Halloween is just around the corner and after that the holidays. Are you ready? We here at Five Star Plumbing aren’t, either. The worst time for your water heater to die is now. Extra showers are in order when holiday company arrives and stays. Holiday parties, cooking, and baking need hot water to clean up the mess. Can you tell if your water heater is dying? Yes. There are four signs to look for and here’s what they are. Plus, if your water heater is 10 years or older, it’s on its last leg.
The Water Heater Is Leaking
There should never be water around your water heater. If there is, your water heater is leaking. You shouldn’t see or feel water or condensation on the ground surrounding the heater or on the water heater itself. If you do, the metal exterior likely has a small crack somewhere, or you might have cracked fittings or connectors. Cracking is a sign of age and years of the metal expanding and contracting.
There Are Signs of Rust and Corrosion
If you’ve ever seen a rusted-out water heater you know what to look for. You should not see water around the tank that has an orange or reddish hue. If you do, your water heater is corroding and the rust is eating away at the metal. You might also smell metal when you stand close to a corroded water heater. If you can smell metal but don’t see corrosion, the inside is likely corroding and rusting.
Your Water Heater Seems Louder
As your water heater ages, mineral deposits build up inside of it. When the heating elements warm the water stored inside the tank, interactions with the mineral deposits can make banging, clanking, or rumbling sounds. You might also hear popping coming from the water heater. Depending on the heater’s age, flushing and cleaning the tank might solve the problem. It might also need to be replaced.
The Water Isn’t As Hot As it Used to Be
Finally, an aging water heater will have more trouble heating the water. Between corrosion, mineral buildup, and rust, the unit will produce lukewarm rather than hot water. Warm water is also a sign that one or more of the heater parts is failing or has failed. You might also notice lower water pressure coming from the hot taps alongside the lukewarm water. Your water heater is dying in this case.
Live in San Antonio, TX? Five Star Plumbing can help! Call us to schedule an appointment for a professional plumber to come and inspect your water heater. We’ll make sure the water stays hot throughout the holiday season.
