6 Signs Your Hot Water Heater is About to Burst

Don’t risk hundreds of gallons of water pouring into your house!

If your hot water heater should burst, it will pump hundreds of gallons of water into your house within hours! Every year, this kind of plumbing catastrophe causes significant property damage and the loss of priceless possessions.

There are some clear signs to watch for warning you that your hot water heater is on its last leg and you need to plan a replacement fast.

Watch for these water heater warning signs:

Leaking Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve on a hot water heater is its number one safety feature. This valve is usually located on the side of the heater, at the top. When the pressure inside the tank reaches high levels, this valve opens, letting out water, to lower the pressure inside the tank. Buildup of sediment, rust or corrosion over time can block this valve and stop it from working properly. If the valve is leaking, it means there is too much heat or pressure inside the tank. This is a major warning sign of impending disaster!

A leaking Pressure Relief Valve means you should call a plumber immediately.

Your Water Has a Funny Color or Smells

If your hot water has a metallic smell or taste, or it looks murky, these are signs of a failing hot water heater. Water becomes cloudy and/or discolored when contaminants and deposits build up and travel into your water supply. These deposits also commonly cause a metallic odor or taste in the water. Sediments can clog faucets and plumbing valves, reduce water flow, and cause other plumbing failures.

While not necessarily an emergency, call a licensed plumber to come do an inspection check to maintain good health in your plumbing fixtures.

You Hear Weird Noises

If your water heater keeps making knocking, popping, clanging or other strange noises, it could be on its way to failure. This is usually caused by mineral buildup or hard water, and as mentioned, buildups lead to failures.

Your tank may just need to be flushed, but should be check by a licensed plumber.

The Tank is Leaking

If you see any pooling water around or beneath your tank, you have a disaster waiting to happen! Likely, corrosion has caused cracks in the tank or your valve has a serious leak. Any sign of leaks from your tank calls for immediate action and replacement of the water heater before major water damage occurs in your home.

This is a very dangerous situation – call a plumber immediately!

There’s a Bad Smell

If you have a gas hot water heater, be aware of any bad smells around it. The smell of rotten eggs could indicate a gas leak.

Turn off the gas immediately if you think you have a gas leak. Call a licensed plumber to check the heater right away.

Hot Water Heater Concerns? Don’t wait!

If you see any of these warning signs, take action before the damage is far more costly than a repair or replacement! Don’t put off calling your plumber.