5 must know signs of hot water heater repair
There are five indicators to be aware to keep the hot water heater in your Colorado Springs home in top performing condition and to avoid the mess that can come with a leak or repair.
The age of your hot water heater matters
Do you know how old your hot water heater is? Most water heaters will only last 10-15 years. If yours is nearing this range, you may need to consider getting a new hot water heater before serious damage occurs.
Boiling Hot Tip: The serial number secretly contains the manufacture date of your hot water heater, but the date is written differently than normal dates. The letter at the start of the serial number corresponds to the month (ex: F is the 6th letter, so the 6th month is June), followed by two numbers that stand for the year.
Learn more: How to tell the age of your make of hot water heater
Is your hot water still running clear?
You may notice your hot water turning a reddish, rusty color as your hot water heater is nearing the end of its life.
The water may also appear muddy or sandy. Often, in this case, a cleaning of the sediment at the bottom of the tank may be enough to bring your hot water heater back to peak performance. A buildup causes inefficient operating, costing you more to run your hot water heater.
Coloradans loathe cold showers
In Colorado Springs we love our beer cold and our showers hot. Never the other way around.
If your hot water is no longer running as hot as it used to, you may need to replace the hot water heating element. It is common for heating elements to gradually burnout, weakening the water heater’s ability to keep higher temperatures.
Replacing our heating element is a hot water heater repair best done by a qualified Colorado Springs plumber.
Steaming Hot Tip: Keep your hot water heater thermostat between 120 to 140 degrees. A lower temperature may provide warm water, but not the hot steamy shower we love.
Your water usage affects hot water heater lifespan
How much and how often do you use hot water? How big is your household?
A larger household size will draw on the hot water heater more often than a water heater that is only supporting a single person. Your hot water heater will wear out faster in this case. As your water heater nears 10 years of life, look to budget for a hot water heater repair or even replacement.
What do you hear and see?
Noise associated with your hot water heater is never a good thing.
Rumbling, loud popping and cracking sounds can show mineral buildup inside the heating elements of the unit. If you hear strange sounds, it’s likely your hot water heater will stop working soon since the heater is no longer working efficiently with the buildup.
Mineral buildup in the water heater can cause the metal to wear and become brittle. Brittle metal is more likely to crack or break. If you see any water dripping or puddling at the base of the water heater or small leaks on the exterior of the unit, it may be approaching the end of its life.
Love your hot water heater and it will love you
Avoid costly repairs, replacement, and emergencies by investing in an inspection to make sure your hot water heater is in top operating shape. Colorado Springs homeowners don’t want to have a larger leak or repair in the future that is avoidable with a small investment now.
We recommend you have your hot water heater inspected each year to avoid an expensive repair and a possible messy situation.
Get your free hot water heater repair or replacement quote
Hot water heater repairs are cheaper before there is an emergency. Save time, money and avoid shivering in the shower by getting your hot water heater repaired at the first sign of trouble.
Call us for a free estimate on your Colorado Springs plumbing needs. Or click here to contact us by email for a fast response.
Call (719) 232-4720 (available 24/7)
More to read on hot water heaters
Visit the Hot Water Heater section of our blog
Visit our Colorado Springs Hot Water Heater Services page