It pays to visually inspect your water heater on a regular basis. You may be able to see pools of water or stains on the floor around the unit. You might even notice dripping from one of the valves or pipes. Sometimes, the clues are a little more subtle. Rust on the outside of the tank can be an indication that there’s water leaking from the heater.
If your tank leaks, you might also experience a drop in water pressure or less hot water than normal. Unusual noises from the unit might also indicate a drop in pressure due to leaks. These normally manifest as hissing, popping or clanging sounds.
How to Spot Common Signs of Trouble
In addition to leaks, there are several other issues that can go wrong if your water heater is getting old, is poorly maintained or is defective in some way. Strong odors from the unit or directly from your water can be due to bacterial growth inside of the tank. This can be bad for the heater as well as for your health.
Discolored water can mean rust inside the tank of your heater. A malfunctioning water heater can also produce a sudden increase in your monthly utility bill. The number one sign of trouble is simply a lack of hot water. This can start out slowly with less hot water than normal and even fluctuate before you lose hot water altogether.
Sometimes, what seems to be a leak is actually just condensation on the outside of the tank. A professional and experienced plumber will be able to tell the difference. This is why regular inspections are necessary to maintain your unit. Professional plumbers have the right tools and know how to diagnose your water heater’s issues. They can get things running like new again, so you’ll be back in that hot shower in no time.
Know When to Call the Professionals
It’s always a good idea to have a professional plumber inspect your water heater regularly. Many homeowners choose to have an inspection done once or twice a year. If you see any of the signs of a leak that we’ve discussed, it’s definitely time to call a plumber. Working on water heaters can be hazardous and should be left to the experts. If you live in or near Lincoln, NE, reach out to the friendly staff at Select Plumbing for water heater service, and one of our representatives will get back to you and set up an appointment.
