Most homeowners don’t realize there’s an issue with their water heater until their water runs cold! If your water heater isn’t producing hot water, there might be a pretty big issue to fix. The best way to keep your water heater running hotter longer is to take note of signs that appear early on that warn you if it’s going downhill!

In the summer, you might not notice or care if the water is more warm than hot, but during these cold winter months, you’ll want piping hot water for your baths and showers—not to mention laundry and other household cleaning needs. When water heaters are on the brink of a breakdown, they often exhibit one or more of these signals that you should take note of:

1. Water Temperature Isn’t Consistent

You might experience a nice hot shower one day and a lukewarm one the next. Unless multiple people use hot water in your home simultaneously, your water heater’s temperature should be consistent, not varying from hot to cold each day. This temperature issue could be caused by several things, from simple problems like adjusting the thermostat to more complex repairs.

2. Not Enough Hot Water

So maybe your water temperature is consistent, but it runs out way too fast! If you’re noticing that you barely have enough hot water for one shower, there’s a problem. Solutions could include:

• Increasing the thermostat temperature (but use caution, this can cause scalding)
• Flushing the water heater to reduce sediment and buildup that’s causing issues with the system
• Replacing your system with a newer unit to accommodate the size of your home and needs

3. Water Heater Leaking

It’s rare that you go to inspect your water heater, but if you stop by your utility room every once in a while, keep an eye out for leaking or water pooling at the base of the water heater. Some condensation can be normal, but any substantial leak should be addressed immediately.

4. Reduced Water Flow

If you’ve got one faucet with some pressure issues, it might be an individual problem, but if you notice water flow reduction across the board, this might indicate a buildup of scale or sediment in the water heater tank. Fortunately, a professional plumber can fix this with a water heater flush.

5. Smelly, Or Discolored Water

What’s that smell of rotten eggs when you turn on the sink to brush your teeth? It could also be accompanied by a rusty color that makes you rethink the safety of the water in your home. Rust-colored water could be an issue from the source of your home’s water, or you might need to drain and flush your water heater’s tank to eliminate buildup and rust.

6. The System Is Noisy

Take note of any unusual noises coming from the water tank! Loud whining, boiling, cracks, pops, banging, or gurgling sounds can mean a deteriorating heating element, burning sediment, or scale buildup. While not all of these are immediately dangerous, it sounds like boiling can indicate something is overheating, causing pressure buildup, so it’s best to get those checked out ASAP.

Call Our Fairfax Plumbers Now!

When you notice water heater issues, we recommend that you call on your plumbing professional right away. Proactive service is much cheaper and less stressful than replacing your system unexpectedly. The best way to care for your water heater and all your other home comfort equipment is to invest in a maintenance plan from your service professional! When you maintain your system annually, it will last longer and work more efficiently than ever! At F.H. Furr, we offer our customers Preferred Partner Plans to cover their needs! Call on us for maintenance today!