Do you know how to tell when your water heater needs service? Watch for these common signs and call a plumber to resolve the problem before it becomes a bigger issue later.
Water Doesn’t Get Hot Enough
If your water is more warm than hot lately, you may simply need to adjust your settings or you may need to have repairs done. Lukewarm water may also be due to high water usage or particularly cold weather conditions. If you aren’t in the middle of a cold snap and your household hasn’t been using more hot water than usual, check your water heater settings to make sure it is set to the correct temperature. If the settings aren’t causing the decrease in heat, you likely have a faulty burner that needs to be repaired or replaced.
Inconsistent Temperature
Have you noticed the temperature of your shower fluctuating a lot lately? That means there is probably an issue with your water heater. Inconsistent temperature is often a sign that mineral deposits have accumulated inside the water heater. To prevent mineral buildup, have your hot water tank flushed annually.
Discoloured Hot Water
If you notice that only your hot water is discoloured, you likely have an issue with rust or mineral buildup in your hot water heater. Have your water heater inspected and serviced to get rid of any excess mineral deposits and the cause of the rust. Often, rusty hot water means you need to replace a component in your water heater called the anode rod. Note that if both your hot and cold water are discoloured, the problem likely lies within your pipes, not your water heater.
Decrease in Hot Water Pressure
If you have a decrease in water pressure that only happens with your hot water, not cold, there is something going on with your water heater. A decrease in pressure may indicate the accumulation of mineral buildup around components inside your water heater, or it could be the result of an aging hot water tank that is nearing the end of its lifespan.
If you notice any of these, get in touch with the team at Gideon Plumbing right away. Our professional plumbers have years of experience repairing water heaters. We will determine the problem and recommend solutions tailored to your home.