Recognizing Problems With a Water Heater in Need of Service

Does Your Water Heater Need Service?

A water heater is one of the most used appliances in the home, from hot showers to cleaning dishes after family dinners. When it isn’t working properly, it can quickly disrupt day-to-day life. While a water heater that stops providing hot water or is leaking is obviously in need of professional attention, homeowners can often detect trouble with their water heaters well before then by keeping an eye out for signs of a malfunctioning water heater. This article will share signs of a water heater in need of service, whether it needs water heater maintenance, repair, or replacement. 

Utility Bills on the Rise

An unexplained increase in monthly utility bills can indicate multiple issues with the water heater. This increase in water heating costs may mean that maintenance, repair, or replacement is needed. Not only can water heaters cost more to operate when they are old or when maintenance has been neglected, but they can also cost more to run when they are malfunctioning and need repair.

So, if homeowners have not had routine water heater maintenance done, the inefficiency could be due to sediment buildup that needs to be drained and flushed from the tank. If their water heater is old and reaching the end of its lifespan, this inefficiency could mean it’s time for water heater replacement. If the water heater has been recently maintained and is not too old, the inefficiency could point to a problem that requires repair. 

Noises During Operation

A water heater making new, unusual noises when operating can also indicate the water heater needs repair or maintenance. These sounds can include: 

• Banging: If the water heater makes a loud banging sound, there may be too much pressure or a buildup of sediment reacting with the heater’s heating element.
• Whistling: If the water heater whistles, it’s likely due to an issue with the air or water pressure.
• Popping: If the tank makes popping sounds, the cause is sediment buildup inside the water heater.
• Crackling, Hissing, or Sizzling: These sounds usually originate in electric water heaters and indicate sediment buildup. If a gas water heater makes these sounds, it’s probably due to moisture on the outside of the unit.
• Ticking: If a ticking sound is heard, it likely indicates a sudden change in water pressure.

Rusty Looking Water or Odd Smells 

Another way homeowners can discover their water heater needs service is when the hot water quality has changed. The water may appear cloudy or discolored or have an unusual metallic smell to it. These signs can indicate the water heater is deteriorating due to corrosion. 

Corrosion can occur with old water heaters or if maintenance is neglected since several steps are done during water heater maintenance to help prevent corrosion, including flushing corrosive sediments from the tank and replacing the anode rod. If corrosion is the reason for these signs, water heater replacement is likely needed. 

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has been serving the West Salem area since 1994. They provide straightforward pricing, trusted technicians, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for water heater services in West Salem, WI. 

• 
  +