Signs a Water Heater Is Malfunctioning
Stepping into a cold shower when the water heater is malfunctioning can be an abrupt start to the day. A broken water heater can be incredibly disruptive to a household. Between cold showers and baths and a lack of hot water, households can be very inconvenienced by a lack of water heating.
To avoid these problems, homeowners must spot the signs of a malfunctioning water heater and quickly schedule water heater services. This post will explain common symptoms homeowners should watch for, including higher utility bills, strange sounds, and odd odors or colors.
Higher Utility Bills Than Usual
If homeowners start to notice their utility bills rising, it can mean more than just that they used more energy that month. It can also indicate that the water heating system is malfunctioning.
When a water heater operates inefficiently, it needs more energy to reach the desired water temperature, which leads to higher energy costs. This can happen for many reasons, including:
- Neglected Maintenance: Sediment buildup inside the tank is a common issue. Over time, minerals settle at the bottom of the tank, creating an insulating layer that forces the water heater to work harder and use more energy to heat the water. Regular water heater maintenance, such as flushing the tank, can prevent this buildup and improve efficiency.
- Malfunctioning Components: If essential parts like the heating element or thermostat are not functioning properly, the water heater may consume extra energy to compensate for these faulty components.
- Old or Inefficient Unit: Aging water heaters often lose efficiency. Older models may need more modern energy-saving technology, increasing operating costs over time.
If homeowners notice their energy bills rising without an increase in usage, it can signal the unit is malfunctioning, and water heater repair may be needed.
Odd Noises
Strange sounds coming from a water heater are another sign that a system needs repairs. While some noise coming from a water heater is normal, loud or unusual sounds can point to problems that may worsen if left unaddressed. If property owners notice these types of sounds, they should schedule repair:
- Popping or Rumbling: These sounds are usually due to sediment buildup in the tank. As the water heats, air bubbles trapped in the sediment escape, causing popping sounds. Additionally, the sediment can create water pockets that boil, resulting in a rumbling noise. If not addressed, sediment buildup can cause overheating and reduce the heating system’s lifespan.
- Screeching or Squealing: High-pitched noises often signal water flow issues, such as a partially closed valve or pressure imbalance in the system. A professional plumber can adjust these components to eliminate the noise.
- Crackling: Common in electric water heaters, crackling sounds are typically caused by sediment surrounding the heating element. Trapped moisture heats up and crackles as it escapes. This issue may point to a sediment buildup that requires flushing.
If homeowners hear these sounds, they should schedule a plumbing inspection and potentially water heater repairs. The sooner the issue is repaired, the better the chance homeowners have of preventing larger problems.
Unusual Color or Odor
In addition to higher energy bills and strange signs, homeowners should watch for odd colors (like rust or orange tints) and smell in the water. Several underlying issues may contribute to these changes, including:
- Rust-Colored Water: Rusty water typically indicates corrosion inside the water heater tank. This often happens when the anode rod, designed to prevent corrosion, becomes worn. Without a functioning anode rod, rust can form in the tank, impacting water quality. In this case, the water heater may need replacement if corrosion is advanced.
- Cloudy Water: Cloudiness in hot water often results from sediment buildup, especially in areas with hard water. Sediments affect water clarity, can reduce the heater’s efficiency, and, if not flushed out regularly, can lead to further mechanical issues.
- Foul Odors: A bad smell in hot water typically signals bacterial growth or corrosion in the water heater tank. Flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod can help, but corrosion of the tank may require a water heater replacement.
If homeowners notice these signs, they should schedule a water heater inspection. A plumber can help identify the problem and determine whether repair, replacement, or maintenance is necessary.
About Trusted Plumbing and Heating
The experts at Trusted Plumbing and Heating provide top-rated plumbing services in Seattle and surrounding areas. With more than 45 years of experience, they offer straightforward pricing and guarantee satisfaction. Call them today for water heater repair services or water heater maintenance in Seattle, WA.
