Water heaters come in all shapes and sizes. Some are powered by electricity, while others use gas to heat up your home’s water. Hot water is an essential resource for any home, which is why looking after your water heater is critical.
There are a number of signs that will tell you it’s time for a service on your water heater. You should look out for these so that you can avoid having to contact an emergency plumber Brisbane homeowners use for their water heater needs. Here are seven things to look out for.
7 Signs Your Water Heater Needs to Be Serviced or Replaced
Strange Sounds are Coming from Your Water Heater
Whistling sounds coming from your water heater are a sure sign that it’s time to have it serviced or replaced. Other sounds you might hear coming from your water heater include banging, creaking, or hissing. Don’t ignore these sounds if you’ve heard one or more of them over a period of a few days.
Your Water Heater is Older than 10 Years
Most water heaters are built to last for about a decade. If yours is older than this, you will likely find yourself without hot water quite soon. To ensure hot water consistency, call a water heater plumbing expert and get a quote on replacing your water heater with a new one.
Your Electricity or Gas Costs Have Gone Up
Power costs that suddenly start rising is another sign that there’s something wrong with your gas or electric water heater. This happens because of strain being taken, which subsequently causes the water heater to use more energy to do what it’s supposed to do. So, if your power bills have been going up, it’s time to check if your water heater is working as it should.
You Find Water Puddles Close to Your Water Heater
Water puddles close to your water heater points to leakage. If this apparatus is leaking, it means that something may be cracked, broken, or worn out. It could be something as simple as a valve or a pipe, which can be easily repaired. But other cases warrant a complete replacement of the water heater unit itself. Only a professional plumber will be able to diagnose this, so contact a good one to inspect yours for you.
Your Water Heater is Rusting
If you can see rust around any of the water heater components, this is a warning sign that you should take seriously. Rust will compromise the system, as well as the water itself. This is something you can inspect yourself. If you do see rust, a number of different things could be wrong with your water heater. Whether it needs to be replaced or repaired is up to a plumber to decide.
Your Hot Water is Murky
When you run your hot water and notice that it’s murky, muddy, or discoloured, stop using it immediately and get a plumber on the line. This water has been compromised by rust, dirt, or a number of other issues that sometimes occur with older or damaged water heaters. This is probably a sign that it needs to be replaced.
Your Water is Not as Consistent as it Used to Be
You’ll know how much hot water your water heater used to produce. You’ll also know how long it takes for the water to heat up after you’ve emptied it out in a hot bath or a shower. If you notice that your hot water isn’t refilling or reheating water as quickly as it used to, this is a good reason to suspect that something is amiss.
How to Get Your Water Heater Repaired by a Professional
If you feel that any of these signs warrants a professional inspection, contact a good plumber in your local area and ask them to come out. Professional plumbers use several devices to test subtle problems with water heaters, and most often, they can see with an experienced eye what’s wrong with yours.
Choose a plumber that’s experienced with all types of water heaters. From gas types to electrical types, there are so many different ones, and not every plumber is familiar with them all.
Contact a plumber that’s licensed and insured when it comes to water heaters. Choose a professional that prioritises emergency plumbing problems and won’t make you wait too long to have your hot water restored. It’s always a good idea to call first, explain the problem, and get advice on how to switch off your water heater until they arrive.
Final Thoughts
Your home can hardly function without hot water at all times, so don’t ignore any of the tell-tale signs mentioned here. Keep a good plumber’s number on your phone and call them for a quick inspection if you notice any of these signs.
