A water heater is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any home, but they also tend to be some of the most overlooked appliances. It’s easy to put off repairs on smaller appliances like washing machines or dryers, but a broken water heater can have serious consequences if not addressed quickly. Luckily, most water heaters last between eight and 15 years, so it’s not something you need to think about replacing every couple years like you do with other appliances. However, there are signs that your water heater is beginning to break down. These might be obvious to you, but it’s important to inform any potential new tenants about these things ahead of time so they aren’t caught off guard when they move in. A broken water heater is inconvenient at best, but it can also lead to serious damage and health risks in the long run if left unaddressed. Here are some signs that might mean it’s time for a new water heater in your home:
If your water supply begins to run dry more frequently than usual, it could be an indication that your water heater is beginning to break down. The water heater keeps the water supply hot and flowing by using electricity to warm up the water inside it. If your water heater is beginning to break down, it might not be able to keep the water flowing at a consistent temperature. This can cause your water to run cold even when the flow of water coming into your home is uninterrupted. If a water outage isn’t inconvenient enough, it could also be a sign that your water supply has been contaminated. This is especially true if your water is coming out of the faucet a murky color or smell.
Water bills will always vary from one month to the next, but if your water bill suddenly spikes, it could be an indication that your water heater needs replacing. As mentioned above, water heaters typically last between eight and 15 years, but some older models are more susceptible to high water bills. If your water bill is unusually high, consider having it checked by a water meter reader. They can tell you what’s going on with your water supply and help you figure out the best course of action going forward.
If your neighbours begin to experience a drop in water pressure, this could be an indication that your water heater is experiencing an issue and needs servicing. Depending on the type of water pressure regulator you have installed, this could be due to the fact that your water heater is running out of hot water, or it could be a sign that your regulator is broken. If this happens, it’s important to inform your neighbours right away so they can turn the water supply back on as soon as possible.
If your water has a distinctively cool and wet feeling to it when you turn off the water supply at the end of the day, you might have a broken water heater. This is because most water heaters don’t have an automatic shut-off feature. This means that the water supply will continue to run until someone turns it off manually. If your water supply has been running all day and you have a family or house full of kids, this could lead to serious health risks. The best thing to do is to install an automatic water shut-off device. This can be installed as part of installing a new water heater, or you can purchase a stand-alone model.
If you begin to notice that your water is coming out of the faucet black and murky, it could be an indication that your water supply has been contaminated. This is particularly true if your water is coming out of the faucet black. Black water is typically a sign that your water supply has been polluted with sewage. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including a faulty water heater that isn’t keeping the water heated consistently.To be sure, you should have your water tested to make sure it’s safe to drink. This can be done at a variety of locations or online.
A water heater is one of the most important appliances in any home. It’s important to remember to properly maintain and repair appliances to keep them running smoothly. By keeping an eye out for signs that a water heater may be beginning to break down, you can address the problem before it escalates. Before beginning repairs, make sure to research the best way to approach the job. This will help ensure that your water heater is fixed properly and safely. For more information, visit this guide on how to repair a water heater.