Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance

A water heater can last up to 20 years if properly taken care of, but if you want it to last that long you will need to call in a technician for professional service occasionally. In addition to helping your unit last longer, maintaining it properly will help it run efficiently and save you money. There are a few ways to tell when it is time to call for maintenance.

The biggest wakeup call is when your water won’t get hot, you run out of hot water in mid-use or it warms up but not as much as usual. However, there are some more subtle signs to be on the lookout for before getting to this point. Be sure to take a look at your water heater unit once and a while to check for signs that maintenance is needed. One major sign is water in a puddle nearby, which could indicate a leak. Another thing to check for is condensation on the unit itself, and softening of the nearby floor. Mold growth is also a warning sign. All of this can indicate that your heater is leaking. If you hear strange noises coming from the unit or if you see discolored water coming from your faucets, this indicates a problem with sediment in the unit. If you have a gas water heater notice a gas smell emanating from the unit, this is a dangerous problem. Call your gas service company to have the gas shut off immediately, and then find someone to service your unit.
If you feel that the water pressure has changed, either by becoming unsteady or low, it is time to call for maintenance on your water heater. Having your eye out for these problems and calling for maintenance before your unit totally breaks down will keep your hot water flowing and ensure a long life for your water heater.
Is the water heater in your Arlington home in need of maintenance? Contact The Plumbing Doctor at 703-525-9280 and schedule a service call today!