3 Warning Signs That Indicate You Need Water Heater Repairs

If you take a three-hour shower, or have multiple appliances using hot water at once, then it’s pretty easy to overwhelm the water heater’s ability to generate hot water. If your water heater appears to be having trouble generating enough hot water for even moderate demand, though, then it could indicate a larger problem. It’s possible that the burner assembly is clogged, or there is extensive sediment buildup on the bottom of the storage tank. This would insulate the water inside from the heat the system generates. If you’re not getting any hot water at all, you might have a pilot light or thermostat problem. Regardless, you need to call for repairs.

Never, ever ignore a leak in your water heater, no matter where it is or how small it is. Water leaks can cause all kinds of problems if they are left alone, as they will get progressively worse. A leak in the storage tank, for example, can eventually get so bad that it will cause a rupture. In that case, you’ll have to replace the entire system. So, if you notice a leak of any kind, make sure that you have a professional check it out sooner, rather than later. It might not be that severe yet, but it’s better to get it taken care of now than to wait for it to get worse later on.

Tank water heaters contain a part called the dip tube , which runs from the water line to the bottom of the tank. The dip tube ensures that cold, fresh water coming into the tank stays near the bottom, helping it to warm faster and keeping it separated from the hot water leaving the top of the tank. The dip tube is only made of plastic, which means it can degrade and crack over time. A cracked dip tube can leak cold water to mix with the already-heated water before it leaves the system. This can cause sudden fluctuations of water temperature at the faucet. If your water can’t seem to stay warm without blasting you with cold water, you might have a dip tube problem.

Lutz Plumbing, Inc. provides water heater repair services throughout Olathe, KS. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts. We’ll restore your water heater to proper operating condition.