Signs There's A Real Problem With Your Water Heater

Water heaters aren't the most mysterious appliances, but they can hide a lot of problems until those problems become severe. Because severe problems can lead to dangerous incidents (scalding water, leaks that lead to mold, and even explosions, for example), you need to learn the signs of a failing water heater. Some are obvious, like a giant leak or a tankless heater that keeps shutting off when you turn on a hot water spigot. Others are not so obvious, and these may initially look like temporary minor issues.

Brown Water and No Obvious Cause

If you turn on the water and it's brownish, look for an obvious cause first. For example, nearby construction, especially that done on the water pipes in your neighborhood, can knock rust and dirt off the interior surface of the water pipes, into the water. Dirt can get into openings when workers are replacing water pipes, too, and if the city is flushing out hydrants, that can change your water's color, too. Wait until the construction is done for the day and then flush your pipes (turn on the faucets and let them run for a little bit) and see if the brown color goes away. If it does, then you know the color was due to the work.

If it doesn't, give a plumber a call. It's possible your water heater has so much sediment in it that the sediment is discoloring the water. While it's common for sediment to build up in the water tanks, too much sediment can contribute to pressure problems that can lead to an explosion. Good maintenance routines should allow you to remove the sediment on a regular basis so that the tank doesn't reach this level.

The Pressure Valve Opens Too Much

Your water heater tank should have a pressure valve that opens to release pressure in the tank that results from heat building up. If you notice that the valve is open a lot or even all the time, call a plumber and have them inspect the water heater. The valve should not be open all the time; that indicates either a broken valve or a real pressure issue that could lead to trouble.

Less and Less Hot Water

It's not unusual to use up all the reserved hot water in the tank or to have problems getting hot water from a tankless heater that's too small to serve the demand in your home. If supply and demand are not issues, however, being able to get less and less hot water (your showers are all lukewarm, you can't seem to get hot water in the washer, and so on), then your heater isn't heating enough. Don't turn up the thermostat on the water heater if it's already over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, though — that should be hot enough to ensure hot water arrives anywhere in your house if the heater is working properly. You need to have a plumber look at the heater.

Because water heaters involve a heating element, it's better safe than sorry if you suspect a problem. Call a plumbing contractor, and when the water heater is fixed, follow a strict maintenance schedule to ensure it keeps working well.