Signs Of A Bad Hot Water System
Many people are not aware that their hot water system is about to fail until it actually does. Since problems with water heaters worsen gradually, it is crucial to know how to spot defects. Here are some of the tell-tale signs of a bad hot water system.
Age
It's essential to determine the age of your hot water system. You can know the age of your water heater by looking at the serial number on the sticker on the heater's top section. The serial number indicates the date the system was manufactured. To understand how to decode this serial number, visit the website of the manufacturer.
The rule of thumb is to be wary of water heaters that are over ten years old. Old water systems usually have leaking issues, make strange sounds, and release unusual smells, all of which could be a sign of potential damage. It is advisable to replace old water heaters before they damage your home.
Unusual Smells and Sounds
One of the common signs that your water system is bad is an unusual taste or smell in hot water. The taste may be metallic, while the scent might be like rotten eggs. You can try hiring a plumber to clean the heater and replace the anode. These unusual smells and tastes are signs of corrosion in the tank.
Another sign of a defective water system is noise. If your water heater emits popping or rumbling sounds, then something is wrong. These sounds are caused by air trapped in the sediments in your tank. When the water heats, this trapped air tries to escape, triggering these unusual sounds. Periodic flushing can resolve the problem. However, if the sounds persist, you need to consult a plumber.
Inconsistent Temperature
If the water takes a long time to heat, there may be some sediment at the bottom of the tank. Sediment at the bottom of the tank can prevent water from heating — this is the reason you'll experience inconsistent temperature.
Many people combat this by draining the water tank. However, this is not enough to resolve the issue since most of the sludge and water will remain in your tank. It is recommended that you drain the tank at least twice a year to prevent an accumulation of sediment and keep consistent water temperature.
Endnote
Hot water systems are crucial for providing hot water in your household. However, sometimes these systems may fail to work correctly, which could be caused by several different things. The most common signs of a corrupt water system are if you have an old system, unusual smells and sounds, and inconsistent temperature.
To learn more about hot water systems, contact a plumber,
