What Are the Signs That Your Water Heater Is Not Working?

A splash of cold water now and then is no issue, especially during hot days. However, when winter comes and you want to keep yourself warm, hot water is one of your best friends. Nothing beats indulging in a warm bath or shower after a stressful day. As such, it is best to have a functioning water heater once the cold season begins.

To have a constant hot water supply during winter, you need to observe any signs that your heating system is slowly failing. By doing so, you will address the issue promptly and avoid going without any hot water during the months you need it the most. Additionally, maintaining your water heater can help you prevent any expensive repairs or replacements in the future.

Are you unsure of what the common signs are for a faltering water heater? Don’t worry. Here’s a brief list of the things you should look out for.

1. There’s Insufficient Hot Water

Have you been finding it challenging to have enough hot water to last you throughout one shower? Perhaps you know that after you wash the dishes, you won’t be having that warm bath you’ve been looking forward to.

The mentioned scenarios could happen when your water heater is not doing its job properly. Rather than boiling water over a stovetop to get the hot water you need, you should consider contacting a licensed plumber to see if there’s anything wrong with your unit.

2. The Temperature Keeps Changing

It’s annoying when you’re enjoying a nice hot shower only to be splashed with freezing water a few seconds later. There are instances when the water is also too hot for your preference.

You should not ignore these fluctuations in temperature. After all, they could be an indicator that there is something wrong with your water heater.

3. Your Water Heater Is Leaking

Have you noticed water flowing down from your unit or pooling at the bottom of the tank? If so, you need to take action as soon as possible. When there is leakage, there is also a possibility that the system is experiencing an internal failure.

Since your safety is essential, you need to disconnect the electricity first or turn off the gas to allow the unit to cool down. Once everything is safe, you can start inspecting your water heater to locate the source of the leak. If you are struggling to do so, contact a licensed plumber you can trust.

4. There’s Minimal Water Flow

When there are changes in water pressure, it could be an indicator that an accumulation of sediment or scale is present in your water heater. Alternatively, there could be buildup in the plumbing that connects your unit to other parts of your house.

You should not neglect this issue and leave it up for later since an accumulation of this nature can worsen over time. As a result, it could cause you to be without your much-needed hot water during winter.

5. You Hear Odd Sounds

You must stay vigilant for any noises coming from your water tank, including gurgles, whining, bangs, and loud cracks. If your heating unit is making any of these sounds, it could be telling you that something is amiss. Before things get harder to handle, reach out to a licensed plumber as soon as you can.

Conclusion

Hot water is essential to households, especially during winter. As such, it is best to be on the lookout for any signs of disrepair in your water heater. By being aware of the issues at hand, you can ensure that you have all the hot water you need once the cold months roll in.

Bromac Mechanical offers high-quality plumbing services and heating solutions, including water heater replacement and water heater repair, to Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley locals. We go above and beyond for our clients because we want you to have all of your plumbing needs met. If you are interested in hiring a licensed plumber, contact us today!