Water heaters are built to last, but they’re not immune to problems. Years of wear and tear from normal use will, sooner or later, cause problems to crop up. Professional preventive maintenance goes a long way towards lowering the chances of problems developing. Still, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the signs that your water heater is in trouble. The faster you can tell that your water heater is in trouble. The faster you can have it repaired and the better off it will be.
Chronically Low Output
It’s not unusual for a water heater to have low output every once in a while, usually when its available supply has been exhausted by high demand. If your water heater is consistently struggling to provide enough hot water for your needs, though, it might be because of a problem. There are a number of different issues that contribute to low output.
It’s possible that there’s some sort of problem with your burner assembly (assuming you have one) which is preventing the system from heating the water. It’s also possible that there’s sediment built up on the bottom of the storage tank, insulating the water inside from the heat. Regardless of the cause, you’re going to need a professional to fix it for you. Call for repairs right away if you notice this problem.
Leaks
No leak should ever be ignored when it comes to water heaters. Even small leaks can become larger over time, and depending on the location of the leak it can cause some serious problems. A large enough leak in an area like the storage tank could even lead to the replacement of the whole system. So, make sure you have a professional examine any leaks that you find.
Fluctuations in Temperature
If you’re getting sudden blasts of cold water interspersed with the hot water coming out of your faucet, you might have an issue with the dip tube. The dip tube is a plastic tube that runs from the water line connection at the top of the storage tank to the bottom. All water that enters the water heater passes through the dip tube. There are two reasons why the dip tube is used. The first reason is that water near the bottom of the tank will warm up faster. The second reason is that the tube keeps cold, fresh water from mixing with the hot water leaving the system.
If the dip tube cracks or breaks, the water from the water line can mix with the water leaving the tank. This is what causes sudden temperature fluctuations. You’ll need to have a professional examine your water heater to determine for certain that that’s the cause.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers a full range of water heater repair services throughout North Wales, PA. If you need water heater repairs, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure that you can rely on your water heater for many years to come.