Water heaters don’t get put under added stress during the winter, the way heaters do. Still, you should keep a sharp eye out for any problems that may develop with the system throughout the year. As is the case with any other home system, the faster you can identify issues, the faster you can have them repaired and the better off your water heater will be. Have a look at a few of the more common issues that are known to afflict water heaters, and what you can do about it.
Leaks
Leaks are not to be taken lightly, even if they look small and fairly harmless when first discovered. The longer a leak is left alone, the greater the chances that it will grow into something more problematic. If the leak is located in the storage tank, for example, it might eventually become large enough to cause the tank to rupture. That could cause immense water damage, as well as pretty much necessitating that the entire system be replaced. Even if the leak is located somewhere else, though, it can still severely hinder the operation of the system. So, call for repairs as soon as you notice one.
Dropping Output
If your water heater isn’t generating enough hot water, there might be a couple of different factors at work. If you’re using a gas water heater, it’s possible that the burner assembly is partially or entirely clogged. This will prevent the system from combusting gas to generate heat. Professional assembly cleaning should resolve that problem for you.
It’s also possible that you have sediment building up on the bottom of your tank (or in your heat exchanger if you’re using a tankless water heater). This will insulate the water inside the system from being heated, causing the output levels of the system to drop. Flushing out the system is often enough to get rid of this sediment buildup, though sometimes it will be advanced enough that it will need to be scraped out.
Sudden Fluctuations in Temperature
Taking a hot shower and suddenly becoming drenched in freezing cold? Sudden fluctuations in water temperature can happen due to a cracked dip tube. The dip tube guides water from the water line to the bottom of the tank (these parts are only used in tank water heaters). This helps the water warm up faster, and prevents it from mingling with the hot water leaving the tank. If the tube cracks, cold water from the water line will leak into the hot water leaving the system. This is what causes the sudden temperature fluctuations. Replacing the dip tube should resolve the problem, but it’s best that you have a professional take care of it for you.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive water heater repair services in Bucks County, PA. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. No matter what condition your water heater is in, we can restore it for you.