The average life span of a water heater is 10 to 15 years. But like any piece of machinery it can break down at any time. Heater repairs are best handled by an experienced plumber in south Florida. But what are the warning signs you should look out for?

No hot water: This is the first sign of trouble. No hot water means that something is wrong with your heater since it is obviously not functioning. Sometimes it could be as simple as the thermostat turned low. Low pressure can also cause heating problems. If the cause does not seem obvious to you, call your plumber.

Banging noise: Water heaters, particularly old ones make noise all the time — when someone flushes or opens a tap. It is the unusual noises that you have to watch out for — hissing, gurgling or knocking. The reason could be air in the system, or it could be due to a loose connection inside the heater. Call a plumber in south Florida to diagnose and fix the problem.

Water leak:A water heater can start leaking because of several factors, such as a crack in the body or a loose valve. You should get this repaired immediately. A leak can cause flooding inside the heater, causing corrosion or damaging it irreparably.

Pilot light going off: If the pilot light keeps going off, the heater won’t function properly. Once you have ruled out factors like lack of power, you should get a professional to check out the problem.

Low pressure: If you see that your heater is working, but the water pressure coming from your tap is very low, you could be dealing with more than a heater problem. The trouble may lay with the overall plumbing of the house or a blockage in the pipes. Low water pressure could also be the result of a water leak. It is best to get it checked from a plumber in south Florida.