There’s nothing worse than taking an icy shower on the dark, cold winter days. Ottawa Plumbing Service shares here are five typical water heater problems you should find and resolve to avoid getting taken a cold battery.
Build-Up of Sediment
Most Instantaneous water heaters have burners situated at the bottom of the tank. Dissolved minerals and other sediments like small sand will get into the heater once new water gets introduced. The debris will settle in the base of your tank. If the sediment accumulates sufficiently over time, it can hinder the heater’s performance. If you’re receiving lukewarm or low pressure on hot water, This is among the most common reasons. It is possible to flush your tank:
- Cut off the power supply for the tank.
- You will use a hot water source for about 10 to 15 minutes to reduce the temperature within the tank.
- Shut off the valve for cold water and connect the garden hose to discharge the water that remains into the drain.
It is also essential to check and test the tension relief valve. The valve gets designed to prevent the accumulation of corrosion and rust. To prevent this, open the valve to see whether it raises its brass steam. It should also flow out of your drainpipe. It indicates that the valve is operating correctly.
Also, you’ll have to examine the anode rod. The rod attracts particles like calcium and minerals that can stick to the inside of your tank and create corrosion. Be sure to inspect the anode rod before each season and replace it when needed.
Water Leaks
Leaks in water are a frequent issue that can create a myriad of problems for your system for water heating. It’s best to check the tanks for any leaks regularly. However, the end of fall is a great time to ensure you don’t run into issues in winter. The vast differences in temperatures both inside and outside of the system are a frequent cause of leaks. Examine the tank is leaky at the bottom of your tank or through pipe fittings? If your tank is leaking and you need to replace it, you’ll need an entirely new system. If that happens, switch off the water on your meter to stop water damage or waste, and contact the emergency plumbing service.
Heating Elements That Have Failed
Your heating system is more likely to malfunction during the winter since it works overtime to keep the water warm. It could cause certain elements and heating elements to wear or break out. Heating elements must get maintained promptly to ensure their maximum performance and longevity. It is a fact people often neglect that. We suggest having your system examined by a plumbing professional when winter approaches. You can check your heating components yourself, but you should first be familiar with the procedure. You’ll require the multitester, which is affordable and is from many hardware stores. If you’re trying it yourself at home, you should be conscious that heaters generally are powered by 240-volt currents, and a shock could be a traumatic experience. Be sure that the heating system gets switched off before you inspect it.
Frozen Pipes
Pipes that are not inside the home or in the open are susceptible to freezing, particularly in the sections which are in the three-foot range that enter and leave in the water heater. Even if your pipes don’t freeze water, likely, the water having to travel long distances from your home won’t come out at a suitable temperature. To prevent this from happening problem, it gets recommended to make sure that your pipes are insulated. If your pipes are freezing, you can wrap them in an old towel to cover the exposed lines to lessen the impact of cold on the water supply. The pipe covers made of fiberglass or foam are popular, cost-effective, and easy to make.
Similar to that, if you possess an external talent and live in a colder area, insulating your tank will enhance the quality of hot water. Pre-cut insulation jackets are simple to put in yourself. They can also save you energy costs because the more insulated your pipes and tanks, the less energy the tank needs to heat your water. You can also raise the temperature of your water in the winter to ensure that you have hot water. The majority of systems operate at a temperature of roughly 140 degrees. The hot water supply can run if the temperature increases to 145 or even 150 degrees. However, you should be aware that this may result in a higher cost.
The Parts that are Not Working
Hot water systems consist of several components, each performing a crucial task. It might seem straightforward, but defective parts are a frequent source of problems with hot water. Heating components are more likely to fail during the winter months as they get put to the test. Suppose any of them fail and cause damage to the entire system and cause your heating to become less effective. If you have an electric heating system, examine the thermostat. Examine your pilot’s light, the pilot thermostat, control valve, and the thermocouple if you use gas heating. It’s helpful when your plumber regularly checks your system to identify problems you cannot.
For more information, call Ottawa Plumbing Services at (613) 317-1682 or send us an e-mail at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com.
