Maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your water heater works effectively for a long time. However, it’s not something that all homeowners do or even know when they need to perform maintenance. Before you let something serious happen to your water heater, you should understand what signs to look for that would indicate the need for water heater maintenance. Here are some things you should watch for.
1. Discoloration of Water
If you are noticing your water is rust colored or discolored in any way, it may mean that the inside of the tank is rusting. This also means that the sediment is coming through the water and your pipes, and into your home. You may want to drain the water heater into a bucket to ensure that water is safe. If it is rusted inside, call a plumber to better understand your options.
2. Water Isn’t Hot
Have you ever gone to use your water, but no matter how far you turn on the hot water, it just doesn’t get as hot as you’d like? There may be an issue with the water heater such as a pilot light being out or another problem causing the water to stay cold. Maintenance can help you find the issue and remedy the problem.
3. Your Water Heater Leaks
There are a number of reasons your water heater will leak such as a hose that is loose or a component of your water heater being disconnected. This is a sure fire sign that something is wrong and you should have a plumber come out to take a look at your water heater.
4. High Utility Bills
Your water heater has to use the utilities of your home to heat the water up to the desired temperature. When you notice the utility bills increasing, it may mean that the water heater is working harder and longer to reach the temperature. Performing maintenance can reduce the operating costs.
5. Funny Smelling Water
Your water heater has an anode installed that helps to avoid corrosion. This will start to dissolve over time and can cause a rotten egg smell in the hot water. A plumber should be utilized every few years in order to inspect the anode and replace it if necessary.
At A-Absolute Plumbing, our New Jersey plumbers know the importance of maintenance. You don’t want to experience problems with your plumbing, especially when it plays an important role in your everyday routine. Let us come out, perform maintenance or repairs, and get your home working like normal.