4 Subtle Signs of Water Heater Issues
Any Season HVAC • September 14, 2021
For a lot of homeowners, large-scale HVAC equipment typically has two options when issues arise: working or not working. Fortunately, the point where a water heater breaks down is not typically a random occurrence. If you do your research and learn about the process, then you will learn the skills to properly identify issues with a water heater.
Some of the issues are more subtle than others, but if you know what to look for then you may seek a repair. If you wait too long, you'll pay the costs for a complete replacement.
1. Electric Bill Increase One of the subtle signs you see could come in the mail in the form of your electric bill. Every month, your water heater should use about the same amount of electricity to heat water and run the pump. If the water heater malfunctions or fails to reach proper temperatures, then the heater will run on a continuous cycle to create hot water.
It may take a little while, but you will see your electric bill begin to rise. The bill does not break down the source of electricity, but you can do a little detective work to notice the big changes and spike in use. For example, if you started using air conditioners in the summer, then you may notice the spike that comes at that time each year.
Compare previous bills, typical spikes in electric use, and how the spikes have evolved over time. If the bills continue to rise month after month, then your water heater could be the culprit. A diagnostic visit can determine the problem and showcase why the water heater bills are rising. Repairs will reduce electric use and provide you with hot water as needed.
2. Hot Water Duration If you take a shower and notice the water suddenly transitioning from hot to warm, then you may notice one of the first signs of a problem. Mentally, you may take note of the change, but you could time the difference as well. Check different hot water locations like the kitchen sink. Keep track of the times and repeat the process a week later.
If the peak hot water time decreases again, then your water heater could need repairs. The heater is not heating the water quick enough to meet the demands in the home. Repairs could include a simple part replacement or something with the heating element. A leak could cause hot water to seep out before it reaches its destination.
Every problem varies, but early repairs will help your hot water return back to normal.
3. Water Hammers When you shut off a faucet or your washer stops the fill, you may hear a loud bang through your home's pipes. The bang is known as a water hammer and often occurs when water rushes through a pipe and an outlet closes off. The result causes water to slam into the pipes.
Water hammers may be loud, but the biggest issues come with the vibrations and possible pipe damage. A water hammer that occurs near a water heater could result in leaking pipes or damage near the water heater. Leaking pipes could create a major difference in the water pressure and temperature of your water heater.
If no problems have occurred yet, but the water hammers continue, then consider water hammer repair services. The repairs may include an upgrade to help control the airflow and prevent water from just crashing into the pipes. If leaks or damage has occurred, then those issues are addressed first and then water hammer repairs are done as well.
4. Quiet Rumbles For homes with well water or untreated water, one of the biggest issues with a water heater is sediment build-up inside the tank. Water will carry small particles of sediment that mean nothing in small amounts, but could easily build up over time. As the sediment builds and rises in the bottom of a tank, you could notice audible changes in your home.
Listen near the water heater when it kicks on. One of the early signs of sediment build-up is a quiet rumble. The water heater may shake slightly and create a slight rumble as water is heated. The more the sediment builds up, the louder the rumble becomes.
As a problem worsens and sediments build, a quiet rumble could transform into loud clangs. A water heater technician can perform an annual drain service on your tank. The drain service removes all of the sediment so your water heater operates smoothly. When you drain the water, the process will also help you sustain hot water for longer with extra room in the tank.
For more information on water heater repairs and maintenance, contact us at Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning . We will help ensure your water heater runs at top performance and guide you through any issues that may occur.
Some of the issues are more subtle than others, but if you know what to look for then you may seek a repair. If you wait too long, you'll pay the costs for a complete replacement.
1. Electric Bill Increase One of the subtle signs you see could come in the mail in the form of your electric bill. Every month, your water heater should use about the same amount of electricity to heat water and run the pump. If the water heater malfunctions or fails to reach proper temperatures, then the heater will run on a continuous cycle to create hot water.
It may take a little while, but you will see your electric bill begin to rise. The bill does not break down the source of electricity, but you can do a little detective work to notice the big changes and spike in use. For example, if you started using air conditioners in the summer, then you may notice the spike that comes at that time each year.
Compare previous bills, typical spikes in electric use, and how the spikes have evolved over time. If the bills continue to rise month after month, then your water heater could be the culprit. A diagnostic visit can determine the problem and showcase why the water heater bills are rising. Repairs will reduce electric use and provide you with hot water as needed.
2. Hot Water Duration If you take a shower and notice the water suddenly transitioning from hot to warm, then you may notice one of the first signs of a problem. Mentally, you may take note of the change, but you could time the difference as well. Check different hot water locations like the kitchen sink. Keep track of the times and repeat the process a week later.
If the peak hot water time decreases again, then your water heater could need repairs. The heater is not heating the water quick enough to meet the demands in the home. Repairs could include a simple part replacement or something with the heating element. A leak could cause hot water to seep out before it reaches its destination.
Every problem varies, but early repairs will help your hot water return back to normal.
3. Water Hammers When you shut off a faucet or your washer stops the fill, you may hear a loud bang through your home's pipes. The bang is known as a water hammer and often occurs when water rushes through a pipe and an outlet closes off. The result causes water to slam into the pipes.
Water hammers may be loud, but the biggest issues come with the vibrations and possible pipe damage. A water hammer that occurs near a water heater could result in leaking pipes or damage near the water heater. Leaking pipes could create a major difference in the water pressure and temperature of your water heater.
If no problems have occurred yet, but the water hammers continue, then consider water hammer repair services. The repairs may include an upgrade to help control the airflow and prevent water from just crashing into the pipes. If leaks or damage has occurred, then those issues are addressed first and then water hammer repairs are done as well.
4. Quiet Rumbles For homes with well water or untreated water, one of the biggest issues with a water heater is sediment build-up inside the tank. Water will carry small particles of sediment that mean nothing in small amounts, but could easily build up over time. As the sediment builds and rises in the bottom of a tank, you could notice audible changes in your home.
Listen near the water heater when it kicks on. One of the early signs of sediment build-up is a quiet rumble. The water heater may shake slightly and create a slight rumble as water is heated. The more the sediment builds up, the louder the rumble becomes.
As a problem worsens and sediments build, a quiet rumble could transform into loud clangs. A water heater technician can perform an annual drain service on your tank. The drain service removes all of the sediment so your water heater operates smoothly. When you drain the water, the process will also help you sustain hot water for longer with extra room in the tank.
For more information on water heater repairs and maintenance, contact us at Any Season Heating & Air Conditioning . We will help ensure your water heater runs at top performance and guide you through any issues that may occur.
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