Failing water heaters can be a significant inconvenience for any homeowner or business. Unfortunately, water heaters, like any other home appliance can deteriorate over time. There are various signs that will tell you your system needs a service or repair and you should your local plumbing contractor or BPS Facilities Services to come out and assess what it needs. Whether it is because of its age or it is in need of a service or repair we can help. Here are some of the most common signs that you need to service, repair or replace your water heater.
Water Heater Fluctuating Water Temperature
When you start noticing that your water heater can’t maintain a constant temperature, chances are there is something wrong and you need a qualified and professional heating engineer to come out and see what is going on with it. In most cases, deposits and limescale collect at the bottom of the hot water tank around the heating rods, which will reduce their functionality
and mean you are not getting the hot water in your property that you need. In these situations, water heaters are unable to maintain a constant temperature. BPS will send out a qualified heating engineer to assess it and we will quickly identify if it needs a repair or service.
Low Hot Water Pressure
In a normally functioning water heater system, the water will come out steadily when the water is turned on from the taps and showers. However, when the water pressure fluctuates, it requires prompt action. Usually, this occurs when there is a pipe blockage due to mineral deposits accumulating. In other cases, the same can happen when your water heater is older and it needs servicing. An ageing new water heater will last longer with regular maintenance saving you money in having to replace it earlier than you need to.
Water Heaters Leaking
A leaking water heater is a cause for alarm. However, the leakage can be minor sometimes and it becomes difficult for a property owner to notice. If rusty water starts trickling down from the heater, you should call a heating engineer ASAP. Failure to address the problem can lead to it getting worse and result in severe property damage and even more repair costs. Several issues can cause your water heater to start leaking, including expansion in the tank after continuous water heating cycles or rusty water pipes. The growth and contraction of pipes inside the tank can lead to fractures and bursts so you should always get it checked as soon as you notice any leaks.
Discoloured Water
When the water coming from your water heater starts to discolour and appear murky, something is wrong. This typically happens when the metallic components inside the tank begin to corrode. The rust causes the water to appear brownish, making it uncomfortable to drink or use. The discolouration may also result from the collection of mineral deposits, which may also affect the smell of the water and its ability to function efficiently
Unusual Noises from Water Heaters
It is normal for your water heater to make a noise during operation. However, when the noise starts to be unusually loud, something is likely to be wrong with it. This happens when mineral deposits collect around the heating elements inside the water, creating a thick layer around them. The heater will have difficulty heating the water, causing the unit to work harder. As the deposits accumulate at the bottom, they vibrate against one another, causing noises that you will start to hear. If you notice any strange noises then you should call a heating engineer quickly to assess what the problem is as this will reduce the likelihood of further damage and costs for repair of your system.
No Hot Water from your Water Heater
Sometimes you may try to turn on the hot water only to realise that there is none or the water is just lukewarm due to the broken heating element. This should immediately concern you as it signifies your heater is malfunctioning. There are several reasons for this situation. Firstly, the heating elements may have burnt out, making it impossible to heat the water. Or, it could be a sign that the thermostat isn’t working and not sending the proper signal to heat the water for you. The only solution here is to call an engineer to make the necessary repairs.
Ageing Hot Water Heater
Water heaters will always deteriorate in service and efficiency over time due to the effects of wear and tear. This will be apparent in a variety of ways, from different minor issues like switching on and off to complete failure. Having a heating engineer service your water heater annually will ensure it stays in good working and efficient order, and have a longer lifespan. If you don’t call a heating engineer when you notice a problem could result in significant damage and result in the need for a replacement earlier than you need to.
What is the Life Expectancy of Water Heaters?
A high-quality hot water heater will typically last you for 10 to 15 years, sometimes more if you have it serviced regularly. Beyond the 10th year, you’re likely to start noticing a significant dip in operation and efficiency, which can also mean a total loss of functionality. In such a case, replacement may be the only course of action. Whilst some property owners choose to repair, you should ask your heating engineer how long the repair and heater will last and if this is your best option as you don’t want constant repairs that get expensive over time.
What Should You Do if your Water Heater has Issues?
The best way to deal with a problematic water heater is to call a professional heating engineer. They know how to assess the unit and make an accurate diagnosis before making the right repairs. Home and business owners shouldn’t try to carry out repairs on their own as this can lead to further costly repairs down the line or needing to replace it earlier than you would have needed to. Mishandling problematic cold and hot water can be dangerous and lead to an electric shock and cause severe injury. If you have a problem with your water heater you should call a professional heating engineer straight away.
How Do You Maintain Water Heaters?
Water heaters need annual servicing to keep them functioning at the highest efficiency. However, you can carry out these maintenance services:
● Test the Temperature-pressure-release (TPR) valve
● Drain the sediments out of the tank
● Check the anode regularly
● Keep the pipes insulated
● Insulate the heater
● Replace old and problematic parts
If you are at all unsure then always call a professional and qualified heating engineer to carry these maintenance checks out for you.
What is the Best Type of Water Heater?
Heat pump water heaters are the most efficient you can get. This is because they get their heat from the surroundings instead of generating it on their own. They are up to 2 to 3 times more efficient than a standard tanked water heater.
Summary
Water heaters are essential appliances that keep our homes functional and comfortable. However, when they develop issues and fail or are no longer efficient, it’s critical to act fast before the problem worsens. This is possible when you know what to watch out for and how to react. With the above knowledge, you should be able to keep your water heater running for the longest time possible.
BPS Facilities Heating Engineers are all fully qualified and attend regular training to keep up to date with the latest changes in the industry and with manufacturers.
If you have a problem with your water heater in your home or business, contact us today at 029 20 484114 or send us an email using enquiries@bpsfacilities.com and one of our professional customer service advisors can advise you and arrange an appointment for you. We offer emergency repairs 24/7, repairs, servicing and replacements for all makes and models of water and boiler heating systems.