A nice hot shower is often something most people take for granted. You come home from a long day, you turn the faucet on, and you get to relax as the warm water washes away the stresses of the day. But what if that warm water never comes? All too often we don’t think about our water heater until it’s too late, and knowing what signs to look out for can tell you just when it’s time for your water heater to be repaired or replaced.
Your water heater isn’t used for your shower alone. Doing the dishes and laundry may be disrupted, and something as simple as washing your hands or brushing your teeth can become quite uncomfortable. A faulty water heater is a huge inconvenience, but there are a few things you can watch out for to stay on top of your water heater’s need for repair or replacement:
• The water is lukewarm – If you turn your hot water dial all the way on but the water doesn’t seem to be getting above lukewarm temperatures, it could be a sign that your water heater needs help. If the water going into your tank isn’t extra-cold due to excessively cold weather outside and the settings on your hot water heater haven’t been changed, it’s time to call a plumber to assess just what may be wrong with your unit.
• The hot water isn’t lasting long enough – If your hot water used to last a good 15 to 20 minutes but it’s now struggling to make it to 5, your water heater may need to be checked. Quickly running out of hot water is typically a sign of a faulty element, but a professional plumber can investigate and fix the issue no matter what may be causing it.
• The water heater has grown noisy – Your water heater may have always made a few noises, but you should get familiar with them pretty quickly. If you notice new noises, however, your hot water heater may be in need of replacement or repair. After a number of years, sediment can begin to accumulate at the bottom of your water heater, and over time, that sediment can harden. Clanging, ringing, or rumbling from within your water heater typically means the unit needs to be serviced by a professional plumber to eliminate any sediment that may be present.
Need water heater repair or replacement? Our local plumbers can help you if you’re experiencing any of the problems mentioned above. Call us any time of day or night!