What Happens When You Neglect Your Water Heater 

Your water heater is arguably one of the most underrated major appliances in your home. You likely don’t stop to consider how much of your daily routine depends on your water heater performing properly. Taking a hot shower, a warm bath, running your dishwasher and cleaning clothing and bedding are just a few examples of the home comforts that require hot water. 
 
Proper maintenance is essential in maintaining the life of your water heater by reducing the development of leaks and damage to your tank and avoiding the dreaded call for emergency repair citing no hot water in the home. 

Here are a few common indicators that there may be an issue with your water heater: 

Rusty Water 

If the water from your water heater looks discolored, there is a distinct chance that your water heater is rusting on the inside, which could cause a leak and contaminated water. 

Noises Coming From the Water Heater 

Knocking or booming sounds coming from your water heater can be a signal that residue has built up on the foundation of the system. This means that your water heating system will be less efficient and will require more gas or electricity to heat your water, resulting in hefty heating bills. In addition, the excessive effort needed to heat your water could produce more damage to your system, leading to cracks and leaks. 

A Noticeable Leak 

The most prevalent cause of failure of residential water heaters is a leak from the tank. If you see water around your tank, you presumably have a leak. And if your water heater sits in your attic or above the first floor, the risk for catastrophic damage climbs. If you find that your water heater is leaking, call the experts immediately. Even a minor leak can expand fast and cause pricey damage to your home. 

Not Enough Hot Water Available 
 
If you’re getting zero, or very little, hot water out of your tap, the problem could be the pilot light on your water heater unit. If you’re not sure how to investigate the pilot light, call in the experts to address the problem. 
 
Water is Too Hot or Too Cold 
 
If your running water is either too hot or too cold, there is a good chance that you have the incorrect size water heater to accommodate your living space and the number of people relying on hot water in your home. If a gas water heater is undersized, the system will fail in a shorter period of time. 

Age of Your Water Heater 

The average lifespan of residential water heaters that have had proper maintenance is between ten and fifteen years. Even if there are no visible signs of an issue, a water heater that is ten years or older is at greater risk of producing a leak resulting in water damage to your home. Maturing water heaters are nothing to disregard. If you are unsure of the age of your water heater, check the identification sticker on the unit, where the manufactured date should be listed with the serial number. 

The Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts Plumbing Team can help by fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and consulting with you on possible energy-efficient upgrades. And if you decide it isn’t cost-effective to have a repair done, our Experts can recommend a new water heater that will meet your household demands and work within your budget. Options include ENERGY STAR®-rated traditional tank water heaters or energy-efficient tankless water heater units. No matter the type of system you have, if you’ve neglected your water heater, call the experts at 226-773-3357 or request an appointment online.