Water Heater Trouble 101: Things To Watch For

Water heaters are one of the less-frequently talked about home appliances, but they are also one of the most important. When your hot water heater is on the fritz, it can disrupt all sorts of tasks, from showers to washing dishes. For those homeowners who aren't familiar with common hot water tank issues, you may not fully recognize when you need water heater repair. Here's a look at what you need to know about some of the problems that you might encounter that necessitate the attention of a water heater repair technician.

Water Temperature Inconsistencies

One of the most common issues that people experience with water heaters, and often overlook, is inconsistency in the water temperature from the heater. If you get in the shower and find that the water temperature fluctuates from hot to cold to warm, that's a key sign that your water heater is in need of repair.

In most cases, fluctuating temperatures often come from problems with the thermostat, the heating element, or other key components. While it may not seem like a serious concern, allowing these problems to continue may cause further damage to your plumbing system than just your water heater. The rapid temperature cycling through your pipes can cause the pipes to expand and contract quickly, which may actually cause the pipes to crack or fail.

Low Pressure

Water pressure problems can plague your fixtures for a variety of reasons, but when the problem is isolated to just your hot water, it's pretty easy to determine that the issue is coming from your hot water heater. You may be tempted to try to treat your water heater with chemical treatments to clear any blockage in the plumbing, but the truth is that adding chemicals to your water heater could lead to corrosion issues that damage the infrastructure of the tank.

If you're noticing pressure problems with your hot water, you should reach out to a hot water heater repair technician as soon as possible. They will inspect the tank for mineral buildup or anything else that could be disrupting the water flow and repair it without adding caustic chemicals to your system.

Leaking

A leaky hot water tank is a serious concern. You may think that a small leak is no worry, especially if it's small enough that it dries up quickly. However, you need to understand that a leak in your water tank is a serious problem. What may start as a small leak will gradually stretch to a serious one. When you have a significant leak, you risk electrical and water damage that can be a safety threat.

Reach out to a water heater repair technician right away so that you can have your tank inspected and repaired if there are any problems. The sooner you address issues, the safer it will be for you.

If you have more questions, contact a company like ATWH.


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