How to Tell if Your Hot Water Heater is Broken

• No hot water. This is the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your hot water heater. If you turn on the hot water faucet and nothing comes out, or if the water is only lukewarm, it’s time to call a plumber.
• Low water pressure. Even if you do have hot water coming out of the faucet, it may be coming out at a much lower pressure than usual. This is a sign that the heating element in your hot water heater is not working properly.
• Strange noises. Your hot water heater should make some noise as it works, but if you start hearing strange noises, such as banging, rumbling, or hissing, it’s a sign that something is wrong. These noises can be caused by a number of problems, including sediment buildup, a faulty heating element, or a leak.
• Leaks. If you see any signs of water leaking around your hot water heater, it’s a serious problem. Leaks can cause water damage to your home, so it’s important to have them fixed as soon as possible.
• Discolored water. If your hot water starts to look murky or rusty, it’s a sign that there’s a problem with your hot water heater. This can be caused by sediment buildup, a faulty heating element, or a leak.
• Shortage of hot water. If you used to be able to take long, hot showers without running out of hot water, but now you find yourself running out after a few minutes, it’s a sign that your hot water heater is not working as efficiently as it used to. This can be caused by a number of problems, including sediment buildup, a faulty heating element, or a leak.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your hot water heater checked by a qualified plumber as soon as possible. A broken hot water heater can be a major inconvenience, and it can also lead to water damage to your home.

How to Test Your Hot Water Heater

If you’re not sure if your hot water heater is broken, you can try testing it yourself. Here are a few simple tests you can do:

• Check the temperature. Turn on the hot water faucet and let the water run for a few minutes. The water should be hot enough to take a shower or bath. If the water is only lukewarm, or if it takes a long time to get hot, it’s a sign that your hot water heater is not working properly.
• Check the pressure. Turn on the hot water faucet and hold your hand under the stream of water. The water should come out with a strong pressure. If the water pressure is low, it’s a sign that the heating element in your hot water heater is not working properly.
• Listen for noises. Stand near your hot water heater and listen for any strange noises. If you hear banging, rumbling, or hissing, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
• Look for leaks. Check around your hot water heater for any signs of water leaking. If you see any water, it’s a serious problem.

If you do any of these tests and you find that your hot water heater is not working properly, it’s important to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Calling a Plumber

If you think your hot water heater is broken, the best thing to do is to call a qualified plumber. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, the problem may be simple and can be fixed quickly. In other cases, the hot water heater may need to be replaced.

Conclusion

Your hot water heater is an important appliance, and it’s important to keep it in good working order. By knowing the signs that your hot water heater is broken, you can take steps to prevent water damage to your home and avoid inconvenience.

If you live in the Burlington, Greensboro, or Chapel Hill area, we recommend calling At Your Service Plumbing & Pumps. At Your Service has been serving the Triangle area since 2009, and they have a team of experienced plumbers who can diagnose and repair any problem with your hot water heater.

Don’t wait until your hot water heater breaks down completely. Call us to schedule water heater repair today. We also offer professional water heater installation services, should you need a new water heater installed.

Call At Your Service Plumbing & Pumps Today!

Burlington Area: (336) 739-1025
Chapel Hill Area: (919) 306-9448