Your water heater is one of the most important appliances in the home. You need it for bathing, cleaning, cooking, washing and a lot more. You also take this amazing machine for granted, expecting your water heater to function forever, but these appliances sometimes need service as soon as possible. Check out the red flags before the holiday entertaining season begins.

Not Enough Hot Water

There’s nothing more annoying than running out of hot water while in the shower, but it can happen when your water heater builds up sediment. Your appliance could also be struggling to keep up with demand due to a faulty thermostat or a broken heating element.

Discolored/Rusty Water

Here’s another troubling sign that you don’t want to appear when your holiday guests begin arriving. You don’t want them in the kitchen seeing rusty or discolored water coming from the taps. Everyone expects clear water, but when your water heater is corroding from the inside out, this is one of the red flags that no one can ignore. Even the smallest amount of discolored water needs the attention of a plumber right away.

Pooling Water Around the Heater

Even finding a small amount of water at the base of your water heater can indicate bigger problems on the way. A small leak usually means there’s a loose connection or a crack has developed in the tank. Don’t ignore a leak; call a licensed plumber to check it out. It may be a tiny repair or a warning that you need a new water heater.

Water with a Rotten Egg Odor

Smelly water is the last thing you need during the holidays when family and friends are celebrating. Bacteria buildup in the tank can often lead to water that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. Don’t let this red flag continue. Usually, your tank can be flushed or treated with a disinfectant to solve the problem. Schedule a service call with your plumber to fix this unpleasant issue.

Strange Water Tank Noises

Water heaters can also send homeowners a sign that the tank is not functioning 100% when weird noises emerge. If you hear loud banging coming from your water tank, it could mean sediment buildup is clogging the tank’s bottom. Call for an inspection before your tank suffers a complete failure.

Everyone Loves Hot Water, Especially During Winter

If you’re living in Reno, NV, and your water heater is sending one of these red flags, take action. Contact Dirty Plumber Reno before the holidays for expert water heater services.