4 Telltale Signs Of A Water Heater Problem
Many homeowners have a tendency to take their water heaters for granted. In fact, you probably don't think much at all about where the warm water for your showers, laundry, dishes, and other daily tasks comes from—that is, until you experience water heater failure. Replacing a water heater can be quite an expensive project, which is why you should keep an eye out for some of the telltale signs of a water heater problem.
Visible Rust or Corrosion
Being able to spot corrosion or rust on the side or bottom of your water heater's tank is never a good sign. This is often indicative of a problem within the inside of the tank that, if left untreated, will eventually cause holes to form in the tank and subsequent water leakage to occur. In some cases, rust and corrosion can be repaired and patched. However, this is not always the case, so you'll want to call a plumber at a company like Jim Dhamer Plumbing and Sewer, Inc. to take a look.
Leaking From the Bottom
Unfortunately, when a water heater tank begins leaking water, there is often not much that can be done in the way of repairs. Instead, you will probably need to replace the water heater altogether. This is especially true in instances where the tank is leaking from the bottom. Usually, this occurs only after other problems (such as corrosion and rust) have been ignored for a long period of time. With annual water heater inspections, you should never have to worry about this becoming a problem.
Burn Marks on the Tank
Another potential problem to watch out for with your water tank is the appearance of burn marks along the sides of the tank itself. These could indicate a ventilation problem within the water heater itself, which could lead to premature repairs and replacement. If you spot burn marks, contact a plumbing professional; retrofitting and repair of the existing ventilation system may need to be done, but the cost will be a lot less than having to replace the entire tank.
Strange Popping Noises
Finally, if you hear strange popping noises coming from your water heater, this is a sign that you have too much sludge and waste accumulation within your tank. The best course of action is to have your tank drained, which should be done annually to avoid these kinds of problems. From there, you may also want to invest in a water softener to avoid buildup in the future.
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