Tank water heaters are usually out of sight, out of mind, and as long as they’re doing their job, we don’t tend to pay a lot of attention to them. This can be a big mistake. The generally wet weather here in Olympia, WA can lead to rust and corrosion very quickly, and problems with your water heater have a way of sneaking up on you if you’re not careful. You can prevent some of it by scheduling routine maintenance sessions from a trained plumber at least once or twice a year. He or she will clear the sediment out of the bottom, replace the anode rod to prevent rust and perform other duties to keep those repairs to a minimum.
Sooner or later, however, every system encounters trouble, and your water heater is no different. If you can watch for signs of water heater damage, you have a good chance of getting a jump on any problems before they get too dire.
Puddles Are Problems
A puddle around a fitting or seal can mean a comparatively minor problem with one component that a trained technician can correct. More distressing are puddles that seem to have no source. Breaches in the water tank can appear to close when the water inside cools. If you spot water around your tank, call in a repair person immediately.
Weird Sounds
When sediment builds up on the bottom of the tank, the water can make gurgling noises as it moves through them. Hissing, groaning and humming noises indicate similar issues as well. Any sound that you don’t associate with the regular functioning of the water heater suggests a significant issue that you should pay careful attention to going forward.
The moment you spot signs of water heater damage, call the experts at Brooks Plumbing immediately!
