5 Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing

When your water heater isn’t warming up your water like it used to, it might be starting to fail. Any homeowner should be aware of the main signs of water heater failure so they can take action before their water heater stops working entirely or an initially minor problem spirals out of control. As you attempt to keep your water heater in the best shape possible, learn more about the top five signs your unit is failing or needs a water heater repair.

1) You Only Receive Hot Water for a Short Period

If you’ve noticed your hot water runs out of hot water faster than it used to (and your usage hasn’t gone up), you probably have an issue with your water heater. Too much sediment build-up in your tank is the most likely cause of low hot water levels. When you haven’t had a professional flush your water heater in the last year, sediment will accumulate at the bottom and start to take up space that would normally be used to store hot water.

Fortunately, you can often prevent water heater failure by scheduling a water heater flush. A trained plumber can flush out the sediment from your tank and ensure there’s no build-up taking up too much space. However, if you haven’t flushed your water heater for a long time, you may run the risk of internal tank rust that could cause leaks. As a result, it’s important to continue to schedule water heater flushes to prevent premature water heater failure due to rust. 

2) Your Water Heater Tank Is Leaking

Speaking of rust and water heater leaks, another key sign that your water heater is in bad shape is if the water heater tank is leaking water. When you notice any puddles or damp areas near your water heater, you’ll need a water heater inspection immediately. A leaking water heater will only continue to get worse and waste water, with this water potentially damaging your home if the leak is bad enough,

Usually, sediment build-up, rust, poor maintenance, or aging cause water heater leaks. They can also sometimes be caused by too much pressure build-up in the tank, with this pressure putting you at risk of a severe leak. While some leaks can be repaired, a leak will often mean you need a water heater replacement. Alongside immediately calling a plumber if you notice a leak, it’s also crucial to prioritize professional maintenance to prevent leaks from happening in the first place. 

3) Your Hot Water Looks Discolored or Smells Bad

Your hot water should be clear when it comes out of your taps. If it looks muddy or rust-colored, you likely have an issue with your anode rod. Your water heater’s anode rod is designed to break down over time, as it attracts rust away from your water heater’s tank. Over time, your anode rod will disintegrate entirely, leading rust to get into your water.

Fortunately, you can prevent rust from damaging your tank by having a plumber replace your anode rod. Once you notice discolored water, contact a plumber to inspect your tank and replace the anode rod to prevent your tank from rusting. If you notice that your hot water smells bad, you’ll also want a full water heater inspection from a plumber, as there could be multiple reasons for the smell.

4) Your Water Never Reaches a High Enough Temperature

If you love taking hot showers, you’ll likely notice if your water can’t ever get past a lukewarm temperature. Sometimes, this could be due to your water heater temperature being set too low, so you want to turn the temperature up as long as you don’t exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Since a temperature over 120 degrees can lead to scalding, always consult with a plumber before raising your water heater’s temperature above that mark.

When your water heater is already set to 120 degrees, you may have a cracked dip tube. This tube sends cold water to the bottom of your tank, where it will warm up before it reaches the top and gets directed to your taps. However, if the dip tube is cracked, cold water can go to the top of the tank, where it won’t have time to heat up. Typically, a plumber can fix this issue by replacing the dip tube.

5) You’re Not Receiving Hot Water at All

Perhaps the most obvious sign of water heater failure is if you’re not receiving hot water at all. First, however, you should make sure your circuit breaker hasn’t tripped and cut off power to the water heater. If your circuit breaker is working and sending power to your water heater, you likely have a problem with a damaged water heater thermostat or heating element. To fix the issue, you’ll need to contact a plumber to repair or replace whatever part is causing the water heater to not warm up your water. 

Choose Bonney for Water Heater Repair and Replacement Services in Sacramento

If you notice any of the signs listed above and are looking for water heater services near you in Sacramento, California, Bonney has you covered. Once you contact us, our team can perform a water heater inspection to determine the cause of the problem. When you only need a repair, we’ll fix your water heater as fast as possible. If your water heater is no longer functional, we can also provide water heater replacement services, where we’ll remove your old water heater and install a new model for you. Additionally, we offer coupons and financing options to ensure any new water heater meets your budget. 

Learn more about our water heater services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us.