Signs Your Water Heater is Going Bad

Signs Your Water Heater is Going Bad

It’s the height of summer, and with the heat we try to think cool. Cool rooms, cool drinks, cool showers…they all help to keep us from roasting in the high temperatures. The last thing you’re probably thinking of this time of year is taking a hot shower!

But hold on…fall is coming soon, and with it comes cooler temperatures and an increase in hot water usage. Is your water heater up to the challenge, or is it on its last legs? If you want to be able to enjoy a nice hot shower on chilly mornings throughout the fall and winter, you need to make sure your water heater is still working properly.

6 Signs Your Water Heater Is Going to Fail

Luckily there are warning signs of impending water heater failure that, if heeded, can help you avoid a worst-case scenario (i.e. no hot water at all!). If you see any of these signs, call a water heater professional who can diagnose and fix the problem, or replace the water heater altogether, if needed.

  1. Water is leaking from the heating tank – If you see water dripping from the tank or pooling under the water heater, you’ve got a leak. (You may also see water dripping from nearby pipes.) Sometimes it’s an easy fix – a valve may need closing, or a connection may need tightening. If there’s an actual leak in the tank, however, you’ll need to replace your water heater.
  2. You’re running out of hot water quickly – There’s nothing worse than having the hot water run out on you right in the middle of your shower. If you keep running out of hot water when bathing, doing the dishes, or washing your hands, that’s a sign that your water heater cannot keep up with the demand.

    One problem may be an accumulation of sediment, often due to having hard water (which Colorado is known for). The buildup of sediment leaves less space for hot water in the tank, thus causing you to run out of it quickly. Regular flushing of your water heater can help (done every other year or so), but if it doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to look into getting a new one. A plumber can make a recommendation for the best option.
  3. The water temperature is inconsistent – If your hot water runs hot, then cold, then hot, then cold…, that’s another sign of a failing water heater. Sometimes it’s just the thermostat that needs fixing, but if the heating elements are broken, you should think about just getting a new water heater, especially if it is older than 7 years.
  4. You see discolored water from the faucets – Seeing murky brown or rust-colored water from the faucets in your home? That’s a sign that the interior coating of the water heater tank is beginning to thin, causing rust to form inside the tank. Replacing the anode rods and/or flushing the unit can help, but if it doesn’t, that means the tank is probably shot.
  5. You hear strange noises in the water heater – If you hear weird noises coming from your water heater, that probably means the water heater element is going bad. This may be caused by any number of issues, so it’s best to have a professional come and take a look at it to see if it can be fixed or if you need a new unit.
  6. Your water heater is over 10 years old – Water heaters don’t last forever – in fact, they typically have a life of 10-15 years. Yes, it’s going to cost you some money, but newer units are more energy-efficient than older ones, and can save you money in the long run.

If you see any of the above signs of a failing water heater, call Garvin’s – water heater repair and water heater replacement are just a couple of the many plumbing services we offer. We’ll make sure you have plenty of hot water for the cooler months ahead!

How To Find Water Leaks Inside a Wall: Tips for Denver, CO Residents

How To Find Water Leaks Inside a Wall: Tips for Denver, CO Residents

A water leak can cause a lot of expensive damage. Worse yet, a hidden water leak inside your walls could go undetected for a long time, wasting your money and damaging your home. Fortunately, the emergency plumbers here at Garvin’s Sewer Service can detect water leaks inside walls. We can also tell you what signs to look out for so that you can be aware of possible leaks, so call us at (303) 571-5114 right away if you notice any indicators of a plumbing problem.

Signs of a Water Leak

Puddles of Water: If you see puddles of water near your wall, that’s a sign of a potential leak. The water is leaking through the wall and making it to your flooring, where it could really do damage to carpeting or hardwood.

Changes in Texture: A water leak could actually cause the wall to lose its smooth texture. If you notice spots on the wall where it looks like bubbles are popping up, that could be a sign that water is causing damage under the surface.

Discoloration: A change in the paint color could also indicate a problem. Whether you have wallpaper or drywall, a leak can eventually cause a section of your wall to fade or get washed out.

Higher Water Bills: A leak could cause an increase in your water bill. If it’s increased in recent months and there isn’t an obvious reason why, you should look for signs of leaks.

Mold and Mildew: A leak that goes on long enough could cause mold or mildew to grow. If you see dark spots on your wall that seem to cluster close together, that could be mold growing due to water leaks.

Bad Smells: You might also be able to notice a sign of a leak with your nose. Because water leaks behind your wall can cause damage and mold growth, you might actually be able to smell something musty when there’s a leak. If you notice any strange, stale smells in your home, especially by a wall, you may need the help of a plumber.

Why Water Leaks Are a Massive Problem

They Cost Money: A water leak causes damage that needs to be fixed. Water leaks can also cause your utility bill to rise, as we previously mentioned. The sooner you get one of our Denver, CO plumbing leak repair experts on the job, the less damage caused and the less money you’ll have to spend.

They Cause Health Problems: Mold growth from a leak can be a major health risk, even if you’re not allergic to it. This is why water leaks need to be taken care of quickly.

Water Leaks Can Lead to Structural Damage: The damage from water leaks isn’t just cosmetic. If one goes on long enough, it could cause structural damage to your home. This kind of damage costs a lot of money to fix.

Emergency Plumbers that You Can Rely On in Denver, CO

We offer emergency plumbing Denver, CO residents can rely on. If you have an issue with water leaks or even just think that you might, contact Garvin’s Sewer Service and ask for help. We’ll get out there right away and help you prevent leaky pipes from causing expensive damage to your home.