4 Signs Your Hot Water Heater Is Going to Fail

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Sinclaire Enterprises, Inc.

140 South St., Walpole, MA 02081
P 508.668.8200 Toll Free 877.668.8822 info@sinclaireboston.com
Master Plumber License #9530,
Sheet Metal Master-Unrestricted #5442

Modern living has many convenient aspects that we take for granted: HVAC systems, electricity and lighting, and fast & easy cooking methods, just to name a few. The benefits of a functioning hot water heater are one of the things we often enjoy without notice, that is until the water heater stops working. No one wants to suddenly discover there’s no hot water for showers, dishwashing, or laundry. Here are the top warning signs you may need water heater repair in Milton.

A Sinclaire Truck parked outside the office

How Does a Water Heater Work?

Since it’s pretty self-explanatory what a water heater is and what it does, we’ll jump straight to how it works.

Tank water heaters are the most prevalent variety, and they work by storing hot water in a tank. Older houses tend to have this kind of unit, although it is progressively becoming obsolete owing to its inefficiency. A storage tank water heater is a type of hot water heater that stores heated water until it is required.

Hot water heaters that store water have three pipes: one to bring in cold water, one to transport hot water out, and one to discharge water from the tank if the pressure or temperature within the tank becomes too high.

The tank’s heating components are situated at its base, where water from the cold water line is brought for heating. Once the hot water line is turned on, the heated water will rise to the top of the storage tank. When the hot water heater is not in use, the water in the tank stays hot. If the tank runs out of hot water, you may experience a delay as it refills.

There has been a rise in the use of tankless hot water heaters because of their reduced energy consumption. Instead of constantly operating to maintain water at a constant temperature, these systems heat water when needed. On the other hand, they may have a reduced flow rate if they do not have a built-in reservoir. Instead of storing hot water, these tanks are utilized to boost the flow rate while it is being used.

Tankless water heaters store no hot water and instead heat water on demand using a coil. Tankless hot water heaters are typically either installed on a boiler or are free-standing. Heat is produced for boiler-installed hot water heaters by the boiler itself, whereas gas-fired units with coils and heat exchangers are commonly used for freestanding hot water heaters.

Whether your water heater has a tank or not, Sinclaire Home Solutions is the trusted option for water heater repair in Bellingham.

Four Signs of a Failing Water Heater

Age or Costly Repairs

Modern home appliances aren’t designed to last a lifetime. The typical lifespan of a good water heater is between 10 and 15 years. The lifespan of your appliance may be prolonged by using a water softener and frequent effective maintenance.

Water heater repair in Milton should be affordable. However, as your water heater ages and wears down, the cost of repairs is sure to rise. Savvy homeowners will weigh the escalating cost of repairs against the expense of a new unit. Replacing the water heater is the only option when it becomes unaffordable.

Inconsistent Amounts of Hot Water or Inconsistent Temperatures

Another warning sign is lukewarm rather than hot water from the faucet. An electrical issue or sediment buildup around the burner or heating element might be to blame for a water heater that takes too long to heat the water. When this happens, replacing the heater before it breaks down completely is usually a good idea.

Asking for a water tank clean once a year is a simple way for homeowners to keep their appliances running longer with less maintenance to do so.

Nothing is more annoying than when first thing every morning a shower fluctuates in temperature. There may be a message from your water heater if you constantly change the temperature. If your water temperature suddenly shifts, consider replacing your water heater.

Rusty or Cloudy Water

When the water from the faucets is cloudy, that’s another red flag. There might be rust in the pipes or the water heater if there is a metallic taste or smell in hot water. Leaks are unavoidable if rust slowly eats away at the metal from the inside.

A water heater failure warning indicator is muddy water from the faucet. Mineral deposits in the system are responsible for the water’s murky appearance. These deposits, if allowed to accumulate, will impede water flow and eventually cause harm to the heater’s internal workings. If you are having this problem, you should immediately seek a professional water heater repair.

Leaking

There is excellent cause for the irrational anxiety that permeates the minds of all homeowners over water damage. Get a professional to inspect your water heating unit if you see water flowing from pipes, leaking from the tank, or pooling around it. Adjusting the pressure, replacing the valve, or re-tightening the connections might fix the issue for a quick fix in a pinch.

The temperature/pressure relief (TPR) valve may be broken, or a connection may need to be repaired. Overheating may occur if the technician waits to repair the TPR valve after determining that it is the source of the leak. If the tank is leaking, it may have corrosion or a fracture. Any water heater with a leaking tank should be replaced immediately.

Where to Turn for Water Heater Repair in Milton

For more than 70 years, Sinclaire Home Services has been providing trustworthy water heater repair in Milton and Bellingham, and the rest of the larger Massachusetts region. The firm has grown from its humble beginnings as a heating oil provider to become an industry pioneer in indoor solutions for enhanced quality of life and reduced utility bills. Our firm has been handed down for three generations, and we are proud to be able to claim that consistency.

Heating, air conditioning, heating oil, and plumbing are the four service areas where Sinclaire Home Services excels. The professionals on our HVAC team are adept at every stage of the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), from planning to execution to upkeep. We have extensive experience with both residential and business clients to provide to all of our clients as well.

For water heater repair in Bellingham, MA or other HVAC concerns, contact Sinclaire Home Services today to schedule a home visit.