Storage tank water heaters last up to 12 years, while tankless water heaters could have a 20-year lifespan. During this period, your water heater needs annual maintenance to extend its lifespan as long as possible. Without inspections, your water heater may gradually break down until it abruptly shuts off, leaving you with cold showers.
Common Water Heater Issues
A lack of cold water is an immediate warning sign. Gas heaters have a pilot light that ignites the gas to heat your water. If the pilot light keeps going out and the room isn’t drafty, you might have dirty or broken equipment that smothers the flame. Turn off your water heater if the flame turns yellow because carbon monoxide (CO) could leak out.
For electric heaters, cold water could result from faulty wiring or a broken heating element. If your heater keeps tripping the circuit breaker, your electric system may be close to overload.
Houses with hard water often experience mineral buildup. You might notice discolored water or a whitish crust on the equipment, indicating that you need a water softener. In the meantime, plumbers could clean your water heater and make the water fresh again.
Likewise, foul odors could indicate bacterial growth inside the water heater tank. You’ll need a plumber to flush out the water heater and remove gunk, bacteria and sediment.
Water leaks have various culprits. You might have a cracked tank, loose drain rod, corroded anode rod or broken pressure valve. Whatever the case, you’ll need immediate service before the leak causes water damage.
What Happens During an Inspection?
When professionals arrive, they’ll perform a visual inspection to check for leaks, cracks and damage. Next, they’ll test your equipment and check the rods, flame or heating element. They may flush the tank and test the water quality. Finally, they’ll give recommendations if they find issues.
Who Needs An Inspection?
All homeowners need an annual water heater inspection. If your water heater is acting strangely, you might need extra maintenance before the one-year mark. We recommend replacing your water heater if it needs multiple appointments each year. Frequent repairs may indicate that it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
How Do Inspections Prevent Water Heater Failure?
Water heater inspections prevent failure by allowing plumbers to catch issues early on. When you seal a minor leak, repair the tank or flush out the sediment, you’re less likely to need major repairs later. You’ll also get the chance to upgrade old equipment before it breaks down unexpectedly.
After your inspection, call Royal Plumbing for water heater service in Redding, CA. We start with a free estimate and perform various services, including water heater repair and replacement, to maintain your hot water supply.
