Keeping Your AC System Cleaner

Schedule Water Heater Repairs When You Notice These Signs

by Yolanda White

To ensure your household has hot water whenever needed, you need to be able to maintain your water heater. In some cases, however, it can be difficult to know when repairs are needed for your hot water heater, particularly if you are unaware of the signs of failure. Here are four signs that your hot water heater is starting to malfunction on you so that you can avoid a complete breakdown.

Inconsistent Temperatures

If the temperature of your water begins to fluctuate suddenly, then there is a problem with your hot water heater. Usually, this is a result of the accumulation of mineral deposits around the appliance's heating elements. This accumulation can interfere with how much heat is released inside of the tank.

Weird Sounds

Hot water heaters should not make sounds while they are in operation. If you hear a rattling or knocking when the appliance is operating, this is a sign that there is a problem as well. In fact, this is another sign that there is a buildup of sediment inside of the tank. Rather than the sediment blocking the heat that is being transferred to the tank, it is causing the buildup to overheat and could eventually cause a surface crack if the appropriate measures are not taken in a timely manner.

Strange Taste

If you begin to notice that the water that you are drinking has a funny taste to it, particularly that it has a metallic taste, then there is likely something going on with the water heater. Generally, this type of issue will present itself when there is corrosion within the tank somewhere. The corrosion may be in the tank itself, or the corrosion may be somewhere inside the connected pipes. Wherever it may be, water heater repair is going to be necessary immediately in order to keep the appliance and its components from deteriorating any further.

Visible Leaks

If you notice any water around the water heater's base, this is a sign that you are dealing with a leak. A leak is only going to get worse if you do not repair it as soon as possible. In many cases, a leak will begin as just a hairline fracture inside of the water heater tank and will just slowly expand in size with the application of more heat.

When you notice any of the aforementioned problems with your water heater, it is imperative that you contact a water heater repair company immediately to have it inspected and repaired to avoid further damage.

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