Common Water Heater Problems to Watch for

Even with regular maintenance, though, you are almost certainly going to have to deal with some kind of problem with your water heater if you own it for long enough. How quickly you identify the problem and get it repaired will determine how much damage to the system is prevented. Have a look at a few common water heater problems below, and the indications that you should call for repairs as soon as possible.

If your water heater is not providing enough water, it could be for a number of different reasons. The most common being that you simply used up all the available hot water and just need to wait for more to be heated. If the system is consistently not providing enough hot water, though, you might have a bigger problem.

Low output could be the result of your system’s burner assembly becoming clogged. This often happens if the assembly is not cleaned often enough, as carbon particles build up on the jets over time. Another possible explanation is the buildup of lime scale on the bottom of the tank. In homes that have a hard water problem, the lime scale buildup can become so bad that it actually insulates the bottom of the tank from the heat from the assembly. Regardless, it’s best that you call a professional if your system is providing suspiciously little output.

You should never, ever ignore any leaks that you find in your water heater system, no matter where it is. Even a small leak can grow into a larger leak over time. Depending on where the leak is located, this can cause catastrophic damage to the system. For example, a large enough leak in the storage tank of the system can cause the entire thing to rupture. If this happens, in addition to having to pay for water damage remediation, you’re going to have to replace your water heater. So, make sure that you call a professional if you notice your water heater leaking.

If you are suddenly getting blasts of cold water mixed in with the hot water coming out of your faucet, you might have a problem with the dip tube. The dip tube runs from the top of the storage tank to the bottom, and guides fresh water from the water line to the bottom of the tank. This is to warm the water up faster, and keep it separate from the hot water leaving the tank. If a crack develops in the dip tube, cold water can leak into the hot water at the top of the tank. This is what causes sudden temperature fluctuations.

Lutz Plumbing, Inc. offers water heater repair services throughout Kansas City, MO. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians.