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Edited By Chase Clements, McClatchy Media Commerce
When a water heater starts acting up, it’s easy to assume the problem will resolve itself as long as there’s still some hot water. But inconsistent temperatures, strange noises, or water that’s suddenly much hotter than usual can all point to developing water heater problems.
Knowing the signs of water heater failure can help homeowners address an issue before it becomes a bigger repair.
For homeowners looking for water heater repair in Fort Worth, Amy Longspaugh, President and General Manager of ClearWater Plumbers, a trusted plumbing company serving the Tarrant County area, recommends starting with the basics: the unit’s age and maintenance history.
Pay Attention to Inconsistent Temperatures
If your shower starts hot and suddenly turns cold, or your water temperature fluctuates throughout the day, don’t automatically assume the water heater is failing.
“Maintenance history can also help determine if a water heater can be saved with a smaller fix,” Longspaugh said.
Water heaters typically last about eight to 12 years with proper maintenance, so the unit’s age and history can help determine whether the problem is repairable or whether replacement is getting closer.
A recirculation system can also affect how quickly hot water reaches your fixtures. These systems are particularly helpful in larger homes where a bathroom may be far from the water heater.
Don’t Ignore Unusual Noises
Water heaters generally shouldn’t make much noise during normal operation. If you hear popping or other unusual sounds, it’s worth paying attention.
“Sometimes, there can be popping during heating cycles, which can be an indication of sediment buildup,” Longspaugh said.
Over time, sediment can collect inside a tank and make the unit work harder to heat your water. Longspaugh recommends flushing both tank and tankless water heaters once a year to help remove buildup and prolong their lifespan.
However, flushing an older tank that has never been maintained can sometimes create its own problems.
“If a water heater is more than 5 years old and has never been flushed, we will not recommend flushing,” she said, because a significant amount of sediment could come loose and damage the tank’s inner lining.
Watch for Excessively Hot Water
Homeowners may be more likely to notice water that isn’t hot enough, but excessively hot water can also be one of the signs you need a new water heater or at least a professional inspection.
“Excessively hot water can mean certain elements of the heater could be failing and cause overheating,” Longspaugh said.
Other factors can shorten a water heater’s expected lifespan, including improper installation, lack of maintenance, high water pressure, and poor water quality. Higher-traffic households may also see somewhat shorter lifespans, although regular maintenance can still help a unit reach its expected lifespan.
Longspaugh noted that healthy household water pressure is generally between 60 and 80 PSI. Higher pressure can contribute to leaks from water lines and connections around the heater.
Know When to Call a Professional
Not every water heater problem means you need a new unit. Symptoms can sometimes point homeowners in the wrong direction altogether. Longspaugh said hot water slab leaks, for example, can look like a water heater problem because the most noticeable symptom is a lack of hot water.
“Whenever homeowners have hot water slab leaks, they typically point to a water heater issue first,” she said.
In reality, hot water may be leaking beneath the slab, causing the water heater to take longer to refill.
If your water heater is showing new symptoms, particularly if it’s nearing the end of its expected lifespan, it’s best not to experiment with resets, draining, or other DIY fixes.
“Attempting to reset or drain on your own can cause more problems than it solves,” Longspaugh noted.
For homeowners searching for water heater repair in Fort Worth, a professional inspection from the experts at ClearWater Plumbers can help determine whether a repair, maintenance, or replacement is the appropriate next step.
ClearWater Plumbers also offers its Otter Club Membership to Tarrant County customers, which includes a complimentary annual water heater flush, among its many other maintenance benefits.
Do What You Otter, Call ClearWater!
JP Shaffer is a writer with the Vuepoint Content Studio. He has extensive writing experience across health and wellness, travel and financial content. Vuepoint Content Studio produces content for news publishers worldwide, Fortune 500 brands and local businesses.
McClatchy Commerce
Based in Kansas City, Chase Clements is the Commerce Content Manager for McClatchy.