Common Hot Water Heater Issues And When To Call A Repair Technician
For many homeowners, their hot water heater is one of those things that they don't think about unless it's not working right. However, it can be tough to know why it isn't working and what might need repair. Here's a look at some of the most common issues that you might have with your hot water heater and tips for the repairs that you might need.
No Hot Water
Your first thought when you don't have any hot water is that your hot water heater may be empty. If you've had a lot of demand for hot water in the last hour or so, that could be the cause. You should also make sure that the hot water heater is on and hasn't tripped the power breaker. If you are sure that demand hasn't exceeded supply in the house and your hot water heater has power, it's time to consider the potential repair issues.
In most cases, if your hot water heater is no longer producing hot water, it's an indication that the heating element inside the tank has failed. You can work with a hot water heater repair technician to have the heating element replaced, restoring your tank's proper operation.
Unpredictable Temperatures
Every hot water heater has a thermostat that controls the heating element and should ideally maintain a consistent temperature at all times. However, when the thermostat is failing, you may find that the temperature of your hot water fluctuates. It may be significantly hotter one time or lukewarm the next.
This happens because, if the thermostat is failing, it is unable to regulate the temperature consistently. It becomes unpredictable and intermittent. When you notice the temperature of your hot water fluctuating or becoming inconsistent, reach out to a water heater repair technician to check the thermostat.
Leaks Around The Tank
Your hot water heater should be self-contained and retain water inside the unit. However, there is a pressure relief valve on the tank that's designed to protect your hot water heater from excess pressure accumulation.
Unfortunately, these valves can leak over time. This leads to trouble maintaining pressure in the system, and it also causes leaks that can create water damage in your home. If you notice water leaking around your hot water tank, you'll need to have a repair technician inspect it to determine if the pressure relief valve is leaking or if the pipes or connections may be failing.
He or she can replace a damaged pressure relief valve, install new pipes, or even replace connections to restore a proper seal.
These are some of the most common issues you might encounter with your home's hot water heater. Talk with a repair technician today for more help with water heater repair.