Your home’s water heater is a luxury that’s easy to take for granted, until it suddenly stops working. Fortunately, water heaters rarely break down without presenting several warning signs beforehand. Catching these warning signs early can save you from a sudden lack of hot water, water heater leaks, and pricey repairs. But what exactly are the signs that homeowners should be on the lookout for?
For over 40 years, Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. has provided the highest level of plumbing services to homeowners and businesses throughout Gainesville and the surrounding areas. Below, our plumbers outline some of the most common signs your water heater is failing and when it’s time for a replacement.
Is your water heater acting up? Contact us today to schedule service!
What Causes A Hot Water Heater To Fail?
In general, most water heaters will last anywhere from 8 to 12 years before failing. However, age isn’t the only factor that contributes to a water heater breaking down. The following are a few of the most common causes of a water heater failing.
- Sediment Buildup
- Rust & Corrosion
- High Water Pressure
- Thermostat Issues
- Loose Fittings
In some cases, scheduling water heater repairs with our Gainesville plumbers may reduce the impact of these issues and prolong your water heater’s lifespan. However, if your water heater is over 8 years old or repeatedly suffers from these issues, replacement is usually the best option.
Common Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing
Insufficient Or Inconsistent Water Temperature
The most obvious sign that something isn’t quite right with your water heater is an inconsistent or insufficient water temperature. If your hot showers are suddenly lukewarm or the temperature keeps fluctuating, it could be an indication that your thermostat is failing, a heating component is wearing out, or that an excessive amount of sediment has built up in the tank.
Unusual Noises Coming From Your Water Heater
Loud popping, banging, and rumbling noises coming from your water heater are often a sign that sediment has built up at the bottom of your tank and is clogging the system, which can lead to overheating and increased wear. This is especially common in areas like Gainesville, where our naturally hard water causes sediment to build up much faster. Our team can flush your water heater to remove excess sediment, but depending on the extent of the damage, it may be better to replace it.
Rusty, Discolored Water
Rusty, discolored water is a serious cause for concern that most homeowners will want addressed as soon as possible. First, troubleshoot the issue by checking whether the water only appears brownish when you run the hot water. If the water is only brown when it’s hot, that’s a good indication that the issue is being caused by a failing anode rod or a corroded tank. While replacing a failing anode rod may buy your water heater a few more years, a corroded tank is a sure sign it’s time to call a local plumber for a replacement.
Water Leaking From The Heater Tank
Leaks coming from the tank are a big red flag that something is seriously wrong with your water heater. Some potential causes of water heater leaks include worn valves, poorly connected pipes, excessive water pressure, and a corroded or cracked tank. If your water heater springs a leak, don’t hesitate to call Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. for water heater leak repairs!
Low Water Pressure
Consistently weak water pressure could be a sign that your water heater is failing. Often, decreased water pressure is associated with problems like a faulty pressure valve, a leaking tank, issues with the connecting pipes, or sediment buildup. Our team can inspect your water heater, diagnose the cause of the weak water pressure, and either provide repairs or suggest a replacement.
Should I Replace My Water Heater Before It Fails?
Yes, you should. Waiting for your water heater to fail can leave you without water for days and result in expensive repairs if its failure causes a water leak. If your water heater is over 10 years old, you’ve been paying for frequent repairs, or you’re seeing signs it’s about to fail, replacing it can save you money and from the inconvenience of losing access to hot water. Our Gainesville plumbing specialists can help you determine if it’s time to replace your water heater, discuss the best options with you, and handle the installation.
24/7 Emergency Plumbing Repairs In Gainesville, FL
Water heater leaks are a serious issue that needs to be resolved as quickly as possible. That’s why, here at Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc., we offer 24-hour emergency plumbing repairs for water heater leaks and ruptures. Our experienced plumbers will respond quickly and work hard to restore safety to your home.
Don’t wait for your water heater to fail — contact us today to schedule repairs or replacement!