Water Heater: Warning Signs That It Is Failing and Steps You Can Take To Fix It

Having a water heater in your home is essential if you’ve ever taken a cold shower during the winter. However, like nearly every other home device, your water heater is susceptible to damage.

When a water heater bursts or leaks, it may cause water damage. Water heater breakdown might potentially provide a fire risk.

Professional water damage restoration may inspect your property to see if it is structurally solid, remove the water, and restore it to a safe state.

Signs That Your Water Heater Is Failing

Water heaters have a finite lifespan, but you may prolong the life of your water heater by performing regular maintenance. Many warning signals indicate a problem with your plumbing system, even if you cannot fix it.

Popping Noises

If you hear popping noises from your water heater, you may have a sediment issue. Percolating through a thick layer of gunk is the sound you hear here. 

Water and sediment will boil and burn against the elements, causing the “popping.” The heating element needs to work harder to provide you with hot water when sediment builds up, leading to higher energy costs. 

Once the power is turned off, you can begin flushing out the sediment. An external red knob serves as the gas valve, often situated on a gas supply pipe. To avoid a clogged heater due to silt buildup, flush the tank at least once every six months.

“Rotten Egg” Smell Near Water Heater

Hydrogen sulfide in your water gives off a rotten egg odor when you turn on the faucet. Despite the fact that it is not damaging to one’s health, the taste and smell are unpleasant. The bacterium that generates this scent is commonly found in well water, but a faulty water heater can also cause it.

A rotten egg smell can be a standard indicator in a gas leak. Incorrectly installed water heaters, damaged components, or a problem with your home’s gas line can all lead to gas leaks. A professional should be called to deal with the situation as soon as possible, no matter the circumstances. Contact a restoration company for smoke damage restoration.

Rusty Water

Steel is used in the construction of water heater tanks. The tank will eventually rust since water likes to devour steel. Developers of water heaters are aware of this and include a “sacrificial anode rod” as an integral part of their designs to prevent rusting.

As time goes on, the anode rod will also deteriorate, and your water heater will be next. You can tell if the hot water is rusty or brown if the anode rod has rusted by looking at the color of the water.

Replace the old rod with a new one after finding and removing the deteriorated one. Make sure to get a segmented one to be easily installed. Plumbing supply stores typically carry them. In case of water damages, you can contact a restoration company like PuroClean.

Too Much Pressure

Pressure in your water heater can cause it to leak, overflow, or even explode if it becomes too high. With a Temperature and Pressure Valve, water heaters are designed to discharge water and maintain a lower pressure.

Purchase a pressure gauge and put it into the hose faucet to check the water pressure. The temperature and pressure valve are the only things protecting your water heater from bursting, so have it reviewed annually or hire a plumber to do it for you. Click here to get additional details.