Signs that your water heater needs maintenance

The water heater is one of the appliances that gets the least attention, right up until the day it stops working. A few signs, however, warn in advance that something isn't right.

A yellow or irregular flame, instead of the blue flame characteristic of efficient combustion, is usually a sign of malfunction and should be checked quickly by a technician. The same applies to any gas smell near the appliance, in which case you should cut off the gas supply and contact technical support immediately.

Other common signs include water taking longer and longer to heat up, sudden temperature swings during a shower, crackling or boiling noises inside the appliance, and a flame that goes out on its own shortly after the tap is opened.

Limescale build-up in the heat exchanger is one of the most frequent causes of efficiency loss, especially in areas with harder water, as is the case in part of the Algarve. Regular maintenance, with cleaning of the heat exchanger and checking of the ignition system, extends the water heater's lifespan and reduces gas consumption.

Gas appliances must be checked and repaired by a professional authorised to carry out this type of work.