Signs Your Water Heater May Need Maintenance

Water that is a little cloudy or rusted may be an indication that your water heater needs maintenance. A strong smell can also mean trouble. Rust and corrosion might exist inside. Taken care of quickly, this is not serious. Time to have the tank cleaned has arrived. Visible rust and corrosion usually indicate that bigger problems exist on the inside of the water heater. This kind of rust means the unit should be replaced.  

It is likely that the top element of the tank needs to be serviced if the water does not seem to be as hot as usual or not hot at all. Water can get too hot as well, this usually means the thermostat is defective and in need of replacement. Constantly having to adjust the temperature gauge to maintain the same amount of heat means the heater is on its last legs. If it takes more than a minute for water to run hot from a faucet, a malfunction is probably the cause. A heater that runs more often or produces hot water for a shorter period of time should likely be serviced.

A leaky hot water heater is a serious issue, you should call a professional immediately to assess the source of the leak. As soon as a leak is noticed, turn off the power source to the water heater. Slow leaks are indicated by a trail of rust. Repair is sometimes possible, but a replacement may be the recommended option.

Water that comes out in spurts or with low pressure may indicate a clog. A bang, clang or crackling noise indicates hard mineral sediment has built up in the water heater. The chance of damage increases with the size of the sediment chunks that are expelled.

A water heater that is 10 years old is probably in need of replacement. The maximum life of a water heater is 15 years. The newer units are more energy efficient. Ignoring signs that a water heater should be repaired is the most common reason that a unit has to be replaced and you will get higher utility bills if the water heater is not serviced.