A toasty warm shower is something you look forward to after working all day out in the cold. However, if your water heater has not been properly maintained for months or years, there are high chances of it breaking down in the middle of your shower.
Because of this, recognizing the early warning signs that this critical machine is failing, is an important skill to have as a homeowner. As the earlier you recognize a problem, the less likely you are to be left in the cold. Plus maintaining a high level of daily water heater activity can save you a lot on repair and replacement costs.
Below we have listed some of the more common water heater problems one might face along with the actions one should take in the event that they notice one of these problems.
You Don’t Have Enough Hot Water
Do you barely have enough hot water to finish your shower? A scenario like this could mean that your water heater is not producing enough hot water to meet your household requirements.
Solution
This problem can be solved by simply increasing the temperature of your water heater. Set your thermostat at a higher degree and wait for 30 minutes, after that check the temperature of your water faucet. After ensuring the water temperature, check the thermostat to see if it is still in the ‘on’ position and is not tripping causing the settings to fluctuate on their own.
If you have an electric heater that keeps tripping the circuit, you will need to call a professional repairer as soon as possible.
Varying Water Temperature
Sometimes your faucets may release burning hot water, and other times it may be too cold, while other times it may come out just at the right temperature. It is very easy to overlook these water temperature fluctuations, but they can be a sign of a greater problem with your water heater.
Solution
First, check the temperature of your thermostat. If the water is too hot, lower the temperature of the thermostat to a cooler setting. If the problem of varied water temperature continues even after the thermostat is set to your desired temperature, you might need to change your thermostat or heating element. Installing a smart thermostat can solve your setting problems.
If you find that the problem lies with some internal component of the water heater like the heating element, call a technician to get the repairs or replacements done professionally.
You Noticed Reduced Water Flow
Changes in water flow may indicate a build-up in the components of your water heater or in the plumbing systems that connect your water heater to various locations of the house. Sediment and scale formation is not a warning sign you should ignore.
Solution
If you don’t have a tankless water heater, you can simply empty the tank and clean the scale or sediment using detergent and freshwater. After a thorough cleaning, you can again place the tank and resume the functioning of the water heater.
You should also get your pipes checked for any build-up and fix any drainage issues. You can appoint a technician to descale your water heater and clean the inlet and outlet pipes to resolve your water flow issue.
About Us
Pro-West Heating & Air Conditioning provides top-class repairing, maintaining, and installation services for heating and cooling appliances. Our expert water heater cleaning, repairing, maintaining, and installation services make sure your house is well-fed with a proper supply of hot water during the winter season.
If you notice any malfunctioning or decrease in the efficiency of your water heater, contact us to have our experts inspect and solve your water heater problems for you.