8 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore in Your Water Heater

Water heaters, our saving grace on a cold winter day, are a modern commodity that is usually taken for granted while they quietly perform their duties. However, these heaters are not immune to breaking down, and you must have a well-functioning water heating system in your home at all times. Otherwise, it can lead to costly repairs.

If you suspect something might be wrong with your water heating system, don’t overlook the warning signs. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to spot any potential troubles and save yourself a pretty penny.

1. Low water pressure

One of the first warning signs that there could be an issue with your water heater is low water pressure. Low water pressure could indicate a potential leak that is causing the situation.

This problem could also be due to corroding pipes or mineral deposits. Mineral deposits happen when minerals and sediments within the water build up over time, which is often a common cause of low water pressure.

2. Unpleasant odours

Another sign to look out for is unpleasant odours coming from the drains in your sink or toilet. These smells could be the result of many issues, such as clogs in the piping system, problems with the septic tank, a damaged sewer line, or even bacteria buildup.

Similar to how mineral deposits accumulate in pipes, bacterial buildup is the result of bits of food and grease that haven’t been properly broken down, leading to undesirable smells. It’s important to address this issue quickly, as it could impact your business and, potentially, your health and the health of those around you.

3. Discoloured water

One of the most obvious signs that there is trouble with your water heater is having discoloured water appear when you turn your sink or shower on. Having rusty water is a major red flag that something is wrong and needs to be checked out immediately by a professional plumber in Toronto.

This issue can cause your appliances to discolour themselves and, consequently, be damaged by the rust-coloured water.

4. Unusual noises

If you pass by your water heater and you hear strange noises coming from it, this could be an indication that something is wrong. These noises can be clanging, bubbling, or gurgling sounds, which could be caused by a number of malfunctions.

Such sounds may result from sediment and mineral accumulation in the pipes or from loose connections and valves in your plumbing system over time.

5. Water leaks

Whether you notice a small leak or a large one, as soon as you see it, call a plumber in Toronto immediately. If left unattended, water damage can cause mildew, mould, and even jeopardize the structural integrity of the building.

A tank-style water heater can typically be broken down into two sections: the top and the bottom. When a leak occurs, depending on whether it’s coming from the top or the bottom, it can be due to a plethora of things. Let’s break down where the leak could be coming from, depending on its location in the water tank.

Top Tank Leak Sources

If the leak appears to be coming from the top, this could be due to either the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P), the overflow pipe from this valve, the cold water supply valve, or the hot water outlet pipe. Leaks from the top of the gas tank can also mean that there is a faulty seal or gasket on one of the previous components listed.

Bottom Tank Leak Sources

Should the leak be coming from the bottom of the water heater tank, the culprit could be buildups from sediments or minerals, a loose drain valve, or seals that could have weakened over time. In more extreme cases, a leak at the bottom of your water heater could indicate a crack in it, which, if left unattended, could result in more water damage to your home.

6. Frequent clogs

If you notice that your drains, sinks, or toilets are always getting clogged no matter what you do, this is yet another indicator that something is wrong with your water heating system.

Damaged pipes, buildup of grease, or even tree roots that have gotten into your water pipes could be the cause. To prevent any further damage, calling the nearest plumber in Toronto is the best course of action to take in this case.

7. Slow water drainage

Going off of the previous point about clogs, water draining slowly is one of the most common warning signs that is easy to recognize and, depending on the case, rectifies fairly quickly. Slow draining of water can be a result of blockages that start to form in the piping system, which, if not addressed quickly, can lead to severe clogs.

8. Suspiciously increasing water bills

If your monthly water bills seem to be constantly on the rise despite not using more water than normal, there could be an issue with your water heater. Previously undetected leaks could be the root cause of this problem.

If ignored, these leaks could lead to even more damage, such as the structural integrity issues discussed earlier. It’s important to contact a professional plumber if you have even the slightest concern about your water bills to make sure everything is working properly.

Consult a Professional Plumber

The warning signs listed above are just some of the many indicators that there could be an issue with your water heater. Taking the time to do regular maintenance checkups, such as keeping an eye on your water bills, looking for leaks, or noticing any signs of discolouration or odours, are all great preventative habits to have.

It’s common that, after years of consistent use, issues may occur with your water heater, regardless of how well you take care of it. This is why having regular checkups from professional plumbers in Toronto is essential for the upkeep of your water heater.

For more information about water heaters, call Brothers Plumbing at 800-741-8471 or contact us here.