The water heater is one of the most commonly used appliances in Australian homes. When the weather is chilly, you need warm water for showering, washing your hands, taking baths, washing the dishes and doing laundry. Therefore, it can be frustrating when your water heater stops working out of the blue.

Luckily, there are signs to look out for to help you determine if the water heater needs repairs or not. Here are some indications that it is time to call your plumber.

Water Discolouration

Though water flowing from the tap can appear hazy due to high pressure, it should turn colourless once the pressure evens out. If your tap water begins to look rusty or has dark particles, there might be an issue with the water heater.

Sedimentation is a common cause of the water changing colour and could be a serious health hazard. A simple solution would be to allow the water to run for some time to see if the colour changes back. If that does not work, the tank may have rust that needs to be cleaned out by experts.

Irregular Temperatures

In some cases, the water may come out lukewarm or even cold instead of the usual hot levels you are used to. Once the temperatures start fluctuating, it is an indication that there is something wrong with your water heater. If your equipment is old, you can save your time and money by getting it replaced. But if you have been using it for a short time, call a professional to examine it.

One common reason why you could be experiencing constant changes in water temperature is due to the accumulation of mineral deposits. Over time, the water heater collects mineral deposits that prevent it from working effectively.

Production of Funny Noises 

After using the water heater for several years, a soft buzzing sound may change to a rumble. It is normal to hear sounds coming from the water heater, but once it develops to a loud banging or cracking sound, then it is something to concerned about.

In most cases, the accumulation of mineral deposits in the tank will cause your heater to produce such noises. Another reason your heater could be producing noises is a broken dip tube in the heater that causes the cold and hot water to mix. 

Ignoring the unusual sounds from your water heater will make the machine weak, and it may start leaking. Therefore, call plumbing experts once the water heater starts producing weird noises.

When you notice any of the issues mentioned above with your water heater, call your hot water system contractor to fix it. Ignoring the repairs or carrying out DIY repairs will lead to worse situations that may require you to replace the whole unit.