Most homeowners don’t think much about their water heater on a day-to-day basis. However, if they no longer have hot water, things change quickly. The good news is, there are very few incidents where a water heater just fails all of a sudden.
In fact, in most cases, a Water Heater in Tacoma is going to show signs of a problem. Learn how to recognize there’s an issue with the information here.
Old Age
If the water heater is over 10 years old, it is likely that it needs attention. There are some heaters that can last for up to 15 years assuming they have received preventative maintenance through the years.
To figure out the age of a unit, look at the first four digits of the unit’s serial number. In most cases, these are going to indicate the month and the year it was manufactured. If a homeowner isn’t sure, they can look up the serial number of the unit’s manufacturer’s website.
Strange Sounds
As a water heater works, it will begin to collect mineral deposits on the heating element and sediment will accumulate at the base of the tank. When the water warms up, a homeowner may begin to hear rumbling, crackling, and popping sounds. All of these noises are good indications that the unit is working too hard or that the sediment is causing damage to the interior of the tank.
A helpful tip is to flush the tank regularly. In most cases, a yearly flush will help to prevent this damaging sediment build-up.
No Hot Water
If the water isn’t hot, it is a clear indication there’s a problem. If a homeowner has a gas unit, they may need to relight the pilot and for electrical units, they can check the circuit breaker. If this doesn’t work, it is a good idea to go ahead and call the pros for an official diagnosis.
When it comes to a Water Heater in Tacoma, there are more than a few issues that may arise. Getting to know what these problems are is the best way to ensure that a complete breakdown doesn’t occur.
