We’ve all been there; the last one in the house to get a shower. You’re typically greeted with about a minute of lukewarm water before you’re doused in an icy stream. If this is happening often in your house, you may need to consider updating your water heater.
Like the other appliances in your house, water heaters don’t last forever. Your ancient water heater may be increasing your bills more than you know. Know when it’s time to replace your water heater, or when you may just need to take some simple steps to troubleshoot your problem.
Are you noticing an increasing puddle of water your water heater is? This is a common issue and in some cases it can be solved. The location of the leak is what will determine whether to repair or replace. If the leak is coming from the top of your water heater, it can be caused by a loose fitting or connection in your pipes. This problem can often be repaired by a professional. If you believe the leak is coming from the bottom of your appliance, this means there is a crack in the body. This problem cannot be repaired, and it is time to replace your water heater.
Have you given up luxurious baths because there isn’t enough hot water to fill the tub? For this issue, you may want to consult a professional. The lack of enough hot water could be a result of sediment build-up which comes with age. Sometimes, sediment can be flushed out and your hot water will be restored. This issue could also be caused by a part that has malfunctioned. In some cases, flushing your water heater doesn’t produce desired results and the heater will need to be replaced.
Are you running the water for minutes waiting for the water to warm up and still getting nothing? If this is your problem, your solution may depend on the type of water heater you have.
If your water heater is gas, the problem may be as simple as re-lighting the pilot light. If this doesn’t work, call a service professional to ensure that you don’t have a broken part. If neither of these options remedy the situation, it’s time for a new water heater!
If the water heater is electric, a technician can check to see if your breaker is malfunctioning or broken. If this is the case, it can be repaired. If repairing the breaker doesn’t fix it, then you want to start shopping for a new appliance.
If your water heater fits into any of the replacement categories, or you’re just growing tired of increasingly high bills, contact us! We have a modern model to fit your needs!
Sources:
http://www.waterheaters-phoenix.com/common-water-heater-problems/
http://www.comfortz.com/Blog/Entry/five-common-water-heater-repair-issues
