There are a few things that modern homeowners would not be willing to negotiate on, and it’s a good bet that running hot water would be near the top of that list. Running
hot water is essential for bathing, cleaning, washing, and cooking. If your water heater doesn’t work correctly, it can interfere with how your home runs and some professional plumbing assistance will be required. When a water heater fails, it can often seem that it’s stopped working immediately, but this isn’t always the case. If you know what to look for you may notice some of these four warning signs that your water heater needs some
professional attention.
1. The Water is Not as Hot:
If you notice that you’re receiving water that isn’t as hot as it usually is, there could be a problem. This could also be a loss of hot water that occurs partway through a shower leaving you to finish your shower in cold water. This could be an indication that the power source for the water heater has been interrupted during the heating operation. This could occur with both gas and electric water heaters and it will not self correct. If you encounter this issue contact a professional plumber to check the water heater and ensure that it’s receiving power.
2. An Unusual Energy Bill Increase:
If you have an unexpected sudden increase in your energy bill, there could be an energy efficiency issue with your water heater. A water heater that is not working correctly could be drawing more power than usual to provide the same quantity of hot water. It’s important to get this problem fixed quickly to return your energy bills to normal and protect your heating equipment.
3. Water Leaks:
If you notice pools of water or dripping leaks around the water heater, this is a serious problem. There could be pools of water under the water heater and leaks in pipes connecting to the heater. The problem could be a loose drain valve under the heater which can be tightened to easily fix the problem. In more serious cases, the water tank may be corroded inside or filled with sediment. Expert advice will be needed to make the right decision, early attention could fix the problem easily, but replacement may be required if the problem is left for too long.
4. Rusty Tap Water:
Some people may have experienced rusty water coming from their faucet when it has not been turned on for a while. This is a different situation when compared to a faucet that runs reddish brown hot water during normal daily use. This coloration of water is often caused by rust that’s corroded the water heater. A plumber needs to look at this problem quickly because the corrosion will only get worse over time. If the corrosion damage continues, it may even cause damage that cannot be repaired. In this case, the entire water tank may need to be replaced, and the underlying cause will have to be investigated. A professional local plumber will be able to offer advice on water quality issues that may be causing the issue.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
