Common Hot Water Heater Problems You May Be Facing
Have you been noticing that your water heater just hasn’t been working as well as before? Maybe you’ve been noticing that your water temperature has been inconsistent, or that you even have low water pressure.
Well, you’re probably not too shocked to learn that your water heater may be beginning to fail. Moreover, without proper maintenance, your water heater could continue to decline and lead to further problems. But which problems are you facing, and how can you stop them before they escalate?
In this month’s blog post, we’re discussing common hot water heater problems and how you can fix them.
How to Tell if Your Hot Water Heater is Having Problems
Before you can fix your hot water heater, you’re going to need to figure out whether the heater is the problem and which problem it’s facing. Here’s a checklist of a few things to look out for with your water heater.
Discolored Water. Discolored water is one of the telltale signs of a damaged hot water heater. Worse, this can be one of the more serious concerns for a water heater. Discolored water in your heater can be a sign of rust, which can cause serious long-term damage.
Bad Smell. A bad or “eggy” smell can indicate not only that your hot water heater isn’t working correctly, but even that there’s a bacterial build up. This is particularly worrying, since bacteria love warm, wet places and will multiply at a breakneck pace.
Low Water Pressure. If you’ve noticed a lower water pressure throughout your household (such as in taps and showers), then discolored water is a likely cause. This generally happens due to sediment that builds up over time, which leads to blockages in pipes and lower water flow.
How to Troubleshoot Hot Water Heater Problems
Now that you have an idea of the type of problems that may be caused by your water heater, let’s discuss a few ways to troubleshoot them.
Discolored Water. If discolored water is the issue, then a flush might be the best option for you. However, you may want to start by running cold water from your taps for 20 minutes. If your water is still brown, then it may be time to contact a professional.
Bad Smell. If you’re experiencing a bad smell, then there are a few ways to move forward. Since bacteria is likely the issue, popular solutions are to drain the water heater and bleach it. However, some folks prefer to just turn the heat up to the point that the environment becomes inhospitable to bacteria, killing it off.
Low Water Pressure. If this problem is caused by sediment build up, then you may want to flush the unit in order to clear the system of sediment. If sediment buildup is a recurring issue, then you may want to consider installing a water softener, instead.
Get Professional Water Heater Help Today
Are you facing water heater problems? If so, the best way to ensure that you get the repairs you need is by working with a professional. Click here to contact our team at JP Heating and Air Conditioning today!
