Your hot water tank is one of the most important appliances in your home. We use hot water daily for cooking, cleaning, and bathing, yet we rarely give our water heater a second thought – until something goes wrong.
Your water heater works hard daily to provide your home with hot water and requires regular maintenance to run efficiently. Most water heaters last 8 to 12 years before needing to be replaced, but regular maintenance can help extend their lifespan.
What is a Hot Water Tank?
Your home’s hot water tank, a water heater or storage tank, is a large cylindrical tank typically located in your basement or attic. These tanks use either natural gas or electricity to hold and heat water until you’re ready to use it.
What Causes a Hot Water Tank to Malfunction?
Your water heater is a complex appliance with many components. With regular maintenance, wear and tear can prevent your hot water tank from stopping working effectively. Here are a few things that could cause your tank to malfunction:
- Sediment Build-Up: Over time, sediment and minerals, including calcium and magnesium, can build up in the bottom of your hot water tank. The more the sediment builds up, the harder it is for your tank’s heating element to work, and eventually, the heater will fail.
- Rust: Your water heater has a piece called an anode rod that prevents rust and corrosion in your tank. However, rust can begin spreading in the tank if the anode rod fails.
- Incorrect Water Pressure: Water pressure that is too high can cause damage to your hot water tank.
- Age: Unfortunately, your water heater won’t last forever. If your hot water tank is over ten years old, it might be time to consider a replacement.
How do I know if my Hot Water Tank Needs Maintenance?
Here are a few signs your water heater needs maintenance:
1. Inconsistent Water Temperature
Inconsistent water temperature is often a sign that something is wrong. If you notice fluctuations in temperature or if your water goes from hot to cold quickly, your hot water tank needs some maintenance. A deteriorating heating element, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a mineral build-up in your tank could cause the issue.
It’s also possible that the water heater isn’t large enough to meet your household’s needs. Has your hot water consumption recently increased? If so, nothing might be wrong with the heater, but you may need to replace it with a bigger unit.
2. Rust or Corrosion
If you notice that the hot water coming out of your taps is brown, yellow, or discolored in any way, it’s probably because of rust or corrosion in your tank. Discolored water is usually a sign that your tank’s metal anode rod is rusted. This anode rod should be regularly examined and replaced when necessary.
3. Strange Sounds
A little noise coming from your water heater is normal. However, if you hear loud banging, popping, rumbling, or cracking sounds, this is a cause for concern. These noises are typically caused by sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank. As this sediment accumulates, it can insulate the heating element, causing it to overheat and eventually fail. You should aim to drain your water heater at least once a year to prevent the build-up of sediment and minerals at the bottom of the tank.
4. Leaking Water
Water leaking or pooling around your hot tank is never a good sign. Leaking water is often caused by a damaged or failing pressure relief valve or a crack in your tank. Turn off your water heater and call a professional plumber immediately.
5. Higher Energy Bills
Your water heater can account for up to 20% of your monthly utility bills. If you’ve noticed a recent increase in your natural gas or electric bills (depending on the type of water heater you have), it could be because of sediment build-up in your hot water tank. This can lead to your water heater needing to work more efficiently than it once did.
6. It’s Been Over a Year Since Your Last Check-Up
Ideally, you will perform preventative maintenance on your hot water tank before you run into any of these issues. It’s important to regularly inspect your water heater for cracks, rust, or other issues. You can do basic maintenance yourself, but calling a professional plumber for regular check-ups is the best way to prevent problems from occurring and extend the life of your water heater.
We use hot water daily, and it’s important to know when your water heater needs maintenance. If you’ve noticed any warning signs in your home, contact us today at Lynn’s Winnipeg.