A broken water heater is an inconvenience that everyone experiences at one point or another. Unfortunately, it’s an issue that many households have to face at some point. A faulty water heater can lead to cold showers or an unannoying flow of warm water that smells like rotten eggs. In order to avoid such unpleasant experiences, it’s important to learn how to recognize signs of when a water heater might need repair. If you have experienced any of these issues, it’s possible that your water heater may be broken and in need of repair. Here we take a look at some common signs indicating that your water heater might be broken.
No hot water from faucets or showerhead
Hot water is essential for everyday activities such as showering and cooking. If you’re experiencing problems with hot water at faucets and shower heads, this could be a sign that your water heater needs repair. If you attempt to use hot water and it comes out lukewarm or even cold, your water heater may be broken. This could be due to a faulty thermostat, a faulty temperature sensor, or a frozen valve. If you are experiencing problems with hot water from your faucets and shower heads, the best course of action is to get these issues fixed as soon as possible. Doing so will not only get your water heater back up and running, it will also help to prevent further damage.
Loud clicking noises coming from the water heater
Loud clicking noises coming from a water heater are another sign that it may need repair. If you notice loud clicking noises coming from the water heater, this could indicate that the temperature sensor is broken or displaced. A displaced sensor is typically caused by tree roots growing into the water heater’s drain pipe. The roots can push the sensor away from its normal position, causing the water heater to run at an unsafe temperature. If your water heater is running at an unsafe temperature, it could lead to scalding or an explosion. In order to fix this issue, you will need to call a water heater repair technician. If your water heater is out of warranty, you will likely have to pay for the repair.
Water coming out of the faucets is brown or orange colored
If the water coming out of your faucets is orange or brown in color, this could be a sign that you have a problem with your water filter. If your filter is dirty, or if it is leaking, the water will be discolored as it flows through. If your filter is not clean, it will not be able to trap contaminants such as iron and manganese. This will make the water taste bad, and can lead to a variety of water quality issues. If you notice that the water coming out of your faucets is discolored, the best course of action is to get your filter changed as soon as possible.
Electric water heaters make a loud humming noise
If your water heater is electric, it may make a loud humming noise. This is a normal sound for an electric water heater, and it means that the water in the tank is heating up to the desired temperature. If you notice loud humming coming from your electric water heater, there are a few things that you can do to fix this issue. The first thing you can try is to turn down the temperature setting if it has a thermostat. The next step is to consider replacing the water heater if it is over 10 years old. If you notice that the water heater is making a loud humming noise, it could mean that the water in the tank has reached the desired temperature.
Water is coming out of the faucets that looks or smells like it should be treated for bacteria
If you notice that the water that comes out of your faucets is discolored or smells like it should be treated for bacteria, this could be a sign that your water treatment system is not working properly. Many water treatment systems use a carbon filter to remove unwanted contaminants from the water. If your carbon filter is clogged, or if it is not working properly, the water that comes out of your faucets will be discolored. If you notice that the water that comes out of your faucets is discolored, the best course of action is to get a new carbon filter immediately. Additionally, you may also want to consider replacing the entire water treatment system as it is likely old and full of holes.
If you experience any of these signs, you should get a professional water heater inspection performed by a certified technician to determine if your water heater needs repair.
Repairing a broken water heater can be an expensive and inconvenient experience. If you experience any of these signs indicating that your water heater may be broken, we recommend getting an estimate for water heater repair as soon as possible. Doing so will help to ensure that your water heater is in good shape and ready to serve you for many years to come. If you experience any of these signs, you should get a free water heater inspection performed by a certified technician to determine if your water heater needs repair.