Where’s My Hot Water?
Your water heater allows you to complete a variety of tasks every day. From showering to doing the dishes, you rely on a steady supply of hot water to get the job done. When the water stops flowing, isn’t properly heated, or you find leaks, it can put a stop to your whole routine.
Luckily, there are a few quick fixes to some of the more common water heater problems that you can do without the help of a professional. And when the problem requires a bit more expertise, you can always rely on the team at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. to be there in a snap.
Temperature Issues
The main job of a water heater is to do just that-heat your water. If it can’t complete the very task it was designed to do, you’re bound to become frustrated. Let’s take a look at what to do if you’re experiencing temperature issues.
Cold Water
If the water coming from your faucet is cold, it could be due to a lack of power, a thermostat issue, or a faulty heating element. See if you’ve tripped a circuit and reset if necessary. Take a look at your fuses, as well, and replace any blown fuses. If this hasn’t solved the water issue, take a look at the thermostat to see if it is receiving power. If not, it’s likely time to call the professionals.
Too Hot Water
When water is too hot, the fix is most commonly very simple: your thermostat temperature is set too high! Each model has a different recommended temperature to avoid uncomfortable or painful temperatures, but the standard is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Low Water Pressure
A flimsy flow of water from your showerhead is a disappointing way to start the day. This problem could be coming from a kink in the water heater’s pipe or a build-up of sediment in the tank. Low water pressure is not always the fault of the water heater, however. Your water valve may be partially closed or you could have a clog in a pipe.
Discoloration
No one wants to look down while washing their hands to see rusty, brown-colored water coming from the faucet! Discolored water is a sign of corrosion and rust in your water tank. As soon as you notice a difference in water color, give your plumber a call to track down the problem areas and provide a quick solution to get your water back to normal.
Leaks
A leaking water heater is a frustrating problem that costs you more and more for every drop of water lost. Water leaks could be caused by a variety of issues like a faulty temperature and pressure valve, overheating, bad gaskets, and loose heating element bolts.
You can attempt to fix the leak yourself by tightening loose plumbing connections, but if the leak persists, we recommend the experts take a look. They will be able to identify the source of the leak and repair it in no time.
Go Tankless
If you’re finding that your traditional water heater is costing you a lot in repairs lately, it may be time for a replacement. More and more homeowners are choosing to install tankless water heaters. Some advantages to these heaters include:
- Energy efficiency.
- Hot water on demand.
- A more compact unit that fits in smaller spaces.
- Longer life spans compared to tanked systems.
If you are looking for a change in your hot water heater system, give John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. a call at (760) 276-6690 to discuss your options. Our expert team will provide you with a system you’ll love.