Avoid Cold Showers – Spot These Warning Signs Early
Nothing is worse than stepping into the shower only to find freezing cold water. If you live in Urbana, Champaign, Rantoul, Mahomet, or surrounding areas, a failing water heater can disrupt your daily routine and even cause damage to your home.
But how do you know if your water heater is in trouble? Here are 5 warning signs that your water heater might need repairs—before it breaks down completely.
1. Your Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough
If your water isn’t heating as well as it used to, your water heater might be struggling. Common causes include:
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A failing heating element (for electric heaters)
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A broken gas burner (for gas water heaters)
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Sediment buildup in the tank
💡 Quick Fix: Try flushing your water heater to remove mineral buildup. If the problem continues, it may be time for a repair or replacement.
2. Your Water Looks Rusty or Has an Odd Smell
🚨 Rusty water? That could mean your tank is corroding from the inside, and failure could be imminent.
🚨 Rotten egg smell? That’s often due to bacteria buildup inside the tank.
Quick Fix:
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- If only hot water looks rusty, your water heater may need a new anode rod.
- If all water in your home looks rusty, the issue could be with your plumbing pipes instead.
- Bonus Tip: Keep the area around the bottom of your water heater clean and free of dust or debris—it draws in air, and a dirty space can affect performance.
A mesh screen or filter at the base helps keep it clean, and we can service or replace it during regular maintenance for better efficiency and air quality.
3. You Hear Strange Noises from the Tank
Does your water heater make popping, banging, or rumbling sounds? This usually means:
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Sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank is hardening.
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Your water heater is overheating, making it work harder than necessary.
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The heating element may be failing.
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💡 Quick Fix: Schedule a tank flush with a professional plumber to clear the sediment and improve efficiency.
When to Call a Professional
If you experience any of these issues, don’t wait until your water heater stops working! The longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) the problem may become.
At Quality Plumbing, we provide water heater repairs, maintenance, and installations in Urbana, Champaign, Rantoul, Mahomet, and surrounding areas. Whether you need a quick fix or a full replacement, our team is here to help!
Need Help?
Contact Quality Plumbing todayfor professional sump pump services in Champaign, Urbana, and beyond!