Fall is here and with it comes many things: the leaves are changing color, the days are getting colder and shorter, and you might’ve even had a pumpkin spice beverage or two. October also brings the “spooky season” where people plan their Halloween costumes and watch scary movies.
This is also the time of year when your home’s water heater can start acting strange after the strain of summer. From bone-chilling showers to a screeching water heater, here are some signs that indicate you need water heater repair. Make sure you don’t ignore a seemingly haunted water heater. The last thing you want interrupting your enjoyment of fall is a full-blown water heater nightmare.
1. Leaks
Seeing water leaking from your water heater is a potential nightmare situation! The most common cause of water heater leaking is a damaged pressure relief valve. If you notice that the water is leaking from the bottom of the tank itself, this is truly terrifying. It means that the tank is likely cracked or corroded enough to leak and you may be looking at a water heater replacement.
2. The Cold Water Sandwich
Here’s a tale of spine-tingling terror: you’re taking a hot shower when the water turns cold, then hot again! This is referred to as a “cold water sandwich” and is sure to leave you on edge as you wonder if the water will turn ice cold again.
This is a common issue with tankless water heaters when some water remains stored in a warm condition at the mouth of the showerhead. When you turn the shower on, you get that initial blast of hot water, but then it takes some time to heat up the exchanger. During that time, some cold water may get through the exchanger to reach your poor, unfortunate body.
3. Stinky Water
If the water coming from all the taps smells as foul as a witch’s cauldron, it could be an issue with your sewer line. However, if you notice the stinky stench when just the hot water is on, then it’s a water heater issue.
Your water heater has an important part called an anode rod and this component is subject to wear and tear. A severely corroded anode rod releases metals into the water that react with the naturally occurring sulfates to form hydrogen sulfate gas.
4. Scary Sounds
Does your water heater sound like it’s possessed? Screeching, hissing, banging, and hissing noises can certainly give you a fright! Your water heater should run fairly silently so any frightening sounds are a cause for concern. Give us a call and we’ll promptly exorcise your water heater’s demons and restore your home’s peace and quiet.
5. Rusty Water in the Sink
The appearance of rusty water and a stained sink can be quite startling. These stains are often caused by rusty water heater tanks. Rust and corrosion often go hand in hand with leaks. Unfortunately, a corroded water heater tank usually means it’s time for a replacement.
Contact Quality Heating & Cooling today for water heater repair in Middletown, NY. It’s not a Quality job, unless it has our Quality seal.