Imagine life without a blissful hot shower or a steaming cup of evening coffee. While such a life is bearable, it may not be as comfortable. Water heaters may look like any other electrical appliance, but behind the scenes, they are responsible for the warm or hot water you use daily.
But like any other electrical appliance, water heaters do also experience problems. And when you depend on hot water for all your daily needs, from bathing and cleaning to cooking, an issue with the water heater can bring your life to a frustrating halt. Understanding the problems your water heater can experience, correctly diagnosing them, and having Carlson Plumbing Company in Vancouver take the appropriate action helps you get closer to getting your hot water back.
So, here are a few common problems with water heaters you will most likely face:
Water Temperature Issues
One of the apparent problems you will encounter with a water heater is water temperature issues. With water temperature issues, your water heater can’t consistently provide hot water. Some temperature issues you will most likely experience include:
● Getting Cold Water
Cold water indicates that your water heater probably has a bad thermostat, a faulty heating element, or no electrical power. Before calling in an expert, start by eliminating power issues. For instance, you can reset the circuit breaker and replace blown fuses. Also, double-check the heater’s thermostat to see if it’s receiving power. If it isn’t, you will likely have to call a professional plumbing company.
● Water is Warm But Not Hot Enough
If your water isn’t hot enough, the reason for this could be an undersized water heater tank, a thermostat issue, or crossed cold and hot connections. An expert plumber will either advise you to upgrade the water heater unit or make the repairs.
● Water is too Hot
We all love hot showers, but not the kind that could leave us with second-degree burns in a minute. So, if the water you are getting is too hot, it could mean that your thermostat setting is too high. Thus, try to adjust your thermostat temperature. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the recommended water heater thermostat setting for the best balance of efficiency and heat is 120° F.
Sediments Build-Up
Sometimes the problem your water heater experiences is due to your water supply. Over time, your water heater tank accumulates sediments from the minerals and different matter possibly found in your water supply. If these minerals or other substances aren’t removed, they can eventually cause a series of undesirable outcomes like odd noises, leaking, and, the most expensive of one of all, increased energy consumption.
Some signs you should watch out for that could indicate a possible sediment build-up include:
● Rumbling, hissing, or popping sounds:
If your water heater is making hissing, rumbling, creaking, or hissing sounds, it’s most likely that there is a mineral layer on the surface of your water heating element. And as the water heats up, the heating element ends up making unusual sounds.
● Rust-colored or cloudy hot water:
If the hot water your water heater tank produces has a metallic taste or scent or looks cloudy, there could be some sediment build-up. While the sediment itself wouldn’t discolor the water, it can sometimes corrode different water heater elements.
● Decreased hot water flow:
If the hot water takes an excruciatingly long to fill the dishwasher or sink, there is probably sediment build-up in your water heater. The sediment build-up could be disrupting the hot water pressure.
Water Leaks
Another common water heater issue you may encounter is water leaks. Any water heater, regardless of material, tends to start leaking eventually over time. The most common cause of these leaks is the water’s nature, which eventually ends up corroding the tank and creating microscopic fractures or cracks. But that isn’t the only reason why your water heater may start leaking. It could be because of a loose water connection. If so, check your cold water inlet and hot water outlet pipes to ensure they are solidly connected.
Also, if the leaks appear to be coming from the bottom, that may be an issue with your water heater’s condensation. You can solve this issue by increasing your thermostat setting.
While not all issues with your water heater demand professional attention, having an expert fix them doesn’t hurt, as it could help diagnose other issues before they escalate. It also means never having to go without your precious hot water, even for a single day, as everything is working as it should.
