Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance

No one wants to be a member of the Polar Bear Club involuntarily. If your hot water heater goes out, that means no hot water for baths and showers, using hot water for the dishes will not be happening either. Fortunately, with regular maintenance a hot water heater can give twenty years of service on the average. Often when a small problem starts in your hot water heater, there will be signs. Here are some signs that your hot water heater needs some attention.

If rusty or cloudy water is coming from your faucet, this usually means that there is a sediment build-up in the bottom of the tank. This issue can be easily cleaned by a pro. This issue is often found in older water heaters that have not received regular servicing. Heaters that get regular maintenance rarely report this issue.

Water that seems decreased in warmth as time goes on is often an indication that the heating element has begun to wear down. First, rule out that anyone in the home is adjusting the thermostat. Once it can be determined someone’s personal preferences are not the cause of the loss of warmth in the water, have a professional troubleshoot the unit.

Leaking is one of the most common issues. If the pipes are metal, there can be build up and corrosion over time. Plastic pipes do not corrode. However, the connections may loosen and allow leaking. It is necessary to stop any leaking at the time it is discovered.

Another sign your hot water heater needs maintenance is a subtle one. When the time to get hot water from the tap takes an increasingly longer time, is often an indication that there is a heating element that needs replacing. Another common issue that signifies a heating element going bad is when the water will not stay warm as it flows from the tap.

Being without a hot water heater can make the basics like taking a shower an unpleasant experience. Getting a routine check up on your hot water heater can save a homeowner in the long run. Instead of getting a surprise fix on a large problem, with routine maintenance the small issues can be fixed before they become bank account busters.

Is the water heater in your Naperville home in need of repairs? Call Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc. at (630) 577-9241 or (815) 609-1859 and schedule a service call today!