Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention

The water heater is one of the most important features on the property because it gives you access to warm or hot water at any time of the day. It can be easy to take the water heater for granted until you're bathing and there isn't any hot water available. There are a few important signs that your water heater needs a repair, so pay attention to the signs discussed below to ensure you schedule the necessary repairs.

A Leak

You may notice leaks on the top of the water heater. If there is a leak, water will begin near the nipples at the top of the unit. There may even be rust that has formed due to the moisture, which indicates corrosion has started to develop on the various parts of the tank. Unfortunately, replacing the parts can be difficult without the right tools and experience. Hire a professional to perform water heater repair to stop the leaks.

A Lack of Hot Water

There may be a lack of hot water when you wash the dishes or take a shower. This is often because too much sediment has accumulated inside the tank. It's important to flush the water heater and drain all of the water out to remove the sediment.

You can flush your own water heater by turning off the water supply, connecting a garden hose to the drain valve, running hot water out of a bathtub or sink, and then turning the water supply back on and letting it run until the water runs clear. However, you may want to leave this task to a professional to ensure it is done correctly.

A Failed Gas Valve

You may have noticed that your gas valve has started to malfunction. The gas valve is located on the side of the water tank near the pilot light control and thermostat. If the water heater is fairly new, you can replace the valve with the help of a professional. Since dealing with gas can be dangerous, it’s usually best to call a qualified professional to take care of it. However, if the water heater is close to eight years old, it may be time to replace the entire appliance.

A Malfunctioning Pilot Light

The pilot light may also fail to stay lit due to a failed thermocouple, which prevents fires and explosions from occurring. Thermocouples tend to wear out rather quickly, so if your pilot light isn’t lit, the thermocouple is probably to blame. 

If the thermocouple isn't working properly, you'll notice that you don't have much hot water present in the house. Fortunately, this type of issue is a quick and easy fix. It also isn't too expensive to repair but should be left to a professional to avoid making mistakes that can put your safety at risk.

There are a few common signs that your water heater needs attention. Contacting a water heater repair technician can allow you to rely on a professional to restore the operation of the weather heater and reduce the risk of future problems that develop.