Very few Australians like the cold winter months, which is why appliances such as gas heaters are an essential asset. In addition to keeping homes warm, gas heaters can also be used for cooking and heating water, which means they must always be in working condition.
Regular servicing from the plumber Berwick locals rely on is the best way to ensure that your gas heater is always operating safely and effectively. Despite this, there may be instances where your gas heater needs extra maintenance. Fortunately, there are a few simple signs you can look out for to know when your gas heater needs servicing.
Know the Signs
In most instances, your gas heater doesn’t just shut down from one minute to the next. There will usually be signs that will let you know that your gas heater needs attention. While some signs are more subtle than others, it’s essential to call your plumber as soon as you suspect there’s an issue. Our gas plumbers have compiled a list of the typical signs to keep an eye out for.
- You Suspect a Gas Leak
The golden rule in gas plumbing is that there’s no such thing as a minor gas leak. Any suspicion of a gas leak, no matter how insignificant, should be referred to your plumber immediately. Keep in mind that your local emergency plumber is also skilled to deal with a gas emergency.
Teach your kids about the symptoms associated with a gas leak, as this may save lives in an emergency. Common symptoms to look out for include the following:
- Dizziness
- Unusual fatigue
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Flu-like symptoms when not sick
If you suspect a gas leak, it’s essential to turn off the gas of at the main switch. Open windows and doors and evacuate your family out of the house. Exposure to gas will cause carbon monoxide poisoning, and these symptoms won’t clear up by themselves. Any affected person will require medical attention.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Utility Bill
One of the top signs to look out for is an unusually high utility bill. If you aren’t using any more gas or energy than usual, a sudden spike could be caused by a faulty heater. If you suspect this to be the case, check for any of the other signs. Remember, there is no harm in asking your plumber to do a quick assessment of your whole gas system.
3. Listen for Strange Noises
It’s normal for your gas heater to make a few sounds, especially during functioning. The longer you use your heater, the more familiar you’ll become with the regular noises. The trick here is to listen for new and unfamiliar noises.
Older or faulty heaters will make sounds that sound like rattling and squeaking. These noises can be an indication of internal issues or that your heater will need replacing shortly. Call your plumber as soon as you hear the new sounds.
4. Your Heater Has an Uneven Temperature
Another sign of a faulty heater is uneven heating. You’ll be able to establish this by checking if the temperature feels the same in different spots in the home. You may think this isn’t a huge issue, but it could be a sign that your gas heater is acting up.
5. Consistent Issues with the Gas Heater
Are you regularly calling your plumber to fix minor issues with your gas heater? Continuous repairs may be an indication that internal components are faulty. At some point, you will have to stop spending money on repairing minor issues more than expected and consider replacing the whole heater.
6. Your Heater is Old
No matter how well you maintain your heater, it will eventually need to be replaced. The average Australian gas heater can last around 15 years, depending on how well it has been maintained. Ask your plumber to assess your heater so that you can budget for a replacement before you’re left cold when it eventually shuts down.
7. Pilot Light Issues
An optimally functioning gas heater will always have a pilot light that functions properly. If the pilot light frequently goes out or makes a popping sound every time it’s lit, there may be a problem with the heater.
You should also check for a yellow or sooty flame, as this is a clear indication of incomplete combustion. When this happens, there’s an increased risk of carbon monoxide production. A wavy or flickering flame may also point to a potential issue. You should give your plumber a call immediately to avoid any carbon monoxide issues.
Final Thoughts
Keep your home warm this winter by ensuring that your gas heater is routinely maintained. Encourage everyone in the home to keep an eye out for the signs that indicate a potential issue with your gas heater.
Calling your plumber immediately may be more cost-effective, as they may still be able to fix a minor issue before it escalates into a bigger issue. You’ll also have peace of mind that your home is safe from any potential gas leaks.
