2021
February
5 Reasons You Are Experiencing Hot Water Issues

5 Reasons You Are Experiencing Hot Water Issues

Feb 5


Are you tired of waking up to a cold shower every morning? Sick of turning on your taps and waiting forever for them to get hot? Chances are there’s something wrong with your water heater. While there are a range of issues your system may be experiencing, it’s important to be able to get to the root of the problem, so your technician can take care of it ASAP. Read on for the top five reasons you are experiencing hot water issues, and remember that for all your water heater repair and replacement needs, you can always count on AAA Service Plumbing, Heating & Electric.

5 Common Water Heater Problems

  1. Sediment Build-Up: When your pipes start to wear down over time, or your anode rod begins to deteriorate, your water heater may be affected by sediment build-up. Too much sediment in your water heater tank (this is assuming you do not have a tankless system) means your system’s heating element will struggle to keep your water warm, as the sediment sucks up much of the heating power your water needs. The end result is water temperature that is uneven and inconsistent. The best way to take care of this problem is usually by flushing out the water tank, which should be done annually. You may also need to replace your system’s anode rode, as this component is directly responsible for eliminating bacteria and mineral build-up in the tank. And speaking of minerals, you may be able to reduce sediment and rust by installing a whole-home water softener to treat hard, minerally water. Remember, sediment build-up can cause major problems if left unchecked, so do not hesitate to call AAA Service Plumbing, Heating & Electric if you are dealing with this issue today.
  2. Heating Element Failure: If your shower or faucets can only hold a warm temperature for a limited period of time, there is a good chance you are dealing with a faulty heating element in your water heater. While there are two heating elements in your system that work to provide you with warm water – an upper one and a lower one – it is usually the one at the bottom of the tank that causes more problems. When your system’s lower heating element stops working, the tank will attempt to keep your water warm with just the upper heating element. This means you will only being able to enjoy hot water for short periods of time. You will probably need to replace the heating element if this happens to your water heater, so call AAA ASAP if you are experiencing this issue.
  3. Broken Dip Tube: You may not have heard of this water heater part, but the dip tube plays an important role in successful water heater operation. The dip tube pushes cold water to the bottom of your water heater’s tank, so when it breaks, cold water ends up getting recirculated with the hot water that’s already inside your system. This causes your water to come out lukewarm at the warmest. The good news is that dip tubes are fairly easy to replace yourself or with the assistance of a professional. You may also be able to spot signs of a broken dip tube, such as errant pieces of plastic in your showerhead or strainers.
  4. Malfunctioning Thermostat: Just like your air conditioner or heating system, your water heater requires a properly functioning thermostat to provide you with the right water temperature. When your water heater’s thermostat is set to the wrong temperature, or shuts down for another reason, you may experience a complete loss of hot water in your home. Luckily, you can usually find your water heater thermostat by consulting the owner’s manual. Once you have located the thermostat, press the reset button and wait about half an hour to see if it restores your water to the proper temperature. If your system continues to have issues after that, you will likely need to replace the thermostat or another component of your water heater to keep it running (in some cases, you may need to upgrade to a completely new unit.)
  5. Poor Sizing: In some cases, the reason your water heater is struggling to provide hot water to your whole home has less to do with one specific issue and more to do with the size of your unit overall. The average water heater tank holds 50-60 gallons of water, though some hold more and some hold less. If you live in a larger house with a big family, you may need a water heater tank that can hold 80 gallons or more. When you trust an amateur for water heater installation, they are more likely to provide you with a system that is unable to meet your needs. Fortunately, our experts at AAA Service Plumbing, Heating & Electric have everything you need when it comes to water heaters. Our team is trained to install top-of-the-line water heaters that are always the perfect size for your household. Stop competing with the rest of your family for a hot shower, and contact AAA to upgrade your water heater today.

Our expert water heater technicians are available by phone at (303) 313-3333, or you can send us a message online.

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