The Importance of Checking Your Home's Water Heater for Potential Failures

Tyler Reynolds
May 2
8 min read

As a homeowner in Georgia, especially in the Atlanta metro area, ensuring that your home's water heater is functioning properly is crucial for maintaining comfort and avoiding unexpected repair costs. Water heaters are essential for daily activities like showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Yet, they often go unnoticed until there’s a problem. Regular inspections and maintenance can extend the life of your water heater, improve energy efficiency, and prevent expensive emergency repairs.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why checking your water heater regularly is so important, how to spot early signs of failure, and the best practices for keeping your water heater in top condition. We’ll also focus on the specific challenges faced by homeowners in Atlanta, Marietta, Smyrna, and other suburbs of Georgia, where climate conditions and water quality can affect the longevity of your water heater.

Introduction
Why Checking Your Water Heater Is Crucial
Common Causes of Water Heater Failures
How Often Should You Check Your Water Heater?
Signs of a Water Heater in Trouble
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
How to Inspect Your Water Heater
Types of Water Heaters and Their Maintenance Needs
The Role of Professional Inspections
How Water Quality Affects Your Water Heater
The Impact of Atlanta's Climate on Water Heaters
Energy Efficiency and Your Water Heater
Common Water Heater Problems and How to Address Them
Cost of Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice
Why Choose Reynolds Home and Property Solutions for Your Water Heater Inspection
Conclusion

1. Introduction

Water heaters are one of the most essential appliances in your home, yet they are often overlooked until something goes wrong. Whether it’s a tank-style or tankless water heater, the condition of this system can significantly impact your home’s comfort and energy costs. For homeowners in Atlanta and surrounding areas, keeping your water heater in good condition can prevent inconvenient breakdowns, save on utility bills, and extend the lifespan of the unit.

In this post, we will guide you through why it’s important to check your water heater regularly, how to detect potential issues early, and what to do to ensure your water heater stays functional for years to come.

2. Why Checking Your Water Heater Is Crucial

2.1 Avoiding Unexpected Breakdowns

Imagine waking up to a cold shower or realizing there’s no hot water for washing dishes. These problems can be prevented with regular checks and maintenance. Water heaters, like any other appliance, experience wear and tear over time. If not properly maintained, they can fail unexpectedly, leaving you without hot water and potentially causing damage to your property. Regular inspections can identify issues before they turn into costly repairs or replacements.

2.2 Preventing Costly Repairs

Repairing a malfunctioning water heater can be expensive, especially if the failure leads to other issues like water damage. For example, a leak in the tank could cause significant water damage to the surrounding area, leading to expensive repairs. By regularly checking your water heater and addressing minor issues early, you can avoid larger, more costly repairs down the road.

2.3 Ensuring Safety

Water heaters that aren’t functioning properly can pose safety risks. Gas-powered water heaters, in particular, can be hazardous if there are leaks or faulty components. Regular checks can help ensure that there are no gas leaks, that the pressure relief valve is functioning properly, and that there’s no risk of dangerous malfunctions.

3. Common Causes of Water Heater Failures

Water heaters are complex appliances, and several factors can contribute to their failure. Here are some common causes:

3.1 Sediment Buildup

Over time, minerals from hard water can build up inside your water heater’s tank. This sediment accumulation can reduce efficiency, cause overheating, and even lead to tank corrosion. In Atlanta, where water quality can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, sediment buildup is a common problem.

3.2 Corrosion

Water heaters are vulnerable to corrosion due to the constant exposure to water. While most water heaters are designed with a protective lining, over time, this lining can wear down, leading to rust and corrosion. If left unchecked, corrosion can weaken the tank, leading to leaks and ultimately, tank failure.

3.3 Faulty Thermostat or Heating Elements

The thermostat regulates the temperature of your water, and if it malfunctions, your water heater may overheat or fail to heat the water sufficiently. Similarly, heating elements can wear out over time, especially in electric water heaters, causing inconsistent or no hot water.

3.4 Leaks

A water heater leak can be caused by a variety of factors, including corrosion, damaged components, or an issue with the installation. If you notice any water pooling around your water heater, it’s important to address it immediately to prevent water damage to your home.

4. How Often Should You Check Your Water Heater?

As a general rule, you should inspect your water heater at least once a year. However, in areas like Smyrna and East Cobb, where the water quality may be harder on appliances, more frequent inspections may be necessary. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s advisable to check it every six months to ensure it is functioning properly.

Additionally, if you notice any unusual behavior—such as strange noises, inconsistent hot water, or higher energy bills—it’s essential to check your water heater sooner.

5. Signs of a Water Heater in Trouble

Knowing what to look for is crucial for detecting potential issues early. Here are some key signs that your water heater may be in trouble:

5.1 No Hot Water

This is the most obvious sign that something is wrong. If you have a tank-style water heater and there’s no hot water, it could be due to a faulty thermostat, a broken heating element, or a failed pilot light (for gas water heaters). For tankless water heaters, a malfunctioning sensor or clogged pipes could be the issue.

