After a long hard day at work, it is so relaxing to step in the shower and take your time letting the hot water massage your muscles. It’s something that can be taken for granted until your water heater begins to let you down. The water is no longer hot, and few people enjoy cold showers (we think Wim Hof practices are best when they’re a choice).
Just like any equipment or other household appliances, your water heater can begin malfunctioning, breaking down, and inevitably die. Of course, if there are any issues, your professional plumbing team at Barlow Plumbing is here to help.
What signs should you look for that your water heater’s clock is ticking, and you need to get a new one?
Signs Your Water Heater Might Die
Knowing what to keep an eye on your water heater for will tell you what you should do moving forward.
1. Lack of Hot Water
The most obvious sign is when you turn the water on and you aren’t getting any hot water or much cooler water than what you should be getting. Of course, this could be just a sediment build-up or a broken dip tube to explain why you wouldn’t be receiving hot water.
You are welcome to contact the professional team at Barlow Plumbing. We can help identify the root cause and come up with a solution.
2. Yellow Pilot Light
If you have a gas-powered water heater, you should see a blue pilot light. If the light is yellow, this is a sign that there is an issue with the airflow, and your water heater is about to die. If you are going to try to tackle this issue, please make sure you turn the gas valve off.
And, of course, if you do not feel comfortable, there is a professional team here at Barlow Plumbing who are experienced and trained to handle this situation.
3. Cloudy and Murky Water
If you see either cloudy or murky water, this can be a sign of corrosion in your water tank. An anode rod helps prevent this issue, but if you see cloudy or murky water, it’s likely the rod has either been worn out or has malfunctioned entirely. Barlow Plumbing can help replace this anode rod for you, as this is a tricky process that a professional plumber knows how to tackle.
4. Irregular Sounds
If you notice your water heater is making any irregular sounds such as any popping, knocking, or rumbling noise, the most likely reason is a buildup of sediment or limescale in its tank. It may seem ominous, but it’s not usually too much to worry about. Typically, this means the tank needs to be flushed. This can be done yourself, although we recommend hiring a professional.
5. Odd Smells
If you catch a whiff of your water and it smells odd or unpleasant, the anode rod also might be the problem here. If it is not the anode rod, it could be that your water heater’s filter needs to be replaced, but again, the professional team at Barlow Plumbing can help you diagnose the issue.
6. Bad Taste
If you take a glass from the cupboard and you get some water from the tap, and it doesn’t taste quite right, this could be an indication of an issue that needs attention.
7. Old Age
Like any household appliance, a water heater does not last forever. A water heater, on average, can last up to eight to twelve years, with an extra year being a lucky thirteen. If your water heater is this old and you notice any of the issues above, it is time to contact a professional about getting a new water heater for your home.
These are all things you should be on the lookout for to make sure your water heater is fine and in good shape. It is important to be aware of what your water heater is doing and watch for the signs that you need to have it repaired or replaced with a new water heater. After all, most would rather have hot showers.
Reach Out for Help
Barlow Plumbing is dedicated to making sure your water heater is good to go and your family can enjoy hot water. Our expert plumbers can help you identify the root cause of any of the issues above and develop an action plan for repairing or replacing your water heater.
Barlow Plumbing is here to help you! We have decades of experience providing water heater maintenance, repairs, and installation in Asheville and the surrounding areas such as Weaverville and Black Mountain.
Contact the professional plumbers at Barlow Plumbing in Asheville for assistance today.