As a homeowner, you rely on your home’s water heater to keep you stocked up with all the hot water you need. Unfortunately, all that use can be hard on your system. In fact, the average water heater lasts for just 10 years with routine maintenance.
Even the most well-maintained system will develop problems that can shorten its lifespan or cause a major disruption in your day. The sooner you can get them fixed, the better off your home will be.
Here are a few of the most common water heater problems you’ll want to watch for throughout the year.
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Running Out of Hot Water
One of the most common water heater issues that homeowners face is running out of hot water for little to no reason. Most water heaters produce hot water and store that water in a tank. Once the tank runs out of hot water, it has to heat up more before you’ll be able to see the final product coming out of the faucet.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that your water heater is breaking. It means that it’s no longer big enough for your needs.
Investing in a new system with a larger storage capacity or choosing an on-demand water heater will solve the problem immediately. You’ll always have enough hot water to get you through whatever tasks and chores you have on your schedule.
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Not Producing Hot Water at All
When you turn the tap on, you expect hot water to come out when you need it. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.
If your water heater isn’t producing hot water at all, it’s time to schedule a repair appointment. The problem may be as simple as relighting the pilot light but it could also be a sign of a damaged heating element.
The only way to find out for sure is to schedule an appointment with your trusted plumber.
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Dirty Water Coming Out of the Taps
All water heaters get their water from the plumbing inside your house. Though most municipal water treatment facilities take care to remove debris and sediment before it reaches your home, some buildup will still make it through.
That sediment can end up collecting inside your water heater’s tank. If enough gunk builds up, it can end up coming out of your taps anytime you turn the hot water on.
Look at the color of the water as it comes out of the tap. It should be clear and not cloudy. If you notice discoloration or visible signs of dirt, it’s time to schedule a water heater maintenance appointment.
Watch for These Common Water Heater Problems
These are just a few of the most common water heater problems you should watch for at your home. If you notice even a single one, the best thing you can do is schedule a water heater repair appointment with your plumber.
The sooner you take care of the repairs and stay on top of routine maintenance, the longer you’ll be able to keep your system in place.
Looking for more tips on how to troubleshoot the most common home repair issues? Check out our latest posts for more advice so you can keep your home in great shape with ease.