A damaged water heater can interrupt several activities in your household. It would help if you always looked for indicators that your tank has malfunctioned or is about to fail. Once you notice indicators of trouble, call a professional plumber to help with the care and maintenance. Here are the four common heater tank problems that you should never ignore. 

When the Heater Keeps Releasing Sediment

As time goes on and you keep using your tank, you might notice a buildup of sediment in the tank. The scale builds because of minerals like calcium and magnesium in the hard water. The deposit covers the tank's lower heating element, which reduces its heating capacity. The best way to handle this problem is by getting the tank flushed regularly. Some homeowners try to control the flushing without professional help, but there is a risk of scalding yourself with hot water during the process. 

The Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

It is common for a circuit breaker to trip during a power surge because of the water heater. However, if the breaker keeps tripping, even when there is no power surge, you should assess the tank for problems. Some common causes of tripping include issues with the heating element, the thermostat, or the wiring. You should call a certified electrician and have them inspect your system and its wiring for problems leading to tripping. 

The Water Has Changed Color

A change in the color of water also points to a damaged heater needing repairs. For example, rust-colored water indicates that your tank's components aren't working correctly. The tank has an anode rod that attracts all particles that lead to corrosion. With time, the anode might corrode, which leads to the tank developing rust. The rust gives your tank a reddish-orange tinge. Also, you might notice visible corrosion inside the tank. Corrosion lowers the structural integrity and efficiency of the tank.

The Hot Water Supply Has Reduced

The reduced supply could be because your hot water needs are beyond what the tank can supply. It could also be because your tank is nearing the end of its lifespan. Either way, you should call a professional to assess it and determine the actual source of the problem. 

A licensed and reliable plumber can help you handle all your tank issues immediately when you spot them. With their help, you can avoid problems that lower the efficiency and lifespan of the tank.