Discovering no hot water is the worst nightmare no homeowner likes to experience! Unfortunately, if you’re in a similar situation, your water heater, the unsung hero of your house, might be on the fritz. Like any other machine, water heaters aren’t built to last forever; they are prone to malfunctions and eventually, display signs of failing as they age, like:
- No hot water
- Water gets warm, but never hot
- The water heater is making weird noises
- Hot water is discolored, rusty, or muddy
- Water has a metallic odor or taste
- Leaking water heater
If you encounter these telltale symptoms, it’s high time to call a Sacramento water heater repair professional to spot and solve the issue. Understanding the prevalent causes of water heater failing can help you prevent further damage. Let’s dive into learning those red flags!
Unveiling the Culprits Behind Water Heater Failure
While there are numerous reasons causing water heaters to malfunction, such as internal rust, silt accumulation, high water pressure, corrosive fumes, wrong size water heater, and old age, to name a few, one leading culprit to blame is sediment buildup in the water heater tank. It’s a significant reason for water heater failure that must be addressed as soon as you detect the following signs:
Reduced Hot Water Supply
If you detect a drop in the volume of hot water available for everyday usage, sediment accumulation may be disrupting the heating element to perform effectively. Call a heater repair professional to identify the issue and perform necessary repairs.
Strange Noises
The sediment buildup in the tank can strain the water heater to heat the water, causing it to trigger popping or rubbing noises. If you hear such sounds, it explicitly indicates the interference of sediment in the heating process.
Skyrocketed energy bills
The sediment deposits might cause the water heater to run for prolonged periods and consume more energy to attain the required temperature. If you notice an abrupt spark in your energy expenses, it might be due to an inefficient water heater.
Slow Heating Response
The usual response time of the heating element to temperature might be impacted by sediment accumulation. It results in prompting delays in getting hot water. So, if you experience this, silt deposits might be at fault.
Related Article – When Should You Replace A Water Heater
Understanding Sediment Buildup — The Most Prevalent Cause
As discussed above, sediment accumulation is the primary cause of water heater breakdown! Over time, minerals and debris present in the water settle down and form a sediment layer. Slowly and gradually, this layer of silt works as an insulator, making it difficult for the heating element to heat the water appropriately. Overlooking this issue can trigger many problems, including lower heating performance, higher energy usage, and, eventually, early water heater failure. It further leads to expensive repairs or investment in a new water heater. Hence, being proactive and watching for the above-cited telltale signs is vital. Address them instantly to avert a failure.
Preventative Measures
Consider the following preemptive steps to minimize silt accumulation and extend your water heater’s average lifespan:
Regular Flushing
Invest in periodic water heater flushing to reduce sediment accumulation. It entails draining the tank to remove any gathered material. Consult a professional heating repair Sacramento specialist to follow appropriate flushing procedures.
Install a Water Softener
Install a water softener if your water source contains a high mineral concentration. This nifty device helps minimize mineral buildup and improves your water heater’s longevity.
Professional Maintenance
Enlist professional water heater repair services to get valuable insights into your water heater. The experts will evaluate it, detect potential problems, and make repairs before they exacerbate.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing the prevalent cause of water heater failure—silt accumulation—enables homeowners to take preventative actions to maintain their water heater’s longevity and efficiency. Prioritize regular maintenance, expert inspections, and prompt water heater repairs to address potential concerns. Doing so may help you enjoy a reliable and effectively working water heater with a flawless hot water supply yearly.
