One of the best and greatest conveniences of the 21st century is the hot water bath. Water heaters are marvels of modern manufacturing. They have made our lives convenient and hassle free. However, it is a fact that appliances won’t stay forever. They are bound to fail after a certain point of time. Water heaters need constant monitoring and repairs to last long. Ideally, a traditional tank type water heater lasts from 8 to 12 years while the tankless water heater can last upto 20 years. Every person’s worst nightmare is their water heater giving out cold water in the middle of freezing winters. Your water heater doesn’t stop working all of a sudden. Water heaters rarely stop working without a warning. Your water heater will give out several signals. You need to be aware of these signals and look out for them from time to time to replace your water heater before you wake up to cold water showers. By following these signs, you can avoid suffering from an unexpected background. Learn more here if you Need water heater repair Fountain Valley.

Reasons for water heater failure

Before looking out for warning signals from your water heater, it is necessary for you to have a clear understanding of the parts in your water heater unit. Traditional water heaters are completely different from tankless water heaters. Traditional water heaters come with a storage tank that is surrounded by many protective linings. In the middle is a pipe that encloses the burners to heat water. Even among traditional water heaters, there are two variants- one that is electric powered, one that is gas powered. Depending on their fuel, they are configured differently. Along with all this, there is an anode rod that attracts all the corrosive particles, thereby increasing the life of the unit. The average life of a water heater is 8 to 12 years. However, there are several factors that contribute to your water heater going out early. Some of these factors are the anode rods getting used up over time, corrosion or leaking of metal tanks, breaking up of heating elements, etc. While replacing the damaged part works, it is best to replace the whole unit if the damages are recurring.

Warning signs for water heater failure

Water heater failure in freezing winters will put you to more stress and expenses. However, your water heater gives you certain warning signs when it is about to fail. Looking out for these signs can save you from stress and prepares you for any possible repair or failure. Let’s discuss these warning signs in detail.

Leaky Tank

Leaky tank is a sign that your water heater is about to go out. After a point of time, certain water heater tanks start corroding, leading to cracks. Look out for water dripping from pipes, tanks or water pooling under the unit. Most of the time, these leaks are a result of loose connections or unclosed valves. Tightening or replacing these components will fix the problem. However, if the leak is from the tank, then there is no option but to replace the water heater. If left unattended, the leak from the heater can flood your entire home.

As soon as you notice the leak from the water heater tank, stop water supply to the tank by turning off the valve. This is only a temporary fix to save your house from flooding. You need to replace your water heater as soon as possible to enjoy hot water baths.

Lack of hot water

If you notice your water heater giving lukewarm water or taking a long time to fill your bucket with hot water, it is the most common warning sign of water heater failure. If you haven’t got your water heater serviced regularly, then there are high chances of sediments getting accumulated in your tank. Water heaters come with 30-50 gallon storage. Every time water gets heated, the minerals in the water get separated and settle at the bottom of the tank. Overtime, these sediments occupy the space in your tank, leaving little or no room for water to get heated. They create a barrier between the water and the burner. This makes you run out of hot water fast. If you are running out of hot water, then it is a clear sign of your water heater failing. You can avoid this situation by flushing your hot water heater regularly or by getting it serviced by experts. If you have the problem of hard water, it is advisable for you to invest in water conditioning. If the situation goes unfixed, then you won’t have an option to fix the unit by flushing off the sediments. You will end up with a clogged or corroded valve. In the end, you have no other option apart from replacing your unit.

Cloudy or discoloured water

As mentioned earlier, your water heater gets corroded overtime due to constant use or lack of proper maintenance. Water heaters come with a thin coating that starts fading away leading to corrosion. This rust comes along with the water every time you use your heater. Discoloured or rusty water, giving out a metallic smell is a sign that your water heater is going bad. As a temporary fix, you can filter the water and use it as rust doesn’t cause any significant health problems. However, you should replace the whole unit if the rust has reached your tank and pipes. So, look out for signs and take a proactive approach to save your unit from getting corroded. Look for the Best water heater repair Fountain Valley.

Low water pressure

There are two kinds of waters- hard and soft. Hard water has high mineral content, which accelerates the building up of sediments. Hard water clogs your unit faster compared to soft water. If you are facing an issue of low water pressure from your taps, this is an indication of significant sedimentary buildup in your water heater. If you notice this problem early enough, you will be able to extend the life of your heater by getting it serviced. However, if neglected you should replace the whole unit. If your house is prone to hard water, you should consider water conditioning for efficient working of your water based appliances or regular maintenance of them. Along with this, consider getting your pressure relief valves tested once a year to check on their working. Call your plumber immediately if you notice a leak or unresponsive valve. Click for the Best water heater repair Fountain Valley.

The above mentioned signs shouldn’t be ignored and must be attended to immediately by experienced professionals. Get your water heater serviced regularly. This will help in increasing the lifespan of your unit and save you from unexpected repairs. If you have to replace your unit, then consider upgrading to a better version.