A dependable water heater is necessary for everyday, modern life. We use hot water to take showers, wash dishes, and much more. However, as water heaters age, you will need water heater repairs. According to Energy.gov, an estimated 27 million households nationwide have a water heater over 10 years old. At that age, they are likely to need more repairs. These are some of the most common repairs you’ll come across.

1. Sediment Buildup

Minerals and debris in water slowly sink to the bottom of a water tank. This is especially common in areas with hard water. In the short term, this does not matter. However, as time passes, the sediment in the bottom of the tank slowly builds up. This can impact your water quality and put additional strain on the system.

2. Heating Element Issues

Over time, the heating element in a water heater will fail. This is commonly seen in older water heaters. The most common way to spot this is when there is suddenly no hot water. Before this happens, you may notice that the water is not as hot as it once was. It's hard to be comfortable in your home without hot water, so it's best to call a professional to take a look at the issue as soon as possible.

3. Thermostat Problems

The thermostat on your water heater controls how hot the water gets. You can turn it up or down to enjoy warm or scalding hot water. Once there are problems with the thermostat, you’ll notice the temperature is hugely inconsistent. Contact a professional that specializes in water heaters to figure out what the problem is.

4. Corrosion

Corrosion is commonly seen in older hot water tanks. Rust can form on the outside of the tank. This is typically due to too much water outside the tank due to a leak or a wet basement. However, corrosion can also be seen on the inside of the tank. If this happens, you’ll notice water that is rust-colored or tastes metallic. Over time, corrosion slowly eats through the tanks, leading to minor leaks. The leaks become more significant over time. This problem calls often calls for a replacement.

Procrastinating water heater repairs can make the problem much worse. Instead, contact Jim England Plumbing at the first sign of a problem.