A water heater is designed to heat water in your washing machine, dishwasher, and shower. It’s made with a circulation pump, which circulates the hot water through radiators or heaters to disperse heat throughout a property. In cold climates, this circulation pump activates automatically when there’s a low outside temperature. This causes hot water to flow out of the tank and into pipes before being circulated back into the tank by an economizer fan. Here are the signs that your water heater is going bad.
1. Your Water Heater Makes Strange Noises
If you hear unusual noises from your water heater, there may be a problem. The noises could be attributed to sediments that build up inside of your water heater over time. You can remove the sediment with a long-handled brush and a little hot, soapy water. It’s also possible that the drain valve is blocked and the water is backing up into the tank.
2. Rusty Water
If you notice rust-colored water coming out of your pipes, it could indicate a water heater problem. This is usually caused by improper water drainage and sediment buildup in your tank. You can remedy this problem by cleaning the tank and pipe drains and using a water softener to remove the rust.
3. Decreased or Varying Water Temperature
Problems with your water heater can also decrease the temperature of your water. The water temperature may change from hot to cold or lukewarm. This usually means you have a faulty thermostat and need to replace it. If the temperature doesn’t change from hot to cold, you have sediment buildup in your tank that needs to be cleaned out. A professional plumber can help you clean your tank and install a new thermostat.
4. Your Water Heater Turns On and Off Continuously
If your water heater turns on and off frequently, this can be an indication that there are air gaps in the pipes that run from your cold water supply to the hot water outlet. You can solve this problem by having a licensed plumber look at the system so that they can close any air gaps or reroute pipes if necessary.
5. Low Water Pressure
When the water pressure coming from your faucet is low, then it could be an indication of a water heater problem. The pressure could also be low due to sediment buildup in your tank. You can resolve this problem by cleaning out the sediment from your tank and having a professional plumber install a new water softener system. It’s also important to inspect all pipes to the water heater. The cold water supply pipe, the hot water connection pipe, and any pipes that run from the water heater to your faucet should be cleaned and inspected. If this problem still needs to be solved, replacing your pipes with copper or rigid plastic piping may be necessary.
With the help of a certified plumber, there are several steps you can take to diagnose your water heater and determine whether or not it needs replacement. If the plumber informs you that your tank is bad and needs to be replaced, it’s probably in your best interest to replace the water heater. This will ensure that your home stays warm and that you have hot water when you need it. If you suspect your water heater is faulty and require professional advice near Arvada, CO, contact Flatirons Plumbing and enjoy our fast, reliable, and affordable services.
