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SPONSORED CONTENT is content paid for by a partner. The McClatchy Commerce Content team, which is independent from our newsroom, oversees this content.<\/p>\n
Edited By Chase Clements, McClatchy Media Commerce<\/p>\n
When a water heater starts acting up, it\u2019s easy to assume the problem will resolve itself as long as there\u2019s still some hot water. But inconsistent temperatures, strange noises, or water that\u2019s suddenly much hotter than usual can all point to developing water heater problems.<\/p>\n
Knowing the signs of water heater failure can help homeowners address an issue before it becomes a bigger repair.<\/p>\n
For homeowners looking for water heater repair in Fort Worth, Amy Longspaugh, President and General Manager of ClearWater Plumbers<\/a>, a trusted plumbing company serving the Tarrant County area, recommends starting with the basics: the unit\u2019s age and maintenance history.<\/p>\n \u200bPay Attention to Inconsistent Temperatures\u200b<\/p>\n If your shower starts hot and suddenly turns cold, or your water temperature fluctuates throughout the day, don\u2019t automatically assume the water heater is failing.<\/p>\n \u200b\u201cMaintenance history can also help determine if a water heater can be saved with a smaller fix,\u201d Longspaugh said.<\/p>\n Water heaters typically last about eight to 12 years with proper maintenance, so the unit\u2019s age and history can help determine whether the problem is repairable or whether replacement is getting closer.\u200b<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Ignore Unusual Noises Water heaters generally shouldn\u2019t make much noise during normal operation. If you hear popping or other unusual sounds, it\u2019s worth paying attention.<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes, there can be popping during heating cycles, which can be an indication of sediment buildup,\u201d Longspaugh said.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n However, flushing an older tank that has never been maintained can sometimes create its own problems.<\/p>\n \u201cIf a water heater is more than 5 years old and has never been flushed, we will not recommend flushing,\u201d she said, because a significant amount of sediment could come loose and damage the tank\u2019s inner lining.<\/p>\n Watch for Excessively Hot Water<\/p>\n \u200bHomeowners may be more likely to notice water that isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n \u201cExcessively hot water can mean certain elements of the heater could be failing and cause overheating,\u201d Longspaugh said.<\/p>\n Other factors can shorten a water heater\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWhenever homeowners have hot water slab leaks, they typically point to a water heater issue first,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n In reality, hot water may be leaking beneath the slab, causing the water heater to take longer to refill.<\/p>\n If your water heater is showing new symptoms, particularly if it\u2019s nearing the end of its expected lifespan, it\u2019s best not to experiment with resets, draining, or other DIY fixes.<\/p>\n \u201cAttempting to reset or drain on your own can cause more problems than it solves,\u201d Longspaugh noted.<\/p>\n For homeowners searching for water heater repair in Fort Worth, a professional inspection from the experts at ClearWater Plumbers<\/a> can help determine whether a repair, maintenance, or replacement is the appropriate next step.<\/p>\n ClearWater Plumbers<\/a> also offers its Otter Club Membership to Tarrant County customers, which includes a complimentary annual water heater flush, among its many other maintenance benefits.<\/p>\n Do What You Otter, Call ClearWater!<\/p>\n 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.\n <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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