Water Heater Repair Can Give You Warm Baths and Hot Tea This Winter
It's bad enough when the shower seems to take ages to warm up in the morning, but what if it never heats up at all? In the middle of a brutal winter, hot water is not just a pleasant amenity but also a basic necessity. The bitter cold outside creates a higher demand for hot water in general, but it also puts a bigger strain on the water heater as it works overtime to keep up with the volume and burns more energy to heat the icy water. Since these are the exact circumstances in which water heaters often break down, here are a few signs that a water heater may need some repairs to make it through the winter.
Hot Water Pressure Is Lower Than Normal
Low water pressure throughout the house could be caused by a leak or mineral deposits in the supply pipes constricting the flow. But these issues will affect both the hot and cold water in the home. If only the hot water is running weaker than usual, the source of the problem is almost certainly the water heater.
This issue most often occurs when mineral scale from hard water clogs the outlet pipes, but it could also be due to a faulty valve or a leak in the unit's water tank. It's best to have the unit inspected by a professional and flushed out, if necessary.
Water Heater Is Making Strange Sounds
If a control valve is stuck or broken, or if crusty mineral deposits are obstructing the water heater's inlet or outlet pipes, there may be a high-pitched whine or whistling noise coming from the unit. This can also be the temperature & pressure relief valve discharging built-up pressure in the water tank. While this means the T&P valve is working properly, a professional must investigate the cause of the overpressurization.
Popping sounds, sometimes called "kettling," could signal that sediment buildup in the tank's bottom is trapping water and causing it to overheat. This can crack the tank's glass inner coating and result in a leak. Booming or banging sounds coming from a gas water heater usually indicate delayed gas ignition, or "ignition roll-out." This is a dangerous issue that requires urgent professional attention.
Water Temperature Keeps Fluctuating
If hot water comes and goes, doesn't last long, or the temperature is inconsistent, there are several possible causes. The unit may be undersized or outdated for the home's current level of water usage. Automatic safety mechanisms may turn off the burners or heating elements if the tank is overheating or the pilot light is malfunctioning. A dirty flame sensor or a faulty thermocouple or temperature limit switch may have the same result. A clogged burner orifice or defective electric heating element may also prevent the water from reaching the correct temperature.
Water heaters should undergo professional maintenance at least once a year, before winter. If the unit didn't receive a general cleaning and tune-up in the fall, the likelihood of malfunction during winter is much higher.
About City Plumbing
For over two decades, City Plumbing has been proudly fulfilling Philadelphia's plumbing & HVAC needs. They gladly provide no-surprise flat-rate pricing, 24/7 service, and a total satisfaction guarantee. Contact them to schedule a water heater installation today!
