Is Your Home Being Affected by a Faulty Water Heater?

Keep an Eye Out for These 3 Signs of a Broken Water Heater!

The water heater is one of the most essential appliances in any home. So the last thing any homeowner wants is for their hot water heater to break down unexpectedly! Fortunately, water heaters rarely kick the bucket without first showing signs of trouble. This article will lay out three ways homeowners can tell if their water heater needs repair – or to be replaced entirely.

The Water Heater Is Making Loud Noises

One of the most unmistakable signs that it may be time for water heater repair is if loud or unusual sounds are coming from the water heater itself. Examples of irregular noises include popping, crackling, rumbling, or loud hissing. These noises typically result from sediment buildup inside the storage tank, which can develop over time as dissolved minerals in the water solidify and collect at the bottom of the tank.

The loud noises occur as air bubbles and steam trapped beneath the layers of sediment pop or force their way upwards, shifting the sediment. This can gradually degrade and damage the tank’s inner lining, which exposes the metal tank shell to the corrosive cocktail of water, oxygen, and minerals inside the tank – and once the tank begins to corrode, it’s all downhill for the water heater. Fortunately, homeowners can help prevent this scenario by keeping up with regular maintenance, including flushing the tank to remove the sediment and replacing the anode rod to prevent tank corrosion.

Smelly or Discolored Water 

Another clear (or, more accurately, cloudy) sign of water heater trouble is discolored, mirky, or foul-smelling water coming from the tap – particularly if only the hot water is affected. This can be caused by sediment buildup, tank corrosion, a corroded anode rod, or bacteria growth inside the water heater. 

Corrosion can release rust into the water, giving it a brown or reddish tint and a strange smell. Bacteria can grow in the tank when the water heater sits unused for too long, giving the water a rotten egg or sulfur odor. If bacteria or sediment are to blame, the problem may be solved by flushing the water heater. But if the hot water tank is corroded, water heater replacement is likely the best solution.

The Water Heater Is Leaking

Lastly, homeowners can be sure they need water heater repair or replacement if they see any evidence that the water heater is leaking. In some cases, this could simply be from a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve, a loose pipe fitting, or a worn valve – all of which are relatively quick and inexpensive to fix. But in other cases, a leaking water heater can be caused by something more serious, such as an overpressurization issue or a cracked or corroded storage tank.

Repairing a corroded water heater tank can be futile as corrosion makes the tank more susceptible to leaks, so replacing the whole unit typically makes more sense. But homeowners can help avoid corrosion by having their system serviced by a professional at least once a year. 

About Water Heaters Only, Inc.

Water Heaters Only, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company that has been serving Mesa and the surrounding communities for over 50 years. They provide same-day service, flat rate pricing, and on-time service. Call them today for water heater repair and maintenance in Mesa, AZ.

Contact Information:

Water Heaters Only, Inc.

3106 West Thomas Road Unit 1119
Phoenix, AZ 85017
United States

Yana Carpenter
(602) 253-8010
https://waterheaters-phoenix.com/