Your water heater works 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep you and your loved ones comfortable. Quickly fixing issues with this important appliance is important to avoid more costly and annoying replacement or repairs.
Here are five signs you’re in need of water heater repair.
- Strange noises: A normal, well-maintained water heater may sometimes make a buzzing or rumbling noise, but if you hear this appliance making popping, cracking, or banging noises, this could be cause for concern. The cause is often a buildup of mineral deposits on your heating elements or a damaged dip tube allowing hot and cold water to combine.
- Odd water smell: If you’re noticing sulfuric or other bad odors coming from your faucet water, this could be a sign your water heater is malfunctioning — likely a sign of mineral deposits accumulating.
- No hot water or a lack of hot water: If your water heating elements, pilot light, ignitor, or circuit are not working correctly, this may create a lack of hot water coming from your faucets and could justify a need for water heater repair.
- Shifting water temperature: Dramatic changes in the temperature of your water could be a sign of mineral deposits collecting in your water heater and coating the heating elements.
- Discolored water: Your water should be clear or, in cases of high pressure, hazy after initially coming from the faucet but then clear after the pressure evens. Changes in its coloration – such as particles of a brown, rusty hue — likely signal a need for water heater repair.