5 Signs Your Water Heater Is Failing
July 31, 2024
Water heaters offer convenience and comfort all year round, providing a reliable hot water supply for bathing, cleaning, and cooking. That said, maintaining its optimal condition is crucial. While this appliance typically lasts years, encountering issues along the way is unavoidable. Here are some signs of water heater failure to look out for:
- Inconsistent Hot Water Supply
If you notice your hot water supply running out too quickly, it should be a cause for concern. This issue can result from insufficient flushing and maintenance, resulting in sediment buildup that reduces the space in your tank for water. If left unaddressed, flushing may not be enough to restore your heater’s functionality.
On the other hand, if you have an electric heater and experience an irregular hot water supply, it may be caused by mechanical or electrical issues. When this occurs, have your unit inspected immediately to prevent further damage. - Irregular Hot Water Temperatures
Your heater should maintain a steady hot water temperature. So, when it starts supplying lukewarm or even cold water, it’s a clear sign that something’s wrong. This inconsistency might be due to failing heater elements or thermostat issues. A plumbing technician can help you identify the root cause of your water heater problems. - Leaking Water Heater
Dripping pipes, moisture, and pooling water around your heater indicates a leak. It may result from loose connections, damaged valves, or extreme corrosion that suggests the need for repair or replacement. Leaky plumbing could lead to water damage and mold growth that could put your household at risk, so immediate action is crucial. - Rusty or Discolored Water
Water discoloration can be caused by rust buildup inside your heater. This indicates that your tank is slowly corroding, and the anode rod—the component responsible for preventing rusting—has worn down and needs replacement. Consult an expert to determine if replacing the anode rod can fix your water heater. - Old Age
Although your water heater is still functioning, it has a limited service life. Depending on the manufacturer, it may last around 8 to 12 years. When your unit reaches this age, you’ll experience reduced effectiveness and other issues requiring expensive repairs. Installing a new water heater ensures peak performance and increased cost efficiency.
Learning about signs of water heater failure can help determine whether your unit needs a repair or replacement. If you want a closer inspection by an expert, contact us at NorthStar Plumbing and Drain Cleaning. Aside from water heater maintenance, we also offer sewer line cleaning and other plumbing services in Fargo, ND.
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season picks up, it’s easy to put home maintenance on the back burner. But if you want to avoid costly plumbing issues this fall and winter, now is the perfect time to knock out a few important fixes. Here are 5 plumbing tasks every homeowner should tackle before the seasons changes and why doing them now can save you time, money, and stress later. 1. Find and Fix Hidden Leaks That tiny drip under your sink or behind the toilet might not seem like a big deal — but it adds up fast. Not only can leaks lead to water damage, but they also waste gallons of water (and dollars) every month. A quick inspection now can prevent a much bigger headache when temperatures drop and pipes become more vulnerable. 2. Test Your Sump Pump Late summer storms and early fall rain can overload your drainage system if your sump pump isn’t working properly. If it’s been a while since it was last checked, now’s the time. We’ll make sure everything is operating smoothly so you’re protected during heavy rain or unexpected snow melt. 3. Clear Out Slow Drains Are your sinks or tubs draining slower than usual? Hair, soap, and debris can build up over time, especially during the high-use summer months. A professional drain cleaning ensures water flows freely and helps prevent backups during the colder months when pipes can contract and clog more easily. 4. Inspect Your Water Heater No one wants to be stuck with a freezing shower in October. Your water heater has worked hard all summer and now’s the time for a quick inspection. We’ll check for signs of wear, flush out sediment buildup, and make sure it’s running efficiently before the weather cools. 5. Prep Your Outdoor Plumbing It’s not quite time to winterize your outdoor faucets and irrigation lines, but you can still get ahead by checking for leaks, replacing worn washers, and making sure everything shuts off properly. Come October, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. ✅ Ready to Prep Your Plumbing for Fall? NorthStar Plumbing & Drain Cleaning offers honest, reliable service for Fargo–Moorhead homeowners whether you need a quick fix, routine checkup, or full system inspection. Book your pre-fall plumbing service now and step into the new season with confidence.
🚿☀️ Summer plumbing issues don’t take a vacation. Are You Ready?
From leaky outdoor faucets to basement flooding and overworked drains, July brings a unique set of challenges for your home’s plumbing.
We’re breaking down the top plumbing problems to watch for this month and how to prevent them. ✅
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