap is certainly one issue, there are three more signs that can point to a water heater going bad. Read on to discover all you need to know in order to diagnose your water heater.
Listen for a Noisy Water Heater
Water heaters, for the most part, function on a nearly silent level. You will occasionally hear them turn on in order to heat water, but it should be quiet enough that you don’t notice it operating on a regular basis.If, however, you begin to notice noise coming from your water heater, it’s time to take note of impending issues with your water heater. Why would it make a loud thumping noise? Over time, minerals and sediment build up inside your header. These minerals settle to the bottom and harden.
When enough builds up, it will cause a loud rumbling noise to occur when your water heater turns on. This is an essential sign that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifecycle, so it's time to start listening for any water heater noises that may be happening in your house.
Look for Colored Water
All water should come out of your faucet clear. It should have no coloration so if you turn on the tap one day and it has a rusty appearance, this could point to issues with your water heater. When your water heater begins to age, it can develop sediments inside which then flow through your pipes and out your faucet creating murky appearing water.
If your unit has begun to rust inside, you’ll see rusty-colored dirty water come out your faucet. Whenever your water isn’t clear, you have a problem and need to call in the plumbers to take a look. This isn’t an issue that should be ignored and it’s never healthy to drink water that has enough minerals or iron inside to make it rust.
That Metallic Taste Isn’t Normal
Above and beyond the color of your water and the sound your water heater makes, the taste of your water is the biggest sign as to the health of your water heater. If ever your water tastes or smells metallic, it’s a sign that your water heater is putting rust into the water you’re drinking. This is the number one sign of old and aging water heater units.Even if your water doesn’t look any different, if it smells or tastes like there’s metal inside, it’s time to change your unit. Water should never be anything other than clear and pure. Anything less is a cause to call out a plumber for an inspection.
Trusted and Experienced Plumbing Experts
Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning serves the Danbury, CT, area for maintenance, repair, installation, and emergency plumbing and HVAC needs. They offer flat-rate pricing, NATE certified technicians, on-time appointments, and always put their customers first.
