5 Signs You Need a Water Heater Inspection

Have you ever had one of those days when it felt like everything went wrong from the moment you woke up to the second you put your kids to bed? Or maybe work was long, and the kids decided they did not want the dinner you spent over an hour preparing for them.

On days like that, the thought of a hot shower is more than just a relaxing end to the day; it’s a necessity. The last thing you want to deal with after a difficult day is no hot water.

Hot water on demand is one of the biggest conveniences of modern living, and we can thank our water heater for that. However, your water heater isn’t probably something you think about, at least until it breaks. Usually, your water heater will give you some clear warnings that it’s on the brink of death before it stops working completely—if you know what to look for.

If you want to keep the hot water flowing in your Laguna Beach home, then it’s essential to be aware of these warning signs that your water heater is in need of some life-saving maintenance.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repaired

  1. Unusual noises – It’s normal for water heaters to make a little noise, but if your water heater starts to sound like your toddler got into the pots and pans drawer, that is cause for concern. Orange County water is full of sediment that builds up in your tank and can loosen and hit the walls. If this continues to go unchecked, it can be disastrous for your water heater.
  2. Water discoloration – Have you ever turned on your kitchen faucet and were surprised by brown or discolored water? This is often a sign of mineral build-up in your water heater. Not only can this spell trouble for your water heater, but doing laundry with discolored water can even stain your clothes!
  3. Increase/decrease in water pressure – The next biggest disappointment after trying to take a shower and having no hot water is trying to take a shower and having really low or really high water pressure. High water pressure can also cause damage to your pipes as the force pushes on the joints and turns. Often this is a sign of clogged pipes or faulty valves that you’ll want to get repaired as soon as possible.
  4. Running out of hot water quickly – When you have a whole family that relies on the water heater for hot showers, you need enough hot water for everyone. If your tank used to provide an ample amount of hot water and now it feels like it is shrinking, it can be due to mineral build-up. Sediment and build-up in your tank actually reduces its capacity, providing your family with less hot water.
  5. Your water heater is 8 years or older – The average lifespan of a water heater in southern California is 8-12 years due to the hard water. An older water heater is more likely to have worn-out parts and need more maintenance. If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may also be time to start thinking about a water heater replacement.

Water Heater Maintenance and Repair Solutions

Your water heater is an important piece of a happy, healthy home. Show your water heater your appreciation for all it does with annual inspections. Inspections can pinpoint small issues before they grow into something larger. Preventative maintenance is often less expensive and always more convenient than a plumbing emergency!

It’s no secret that hard water is usually the biggest contributor to water heater problems. Hard water also can damage your other plumbing appliances. To avoid the worst of the build-up, you may want to consider a water treatment system for your home to help preserve your pipes and appliances.

Keep the Hot Water Running with Barker and Sons

Don’t neglect your water heater until it’s too late. If your water heater is sending you warning signs, reach out to us today. Barker and Sons is standing by to take your call and keep your hot water flowing.