The Maynard Man Shares Signs of a Failing Water Heater

The Maynard Man wants you to know that we’re always here whenever you have a home comfort need. The problem is, homeowners don’t always know when they need service!

Some of the signs that a system needs repairs can be subtle, and a water heater is no different. These systems are durable and long-lasting as a result, but they do still require regular maintenance to stay in good shape, and professional repairs.

Read on as we uncover some of the signs that your water heater is failing, and needs repair (or even replacement).

Leakage

There is only one spot on your water heater where it is relatively “normal” to see a leak, and that is coming from your pressure relief valve.

You should be checking on your water heater every now and then to ensure that there aren’t leaks coming from any other spot. The problem is, if the leak is coming from the tank itself, it could mean that the tank needs to be replaced.

If the leak is coming from the line that leads into or out of the water heater, then you may need repiping. Whatever the case, a leak is something that needs to be addressed right away.

Low Heating Output

Maybe one of the biggest indications that your water heater is failing is that you notice it’s not able to give you as much hot water as it use to be able to.

There are a few different possible culprits here, with the most common being a sediment buildup on the bottom of a tank. This sediment comes from hard water and can insulate the burner assembly so that your water doesn’t get as hot or you have uneven heating. This is part of the reason maintenance is so important–we flush out your tank during this service so sediment isn’t a problem.

It’s also possible there’s a problem with the burner assembly itself or heating coil in an electric water heater. “Dead zones” can happen in aging heating coils, and burner assemblies can have carbon particle buildup that clogs up the jets.

Regardless of the cause, only a professional can provide the solution!

Odd Temperature Fluctuations

If you notice frequent or sudden shifts in the temperature of the water that’s coming from your faucets or appliances, it’s probably an issue with your water heater. It’s typically caused by a cracked or broken dip tube, which is the component of your water heater that guides all freshwater to the bottom of the tank, where it gets heated.

If this process is disrupted due to a broken dip tube, then you may get intermittent cold water along with your hot water.

These are just a few of the symptoms that may be present in a failing water heater. Please give us a call if you notice anything out of the ordinary at all!

Need a Helping Hand, Call the Maynard Man! We provide professional water heater services in Nashville and more. Contact us today!

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