You couldn’t shower or wash your clothes or dishes if it weren’t for your residential water heater. Your water heater is working all the time to provide you with access to hot water whenever you need it. But, when your water heater is too old and starts working too hard, it can lead to problems that may require an experts opinion. Luckily for you, our professional plumbers at New Albany Plumbing & Drain give you the information you need to spot common water heater issues in this article and how to fix them!
Do you ever have fluctuating water temperatures?
If the water temperature in your home is inconsistent, you may be able to figure out the problem on your own. Keep in mind that you can encounter three types of water temperature complications: water being too cold, too hot, or not hot enough. Below we explain the possible causes and solutions:
● Water is only cold – You could have a faulty heating element, defective thermostat, or a lack of power if your water isn’t heating up. If you have already tried resetting any blown fuses or tripped breakers, then you may want to try checking the thermostat. If you still don’t have any hot water, check that the unit is switched to the on position.
● Water is too hot – If your water is too hot, you should first check the thermostat. The US Department of Energy suggests a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the best temperature to heat your water while staying energy efficient.
● Water is not hot enough – If the water in your home seems to get warm but not necessarily hot, you should first check that the thermostat is set correctly. If the thermostat is at the correct temperature, you could have a faulty heating element, an undersized water heater, a defective thermostat, or crossed cold and hot connections. If you want to check for a crossed connection, turn off the water supply and switch on a hot faucet. If the water from the hot tap still flows, but if it is cold, then your hot and cold junctions may be crossed. If that isn’t the issue, we suggest contacting your local plumbing expert to check whether your water heater is functioning correctly.
Do You Notice Water Leaking From Your Hot Water Heater?
Did you know that leaking in your water heater is relatively common? Your leak could result from a stuck valve, improper water pressure, a bad gasket, faulty temperature or relief valve, loose heating element bolts, the water heater overheating, and a leak from a nearby plumbing connection. If you think one of these issues may be the problem, you should check that the heating element bolts are tightened. Last, if a leak is still present after following these steps, we advise calling one of our experts at New Albany Plumbing & Drain to have them check your water heater for faulty parts.
Is Your Water Cloudy Or Discolored?
If your running water is discolored, it may indicate that your water heater has corrosion inside the unit. More often than not, this can be caused by a failing anode rod or an old tank. At this time, we suggest seeking a local plumber for their expert opinion. Whether you need your anode rod replaced or require a new water heater, our plumbing professionals can assist you!
Of course, you enjoy having hot water whenever you need it, so most homeowners want their water heater to function correctly. That’s why our plumbing experts at New Albany Plumbing & Drain are here! Call us today at (614) 245-3319, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!