Imagine how difficult it might be to get anything done around your home without your residential water heater. How would you take a shower or wash your dirty dishes and clothes? Your water heater works day and night to ensure you have hot water any time you need it. As you may know, when your water heater works too hard or has been working for too long, it can lead to problems that may require a professional. Luckily for you, in this article, our plumbing contractors at Middletown Plumbing & Drain will show you how to spot common water heater issues and the best solutions to guarantee your water heater is working to its best capacity.
Is It Difficult To Find The Perfect Water Temperature?
As a homeowner, irregular water temperature is a common problem you may face with your water heater. You could run into three types of water temperature problems: water being too cold, too hot, or warm but not hot enough. Below we explain the possible causes and how to address the situation:
● Water is too cold – If your home has nothing but cold water, you could have one of the following problems, a faulty heating element, a defective thermostat, or a lack of power. If you have already tried to self-diagnose the problem by resetting any blown fuses or tripped breakers, then you may want to try checking the thermostat. Ultimately, if there is still no hot water, check to ensure the unit is switched on.
● Water is too hot – To make certain you’re experiencing the best-heated water while also staying energy-efficient, the US Department of Energy recommends a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit is best for residential homes. If your water is too hot, check to see if the thermostat is set too high.
● Water is warm but isn’t hot enough – If the water in your home is warm but not hot enough, you should first check that the thermostat is set to a high enough temperature. If the thermostat is set at the correct temperature, and you are still having hot water issues, then you could have a faulty heating element, an undersized water heater, a defective thermostat, or even crossed cold and hot connections. The easiest way to rule out crossed connections is to turn off the water supply and switch on a hot faucet. If the water from the tap Is lukewarm or cold, you may have a crossed connection. If that isn’t the issue, we suggest contacting your local plumbing contractor to investigate whether your water heater is working correctly.
Does Your Water Heater Appear To Be Leaking?
Sadly, leaks in your water heater can occur for reasons such as a stuck valve, improper water pressure, a bad gasket, faulty temperature or relief valve, loose heating element bolts, the water heater overheating, and even a leak from a nearby plumbing connection. If you think one of these issues may be the problem, you should check for loose plumbing connections and heating element bolts and tighten them. Last but not least, if a leak is still present after following these steps, we advise calling one of our contractors at Middletown Plumbing & Drain to have your water heater assessed.
Do You Have Any Discoloration in Your Running Water?
If the water in your home is discolored, especially if it is a rusty color, it may indicate that your water heater is corroded on the inside. Normally, this can be caused by a failing anode rod or an older water heater tank. Once more, we suggest seeking a local plumbing contractor for assistance. They would be equipped to replace the anode rod or install a new water heater.
At Middletown Plumbing & Drain, we know how important a working water heater is for our modern households. Our trusted professionals are here to help! Call us today to replace or repair your old water heater at (937) 298-9979, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!