Your water heater is one of the most important components in your plumbing system, and with proper care can last for many years without a problem. Unfortunately, it can be easy to lose track of it amid our busy day-to-day lives. Water heaters tend to do their jobs quietly and without much complaint, and they’re often located in out-of-the-way spots in the home, such as the basement or the garage. When problems arise, they tend to sneak up on you unexpectedly, and by the time you notice a problem, the damage is often quite extensive.
With spring finally here, now is a good time to check your water heater for signs of any trouble. It gives you time to schedule repairs or even replace the system before summer arrives, as well as helping your water heater perform more efficiently and cut down on your monthly bills. You should never attempt to diagnose or repair a water heater yourself; it required formal licensing and the kind of training that only a professional plumber possess. You can, however, spot the signs that something is wrong and summon a professional to have a look at it. Anything out of the ordinary—anything you don’t recognize as part of the system’s regular functions—should be grounds for turning it off and calling in a plumber. More specifically, look for the following symptoms:
- Strange Noises. Hums, gurgles, groans, thrums or any other noise you don’t normally associate with your water heater should be treated seriously.
- No Hot Water. A lack of hot water or water that is insufficiently warm may have numerous causes, though it’s not usually hard to spot.
- Hot Water Runs Out. Similarly, if you find the hot water in your pipes running out more quickly than it should, you’d best contact a plumber.
- Rust-Colored Water. The anode rod in your water tank prevents rust from forming on the sides of the tank. It needs periodic replacing. If rust forms, it’s usually a bad sign, and by the time it affects the color of the water from your tap, you may need to replace the entire water heater.
- Puddles can come from anything from a loose fitting in one of the water pipes to a breach in the tank itself. Small breaches can seal again when the water in the tank cools off, making them difficult to spot. Puddles around the base of the water heater are a sure sign of trouble.
The best way to prevent problems with your water heater is to schedule maintenance for it once a year from a qualified plumber. They can go over the system looking for any signs of a problem, as well as engaging in preventive measures such as replacing the anode rod and flushing the tank. When applied regularly over time, it can help extend the life of your water heater, as well as minimizing the risks of any serious problems arising.
For quality water heater maintenance and repair in Bay Village, OH, call Westland Heating & Air Conditioning today!
