7 Signs Your Water Heater Is Going To Fail (The Warning Signs)

Ferrari Plumbing, Inc. • Jan 12, 2022

Water Heater Danger Signs

You don’t realize how much you depend on hot water until suddenly it’s gone. Water heaters tend not to malfunction without warning. There are several warning signs that your heater is about to fail, which is why you must not ignore them. 

Learn how to identify the signs that your heater is about to break down to avoid being uncomfortable, suffering damage from a leak, or spending money on repairs if the heater fails.

Ferrari Plumbing can help you figure out if your Hot Water Heater is about to fail. One of the services we offer is Water Heater Repair . We are “Hot Water Heater” specialists that can help you out. To find out if our plumbing services suit your goals, you can check out our service and also read about what our customers review and what they say about us and our customer services.

We all know that hot is one of the most important things in life. Hot water helps us do everything from washing dishes to getting a good night’s sleep. Heaters are responsible for providing us with this precious commodity, but they can also be very expensive and hard to maintain. 

To save money and avoid problems, you must check your heater regularly for signs of trouble so you can get them fixed before they turn into bigger issues.

Have any questions about our plumbing services? Read our FAQ Section.

Ferrari Plumbing can help you, you can contact us today here at (630) 260-5898.

During the winter, your heater plays an important role. You must make sure that it is working properly at all times. However, there are several circumstances in which your heater can stop working. Keeping up with all heater conditions would help prevent last-minute stresses. The following are 7 things to watch out for when your heater fails.

Water Heater Danger Signs
Water Heater Danger Signs

Hot Water Tank Problems: 7 Warning Signs

1. The Heating Tank Is Leaking Water

Leaks in your heater are an indication that the unit needs to be replaced . In some cases, you may see water dripping from the tank or pooling beneath the unit. There may also be leaks around the pipes.

There is a possibility that the valves are not completely closed or that the connections are loose. These problems can be easily solved by tightening or replacing the components . But if the tank leaks, you cannot help but replace your heater.

2. The Hot Water Runs Out Quickly

Sediment can settle in the tank of your heater if you don’t flush it regularly. This is especially true if you have a lot of sediment in your water. Sediment accumulated in the tank leaves less room for hot water, which is why you run out of it so quickly. It’s a clear sign that your heater is failing.

Leaving the problem unfixed for too long may cause you to have clogged valves and an inability to flush out the sediment. If this happens, you will need to replace the unit. 

3. The Water Doesn’t Get Hot Enough

This is an indication that your heater is about to fail if it is not generating hot enough water. In most cases, it’s a sign that sediments have accumulated in the tank. These sediments are preventing the burner from passing heat to the water, so the water does not receive enough heat. 

To heat the water, the burner has to work harder. As a result, gas and electricity consumption is higher. Over time, it causes leaks, and you have to spend a lot of money replacing the system.

4. The Water Coming Out Of The Faucets Is Discolored

One of the common signs of a failing heater is murky or rusty water. It’s possible to slow corrosion on r heater tanks by coating them, but it won’t last forever. Rust will eventually begin to form once the coating begins to thin out.

When your hot water tank is showing signs of aging, you can tell by its rusty water. Health-wise, it won’t necessarily harm you, but it may discolor appliances and damage their parts. Not to mention that it doesn’t taste good. A replacement of the anode rods may extend the life of the unit if the problem is mild. Flushing the unit may also be a smart idea.

Water Heater Damaged Pressure Valves
Water Heater Damaged Pressure Valves

5. Damaged Pressure Valves

One of the most common problems encountered by plumbers when diagnosing a malfunctioning heater is defective valves. Regardless of whether a heater is a tank or tankless, failed valves are common. To regulate the pressure that is caused by rising water temperatures, it is vital to have a pressure relief valve in the heater.

Rank raptures, leaks, and flooding can occur if a pressure valve is not replaced. When you notice leaks or popping sounds coming from a  heater, you should call a professional plumber for an inspection.

6. Water Heater Making Popping Noises

If you hear a popping sound coming from the bottom of the tank, there is a layer of sediment covering the burner. Water is heated under a layer of sediments as it passes through the burner. This layer must be removed to prevent damage to the heater.

Are sediments harmful to electric heaters? Sediment accumulates and eventually covers the heating element and it burns out.

The heater should be turned off when you hear popping noises to avoid damage. The circuit breaker must be turned off if you are using an electric heater. Turn off the gas with the heater and drain the tank if you are using a gas heater.

7. Exposure To Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning is another danger caused by leaking gas . Water heaters can suffer from this when they are not properly ventilated or maintained. It’s difficult to detect carbon monoxide because it’s odorless. A carbon monoxide inhalation negatively affects the oxygenation of blood because iron is used to transport oxygen in the body. As a result, the blood has difficulty carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Causes Water Heaters To Malfunction
Causes Water Heaters To Malfunction

What Causes Water Heaters To Malfunction?

To understand the warning signs that your heater problem is giving out, it is helpful to know what parts are inside your heater. Traditional heaters have a tank that’s surrounded by protective linings. In the center, there is a pipe containing the burners that heat the water. The way they are configured depends on whether they are gas or electric powered. To prolong the lifespan of the unit, an anode rod attracts corrosive particles.

The typical lifespan of a heater is between 10 and 15 years. The reason a heater stops working is due to several factors. The anodes in the heater wear out with time . A leak in a metallic tank can occur over time. 

The heating element can break or stop working. Sometimes, it is possible to replace the part. In the case that your heater keeps breaking down, you might be better off replacing the entire unit, especially if it has been in operation for a decade or longer.

New Water Heater, Not Heating Water?

The most typical indications that your heater is on its way out are if the water not getting hot. If you detect this, there are a few things you can try to diagnose the problem:

  • Check to see whether the pilot light is on. The pilot light should be constantly burning for the heater to work properly. If it has gone out, you will need to relight it.
  • Check for any leaks in your heater’s tank by visually inspecting all areas where pipes are connected and drain valves are located.
  • Make sure to avoid placing any metal objects into the tank, as this may harm the anode rod.

How Long Should A Hot Water Heater Last?

It is important to always keep an eye on how your heater is acting so you can prevent the inconvenience of running out of hot water unexpectedly. Additionally, if your heater is efficient, you will be able to save a lot of money on your electric and gas bills because they are more energy-efficient.

Tanked water heaters typically last about 12 years, and tankless water heaters last about 20 years. When you have lots of sediment in your home water, the heater is likely to deteriorate at a faster rate. So it’s wise to install a sediment filter to extend the lifespan of the heater.

Is It Expensive To Replace A Water Heater?

The average cost of replacing a gas-fired tanked water heater is $1500. Buying the heater and installing it as well as labor costs are included in the cost.

The installation cost of tankless water heaters is higher, but the cost of running them is much lower. An average tankless water heater installation costs about $2,900 . A tankless water heater is included in this cost, along with installation materials, permits, and labor costs.

If you are experiencing any of these 7 warning signs, it’s time to call a professional. A heater is one of the most important appliances in your home because no family wants to be without running water for an extended period! It doesn’t matter if you’re renting or own your property, certain things can go wrong with a heater and they usually happen when we least expect them.

If you’re noticing any of these heater warning signs, it’s time to call the professionals. Your family and your home depend on a running heater so take care of it with regular maintenance and repairs as needed.

“My water heater is not working, what should I do?”, “Water Heater Problems?”, “Water Heater Stopped Working?” Are you asking yourself these questions? then, Ferrari Plumbing can help you, you can contact us today here at (630) 260-5898.

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