Most homeowners don’t think about their water heaters until something goes wrong: the water appears cloudy or fails to warm, puddles form around the heater, or otherwise. Yet watching for these signs can help you determine when to call in service professionals. If you’ve noticed any of the indicators listed below or your unit is over 10 years old, you may need water heater repair or replacement.

Alexandria, VA, home- and business owners can rely on Hicks Plumbing Service for all their plumbing and related service needs. In addition to water heater installation and maintenance, we offer high-quality drain cleaning, water line, sewer line, sump pump, and general plumbing services. Previous customers rave about our technical expertise and professionalism on the job. To learn more or to schedule a service appointment, call (703) 803-7466 today.

Below, we outline the water heater indicators that are prompt for professional help:

Signs You Need Water Heater Repair or Replacement

The Water Comes Out Cloudy

Water heaters usually last 8 to 10 years, but the exact span depends on a home’s usage and upkeep. That said, units approaching the 8-year mark sometimes produce discolored water due to rust buildup that leaks into the water supply. However, the appearance of cloudy or rusty water doesn’t automatically entail an issue with your water heater.

You can test the rust’s source by running cold water for a few minutes. If it still appears rusty or cloudy, the problem may lie within your pipes rather than your water heater. However, the appearance of clear water is another indicator that you need a new water heater. 

Cloudy or sandy water can also come from sediment buildup. In this case, a Hicks technician can drain your water heater’s tank to clear it out. If that fails to resolve the issue, you may need to replace your unit—consider ordering a tankless water heater!

Your Water Heater Makes Strange Noises

A water heater’s rumblings may increase in volume over the years for various reasons, including sediment buildup. If you fail to clear the tank out, sediment can harden and make banging noises as it hits the tank’s sides. That can reduce your water heater’s efficiency and cause damage; handling the sediment issue quickly can thus extend the life of your unit. 

An electric water heater can crackle or hiss persistently due to an obstruction around its heating element. If this occurs, drain the tank or call a technician to inspect the unit.

A common plumbing myth claims that rumbling water heaters are about to explode. That’s a verifiably false belief; water heaters can make many noises for many reasons, including:

• Screeching or whistling—Typically caused by loose valves releasing air from your tank.
• Popping—Indicates excess sediment in your water heater tank or alkali in your water reacting to your tank’s heat element.
• Ticking—Often occurs due to water pressure, though you can adjust the unit’s pressure-inducing valve to curb it. Installing additional straps or insulation around your water heater can also help stop it from moving and making noises.

The Water Doesn’t Remain Hot for Long

An inability to produce hot water is a tell-tale sign that your water heater needs replacement. Perhaps you’ve noticed that your hot water cannot last through a shower; maybe no hot water comes from the fixture. Problems with the electric thermostat may cause this issue, and a readjustment can address it.

However, you may also have problems with your hot water because of a broken heating element. In this case, Hicks can repair your water heater by replacing the part; if that fails, you may need to replace your water heater entirely.

Puddles Form Around the Water Heater

Water heaters at the end of their lifespan often start leaking water, and puddles can cause significant property damage. Leaks often occur when the metal in the water heater tank expands, leading to fractures. Although some leaks are small enough to fix, those patches only delay the inevitable need to replace your water heater.

Water Heater Repair Services Available in Alexandria, VA!

Folks in Alexandria, VA, need not stress about water heaters or plumbing fixtures—they can turn to Hicks Plumbing for all their service needs. Our team offers professional water heater repair and maintenance at reasonable rates for home- and business owners. To learn about our service options and industry experience, visit our website or call (703) 803-7466 today!