What do you really know about your storage tank water heater? Well, you probably know whether it’s gas or electric and if it supplies an ample supply of hot water: morning, noon and night.
Here are few things you might not know:
- It sucks up a lot of energy to keep your water heated 24/7.
- It uses more household energy than anything else except your heating and cooling system.
- It has an average lifespan of 10-12 years so, the better you take care of it, the more you can get for your money.
Your water heater also can make a boat load of noises, each of them a sign of trouble. By knowing what they are, you can avoid involved and potentially costly repairs.
1. Pop Goes the Water Heater
When your system starts audibly popping, it’s usually a sign of excess mineral deposits inside the tank. This problem is more likely to occur in homes with hard water.
Eventually, the buildup of gunk inside the tank may trap water beneath it. Pressure then builds up, steam bubbles form, and then comes the popping. So, from time to time, have your storage tank flushed to remove mineral deposits. Also, have your water tested to see if a water softener can help prevent all sorts of home problems.
If your system starts screeching like an owl, it probably means the inlet control valve is partially closed, thus preventing water flowing freely through the pipes. If you know where that valve is located, simply turn it to the wide open position and the sound should stop.
Condensation can form on a gas water heater’s burner. You may not enjoy the crackling sound, but it doesn’t indicate a system problem. If it persists, Connor Plumbing can put an end to the crackling.
This could be the most troublesome of the four water heater noise issues we’ve covered, because it might just mean your system needs to be replaced. Sizzling occurs when a leak forms and water drips onto the burner. Leaks occur due to a build-up of rust and corrosion inside the tank, and that’s not a repairable matter.
As we stated earlier, your water heater wasn’t built to last forever. But with regular preventive maintenance, it can outlast its projected lifespan and give years of problem-free performance.
Contact Connor Plumbing today to schedule a comprehensive water heater safety and performance check. After all, your water heater shouldn’t be a cause of worry.
