Signs of a Failing Water Heater
Hot Water Runs Out Quickly
This is one of the most common signs of failing in gas water heaters and electric water heaters alike. Even the most efficient and long-lasting water heaters eventually slow down. Luckily, if you’re running into this issue, you still have time to get it fixed.
Like other water heater issues, always double-check that external factors aren’t causing it. If you run out of hot water too quickly once, this isn’t an issue. When it’s a pattern, though, you want to call for professional help.
Leaking Around the Tank
This is another dead giveaway of a failing water heater. Old, tank-type water heaters will eventually leak. This is often caused by old fittings failing. If that’s the case, you can probably have the fitting repaired instead of replaced. If the leak comes from a cracked tank, though, you’ll need a replacement.
No Hot Water or Lukewarm water
If your pilot light is out, you can relight it safely. If you aren’t comfortable doing that, though, you can call for professional help to make sure it’s done properly. If your pilot light goes out routinely, though, your water heater is probably failing.
No Hot Water: This could be one of multiple issues either from pilot light out, to a bad thermostat or element if you have an electric water heater. Sometimes we even see no hot water caused by a bad shower faucet making cold water cross into the hot water pipe.
If you have no hot water, you’ll want to schedule a professional consult.
