Signs Your Water Heater is in Need of Maintenance

When properly installed a new hot water heater should last, on average, ten to fifteen years before needing to be replaced. Mineral build up and wear and tear on internal parts can cause a hot water heater to decline in efficiency. This can make both your heating and water costs go up. Proper and timely maintenance will not only extend the life of your hot water heater, it can save you money on your monthly heating and water bills.

There are, of course, some very obvious signs that your hot water heater is not working properly. Lack of hot water being the most obvious. If you find you have no hot water whatsoever it is best to check that the pilot light has not gone out. It is also possible that a circuit breaker has been tripped and merely needs to be reset. Ruling out small problems like this can save you a lot of time, frustration and money. If you find that neither of these scenarios solve the problem, it may be time to call a repair person.

Another sign that there may be an issue with your hot water heater is rust in the water coming out of the hot water faucet. This could indicate a larger problem that would need to be addressed by a qualified technician. Sediment and mud in the water coming out of your faucet could also signal larger problems. A qualified plumber would be able to drain you hot water heater to examine the water and determine whether the unit is failing. Yet another hazard signal to be aware of is the smell and taste of your water. In homes with wells there can often be a slight mineral taste to the water, there should however, not be a metallic taste or smell to water you are using to bathe and drink.

There are also the obvious signs that there is a problem. If your hot water heater is making new sounds or you find water leaking or pooling, it would probably be wise to call a professional.

Is the water heater in your South Windsor home in need of maintenance? Call us at (860) 896-3342 for immediate service!