Protecting Water Heater & Plumbing
Most persons don’t pay much attention to the water heater in the bathroom until there is a problem with it. To such people, the water heater is in good condition, provided it delivers hot water when there is a need for it. Just like all other systems in the home, routine water heater maintenance is necessary for optimum functionality.
Tons Of problems In Your Kitchen
Some issues with the water heater can be fixed easily without a need for a professional. Unfortunately, you need to understand when to repair your water heater yourself and when to get professional water heater repairs service. Firstly, what are the common problems with water heater and how can you protect your water heater and plumbing from these problems?
Common Water Heater Problem and Solutions
Not Enough Hot Water
The problem of a water tank producing too little hot water is always a cause for concern once encountered. Although this problem can be resolved by increasing the temperature on the water heater thermostat. However, one needs to be careful not to turn up the heat too high, as it could be another impending scalding hazard.
No Hot Water
Ever noticed that hot water doesn’t come out when you turn on your hot water faucet? The most common cause of this issue is a faulty thermocouple, heating element, or pilot control valve. And usually, this can be resolved by replacing the heating element or thermocouple. We suggest getting a pro to handle the water heater repairs.
Smelly Water
When bacteria infest water, it smells awful; like a rotten egg type of smell. The solution to this is to flush out the water tank and replace with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide. Then allow the solution to sit for a couple of hours before flushing again with new clean water. If the smell persists or if both the hot and cold water still have a foul odor, then perhaps, the water heater may not be the source. You may need to get a plumbing professional to resolve the problem.
Noisy Water Tank
If you observe a noise from the water heater tank, it could be that sediments have settled at the bottom of the tank, or the heating element is burning the deposit. For settled sediments, you can quickly drain the tank regularly. When it involves the heating element, have a professional replace the heating element.
Leaking Heater Tank
Once you notice that the tank of your water heater has started leaking, you have to replace it with a new one. Contact a service expert to replace your water heater and save you the stress and discomfort of the leaks.
Water Is Colored
If your water is coming out colored, perhaps it is a sign of corrosion or rust from your water heater. You can opt to either replace the water heater entirely or replace the anode rod in the appliance to prevent rust from gathering in the tank.
Water Taking Too Long to Reheat
A water heater that takes forever to get to the desired temperature, either from your faucet or shower, is probably a sign of a failing water heater. The buildup of scales and sediments in the water heater tank can also be a sign. It could also be as a result of the distance between the water outlet and the water heater. The most effective solution to this problem is to install a hot water recycling system. The recycling system will move warm water to the desired outlet faster and reduce the amount of water wasted in waiting for it to reach the desired temperature.
Before you attempt to protect your water heater from the above issues and more, it’s best to consider the type of water heater. Is it a tank storage heater or a tankless heater? You also need to know if the freezing temperature of your location will affect the water heater.
For protecting a tankless water heater, it does not cope fine with very low temperature. Provided it is always connected to its energy source; no special anti-freezing protection is needed. Some energy will go to preventing freezing during cold weather, even when the water heater is not in use.
On the other hand, more protection is needed for a Tank Water Heater, especially if it is positioned where it is constantly exposed to the cold. It is advisable to get a water heater tank cover, as well as drain the storage tank before the winter season to avoid the risk of freezing.
How to Protect Your Water Heater and Plumbing
Insulate Your Pipes
When the pipes connected to your water heater are exposed, the appliance does more work to heat the water, especially during the winter season. This translates to high energy bills. So to prevent frozen water heater pipes, cut down on your energy cost, and make your water provide hot water on demand, insulate your pipes.
Always Check the Temperature of the Water
Although lowering your water heater temperature can save you some cash on energy bills, you can increase the water heater temperature if you are having challenges getting hot water. However, always maintain a temperature range of 115 – 120 degrees Fahrenheit, at a temperature above 125 degrees Fahrenheit is an impending hazard.
Flush the Water Heater System
If you want your water heater to last longer for you and work efficiently throughout its useful life, you must flush your water heater at least once every year. The reason for this is because of sediments buildup, which may lead to rust and clogging of the plumbing system and drain valve.
Always Test the Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is a safety mechanism for different water heater types; whether gas water heater or electric water heater. To check, lift the valve halfway; if it returns to its default position automatically, then it is working correctly. Otherwise, get the help of a professional to ensure that it is working correctly.
Water heaters are one of the typical household appliances in the US. You must be aware of the common water heater problems. Paying close attention to your water heater is also helps you avoid unnecessary frequent repairs irrespective of the changing seasons. Have you experienced any other water heater problem not mentioned here, please leave us a comment below?
What You Should Take From This Article
Water heaters have no moving parts. The is critical to know because this lets us know that the water heater should last a very long time. There are lots of water heater issues that can arise and potentially cost you, in the long run, to resolve them as they come. So, what is causing the water heater to fail? The answer is the hardness that is present in the water. How do we get rid of the hardness in your water heater? Installing a water softener from day one can prevent this from happing in the future. Water Softener prevents the building-up of scale hence resulting in more hot water and longer-lasting water heater.
