Warning Signs of a Broken Water Heater

Introduction

If you’ve noticed any of the signs of a broken water heater, call your plumber immediately. A busted hot water heater can lead to some serious problems in your home and could even cause minor or major injuries. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common signs that indicate a problem with your hot water heater as well as what steps you can take to prevent this from happening again in the future.

Your water is discolored

If your water is discolored, it could be because sediment has built up in your tank. To avoid this, try to get into a routine of cleaning out your tank once every six months (or more often if you have more than one person in the house). It’s also important to know that if you have rust stains on any fixtures or tubs from which you use hot water, it may be time for a new heater as well.

Your water is too hot or not hot enough

If your water is too hot, you’re risking scalding and other health hazards. If it’s too low, you’re losing energy and water.

How to test the temperature of your water

  • Try running the tap for a few minutes to see if the temperature is consistent throughout. If not, check the thermostat setting on the heater.
  • Another way to check is by placing an ice cube or two into a glass of water and waiting a minute or two before drinking (or picking it up!). The ice should melt within that time frame; if not, there might be something wrong with your heater!

You have a leak around your water heater

When you’re taking care of a water heater, it’s important to know how to spot and prevent leaks. Leaks can be dangerous for both you and your home, especially if they lead to a burst pipe or flooding.

If you notice any water on the floor around your water heater, check for any signs of rust or corrosion. If the leak is coming from inside the tank itself—in which case it may be too late—check that all connections are tightly screwed in place and that there aren’t any cracks in the tank itself.

You hear unusual noises

If you hear unusual noises coming from the water heater, it could be a sign that something is wrong. The most common cause of a clanging sound is sediment build-up. Sediment can form between the burner and its flame arrester over time, creating pressure when heated. Another cause of noise is a bad thermostat or gas valve. Usually this will produce an intermittent buzzing sound, but if left unchecked it can become louder until the burner blows out entirely.

If you notice any of these things, call you plumber to come take a look.

If you notice any of these things, call you plumber to come take a look. They’ll be able to tell you if your water heater is broken and how much it will cost to fix it.

To learn more about the different warning signs of a failing water heater, check this article from Rheem Philippines, the leading provider of single-point or multipoint water heaters in the Philippines. We have provided our patrons with the best warm water experience with our wide range of water heater tanks in the Philippines for decades. 

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