Is Your Water Heater About to Fail? Here Are the Warning Signs

Even though your water heater is usually tucked away unseen in a basement or laundry room closet, it plays a vital role in the warmth and comfort of your home. At Riley Plumbing & Heating, the leading plumbing company Hartford County, CT, we believe you can avoid the damage and inconvenience of a water heater repair by watching for specific signs. Below, we’ve listed four indicators that your water heater may be on its last legs.

#1 Your Heater Is Over 10 Years Old

A rule of thumb is that most water heaters that are more than ten years old should be considered for replacement. Find the age by looking for the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker, which can be located on the upper portion of your heater. The first two numbers in the sequence usually indicate the month and year, but these stickers can vary based on manufacturer. Always check the manufacturer’s website for more information if you’re unsure.

#2 You’ve Got Rusty Water

If there is rusty water coming from the hot piping in your home, this is an indicator that your water heater is rusting on the inside. Unfortunately, once your heater starts to rust, it may develop holes and begin to leak.

#3 It’s Making Lots of Strange Noises

Over time, debris builds up on the bottom of your water heater tank. As the sediment is heated and reheated, it eventually will harden. The rumbling or banging sounds you often hear from an older water heater is the sediment heating up.  These sounds can indicate intense overheating or pressure build-up and they should not be ignored.

#4 There Are Puddles of Water Around the Base

As your water heater expands, it can cause small leaks or fractures in your water heater tank. This kind of damage to the tank can cause moisture build up around the bottom of the tank, making puddles of water. Double check to be sure no other leaks are coming from the fittings or connections to the tank.

#5 You Have Reduced Water Flow

If you notice your rate of water flow slow down then you may have a build-up of scale or sediment which should not be ignored; this scale can increase if left and eventually leave you with a water heater that doesn’t work at all.

If you’re a home or business owner who is experiencing any of the signs above and is concerned about their water heater possibly failing, contact the experts at Riley Plumbing & Heating at 860-225-1534 today. Don’t hesitate, our commercial and residential plumbing specialists in Hartford County, CT is here to help!