Your hot water heater works constantly to provide you and your family with hot water on demand, so it's no surprise that it needs repairs sometimes. A hot water heater can show signs it needs repair long before you get caught in a cold shower, so be proactive! Here are the five signs that you need to hire a hot water heater repair company.

Fluctuating Water Temperatures

If your faucet gives you lukewarm or cold water when you have it turned to hot, or if it goes back and forth between being hot and cold, your hot water heater is probably to blame. Anytime you have fluctuating temperatures, you'll need to call a hot water heater repair company.

Water is Discolored

It may be obvious, but water should be colorless. If the water coming out of your faucet is brown, rusty, or has particles in it, you need to have your hot water heater checked immediately.

Not Enough Hot Water

According to USGS.gov, the average home resident uses 80 to 100 gallons of water daily. Even if you have a family of 4, your hot water heater should be able to provide enough hot water for everyone. If you run out of hot water, it's a sign that one of your water heating elements isn't working and you will need to hire a hot water repair service.

Heater Has Signs of Corrosion

If your hot water heater has corrosion on it, you may need a full replacement rather than a hot water heater repair. You can tell if your tank has corrosion by if it has rust on the outside of the water inside is discolored or brown.

Water is Leaking

Water pooling around the bottom of the tank is a sure sign you'll need hot water heater repairs. This can be extremely dangerous if there are other electrical appliances next to the tank, or if you have small children or pets. This can also cause corrosion on the outside of the tank which will make its way inside the water heater.

Attempting to repair your water heater yourself can cause more damage and issues. If you notice any of these signs in your hot water heater, call a hot water heater repair company right away.