Your water heater is essential to maintaining optimal home comfort throughout the year. We’ve all been there, experiencing a cold shower mid-winter and wondering, “What is going on?” This, among other things, is a sign that something may have gone wrong with your water heater and it’s time to seek water heater maintenance from a professional.

Since water heaters work year-round, they’ll inevitably experience maintenance issues. The sooner you seek reliable plumbing repair services, the sooner you can get back to luxuriating in those hot showers. Moreover, early maintenance prevents minor issues from worsening, costing you money, and disrupting your lifestyle.

At ProFlo, we have decades of experience with water heater maintenance and are familiar with all the early warning signs. Read on to learn the top five signs that it’s time to seek water heater maintenance.

Strange Noises

Strange noises are a typical signal that something is not quite right with your water heater. While some sounds are normal, if you hear loud banging or cracking, call a plumber ASAP to inspect and repair your water heater to prevent worse damage.

The cause of these noises is usually mineral deposits collecting in your water heater. If left unattended, these deposits can weaken your water heater’s structure, causing cracks and leaks. These problems are costlier to repair, so we recommend getting water heater maintenance as soon as you notice persistent banging or cracking sounds.

Irregular Water Temperature

It’s more than a casual annoyance. Irregular water temperature in your shower and other areas throughout your home may indicate similar mineral deposits in your water heater. Mineral deposits are a normal byproduct of proper functioning and can eventually congeal across critical components, causing irregular temperatures.

When you notice irregular temperature — which can range from lukewarm to outright cold — you may want to contact a trusted plumbing repair company that can resolve the issue quickly. The sooner you fix it, the less damage these mineral deposits will do.

Water Discoloration

Orange or brownish water coming from your tap indicates rust or bacteria staining the water as it flows through your plumbing system. These particles are meant to be eliminated by an anode rod. If it is no longer keeping your water clean, you’ll have to replace it to prevent serious health risks to your family.

You can first try flushing your tank, which may solve the problem. However, if clear water doesn’t return, you’ll have to replace your anode rod. Fortunately, residential plumbing services from ProFlo can efficiently switch out your old one for a new one, returning your home to its former comfort within the space of an afternoon!

Leaking Water

If you live in an area with excess humidity, you may notice higher condensation levels around your water heater. This isn’t a cause for concern. However, if you see large puddles collecting beneath and around your water heater, immediately call a water heater repair specialist.

Water leaks promote bacteria growth within your home, damaging indoor air quality and encouraging the spread of illness. They are also a sign of damage to your water heater and, if not fixed promptly, could lead to corrosion of critical components, which will require costly repairs. Prompt, efficient plumbing leak repair will save you money in the long run!

Reduced Hot Water Volume

Similar to irregular water temperatures, reduced hot water volume — or less hot water coming out of your shower head than cold or lukewarm water — is a sign of issues with your hot water heater. It may indicate a problem with one of the two components within your water heater. To ensure an accurate diagnosis and quick repair, we recommend calling a plumbing maintenance company to inspect your water heater.

How Often to Complete Water Heater Maintenance

Water heaters are designed to last 10 years if they have a tank and 20 years if they’re tankless. To ensure you get the maximum use out of your water heater, we recommend completing maintenance at least once per year. This includes flushing your tank to prevent mineral deposits and checking the pressure relief valve and anode rod.

If you notice any of the above signs, connect with a trusted plumbing maintenance company to restore your water heater to its optimal performance. At ProFlo, our plumbers offer home and business owners top-quality plumbing services for a reasonable price. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on providing thorough, transparent inspections and reliable solutions to those who share our community. Call ProFlo today at 951-694-1300 or contact us online for a free estimate on water heater repair and other plumbing maintenance services.