5.2 Strange Noises

If you hear popping, rumbling, or hissing sounds coming from your water heater, it’s a sign that sediment has built up inside the tank, causing it to overheat. This issue can decrease the unit’s efficiency and cause long-term damage.

5.3 Leaking Water

If you notice water pooling around the base of your water heater, it could be a sign of a leak. Leaks are often caused by corrosion or cracks in the tank, which can result in significant water damage if not addressed promptly.

5.4 Rusty or Discolored Water

If the hot water coming from your taps has a brown or rusty color, this could indicate that your water heater’s tank is corroding. This problem may be fixable with a flush or by replacing the anode rod (a protective device designed to prevent rusting), but if left unchecked, it can lead to further damage.

6. The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your water heater and preventing costly repairs. Simple tasks such as flushing the tank annually, checking the pressure relief valve, and inspecting the anode rod can make a huge difference. Regular maintenance can also help maintain the efficiency of your water heater, leading to energy savings in the long run.

7. How to Inspect Your Water Heater

7.1 Check for Leaks

Start by inspecting the base of the tank for signs of water pooling. A small drip can eventually lead to a major leak, so it’s important to address it as soon as possible.

7.2 Flush the Tank

Sediment buildup can cause a variety of problems, including reduced efficiency and overheating. To prevent these issues, it’s recommended that you flush the tank once a year. This can be done by turning off the power or gas supply, attaching a hose to the drain valve, and flushing out the sediment with water.

7.3 Inspect the Anode Rod

The anode rod is the component that helps prevent corrosion inside the tank. Check the rod every couple of years to ensure it hasn’t become too corroded. If it’s worn down, it’s time to replace it.

7.4 Check the Thermostat and Temperature

Set the thermostat to 120°F to ensure that your water heater is operating efficiently and safely. Higher temperatures can increase the risk of scalding and can also wear out the unit faster.

8. Types of Water Heaters and Their Maintenance Needs

Water heaters come in different types, each with unique maintenance needs. The two most common types in Georgia homes are:

8.1 Tank-Style Water Heaters

Tank-style water heaters are the most common and have a large storage tank for hot water. These heaters require periodic flushing, checking the anode rod, and inspecting for leaks or corrosion.

8.2 Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters provide on-demand hot water without the need for a storage tank. These units require less maintenance than tank-style heaters but still need periodic descaling (especially in areas with hard water), cleaning of the air intake, and checking of the heating elements.

9. The Role of Professional Inspections

While DIY maintenance is essential, there are times when a professional inspection is necessary. Reynolds Home and Property Solutions offers comprehensive home inspections that include water heater assessments. Our professional inspectors can identify potential issues that might not be visible to the untrained eye and ensure your water heater is functioning optimally.

10. How Water Quality Affects Your Water Heater

Water quality can have a significant impact on the performance of your water heater. Hard water—which is common in many parts of Atlanta and its suburbs—contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can accumulate inside your water heater, leading to sediment buildup and reduced efficiency. To mitigate this, consider installing a water softener or scheduling more frequent maintenance.

11. The Impact of Atlanta's Climate on Water Heaters

The humid climate in Atlanta and surrounding areas can accelerate the buildup of sediment inside your water heater, leading to more frequent maintenance needs. Additionally, fluctuating temperatures can strain water heaters, particularly if they are located in uninsulated areas like basements or garages.

12. Energy Efficiency and Your Water Heater

A properly maintained water heater operates more efficiently, which means lower energy bills. By flushing the tank, inspecting the thermostat, and replacing worn components, you can ensure that your water heater continues to run efficiently and saves you money on energy costs.

13. Common Water Heater Problems and How to Address Them

13.1 Cold Water

If your water heater is producing only cold water, check the thermostat setting and the pilot light (for gas water heaters). If these are fine, the issue could be a malfunctioning heating element or a faulty thermostat.

13.2 Water Discoloration

Rusty or discolored water can be caused by sediment buildup or corrosion. Flushing the tank can help remove sediment, while replacing the anode rod can help prevent further rusting.

14. Cost of Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice

If your water heater is more than 10-15 years old and starts showing signs of significant damage or inefficiency, it may be time to replace it. A new water heater can improve energy efficiency and reduce the risk of failure.

15. Why Choose Reynolds Home and Property Solutions for Your Water Heater Inspection

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we specialize in thorough home inspections that include detailed assessments of your water heater. Our experts will help you identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving you money and extending the lifespan of your unit.

16. Conclusion

Regularly checking your water heater is essential for preventing unexpected failures, avoiding costly repairs, and ensuring your home’s comfort. Whether you live in Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, or another part of Atlanta, keeping an eye on your water heater’s condition can save you time, money, and stress. Don't wait for a breakdown—schedule an inspection today with Reynolds Home and Property Solutions.If you’re ready to ensure your water heater is in top condition, contact Reynolds Home and Property Solutions today. Visit www.reynoldshomeandpropertysolutions.com or call to schedule your professional home inspection!