Part of the so-called “new normal” includes more and more people working from home. Some on a short-term basis but some for good. And then there’s at-home learning – another reason people are spending more time at home.

Adaptive souls that we are, we realign our schedules, adjust our surroundings, and do whatever it takes to provide for our families. At the same time, more time at home means more wear and tear on your plumbing.

Take your water heater for example. If you have a storage tank model as most of our customers do, it was built to last, on average, 10-12 years – and that’s with normal usage. With increased usage, however, comes added wear and tear. Sooner or later, that will take its toll.

Regardless of its age, how would you know if your water heater required professional attention? Here are a few of the more common warning signs to look out for:

NOT ENOUGH HOT WATER

Are you taking shorter showers because of a reduced supply? Water heaters should be able to deliver two hot showers back to back.

THERE’S A MONSTER IN THERE

When trouble is brewing, water heaters can emit sounds like popping and banging. These can be caused by bubbles escaping from beneath built-up sediment. High water pressure also can produce loud noises, as can your anode rod breaking in two from internal tank corrosion.

WATER AROUND THE BASE

This indicates a leak which comes from an excess of magnesium and calcium in your water. Once a tank springs a leak, it can’t be repaired.

WATER TINTED BROWN OR RED

If hot water starts looking a little red or brown, that’s a sure sign of iron working its way into the picture. Once again, that’s a tainted water condition that also will need attention.

At the first sign of trouble from your water heater or other plumbing fixtures and pipes, contact PC Plumbing, Heating, AC & Remodeling for prompt and dependable service.