Nothing is as uncomfortable as getting into a hot shower on a cold winter’s morning and being met with icy, cold water. There could be any number of reasons why the water refuses to warm up, but many times it is a sure sign that there is something wrong with your water heater. The best way to solve the problem is to have your water heater inspected by a qualified Mission Viejo water heater repair service.

Poor Heating

There are two types of tank water heaters: electric and gas. Both have a large holding tank filled with water and both types can experience problems with the heating element. Electric water heaters have a heating element in the tank that heats the water. The electric element can sometimes become corroded in the water or the wiring can break down causing a malfunction.

Gas water heaters have a flame underneath the tank that heats the walls of the tank and in turn heats the water. With a gas element, there may be a problem with the gas supply or, in some cases, soot and ash could be clogging the burners.

Bad Thermostat

Water heater tanks are insulated to hold the heat in, but eventually the water will cool, especially when new water fills the tank. Inside the tank, there are two probes connected to thermostats. The bottom probe tells the system when it needs to heat the water up. The top probe maintains the temperature in the tank. As the water cools, the top probe tells the heating element when to raise the water temperature. As with the heating elements, the wiring on the sensors and the relays to the heating elements can be faulty or become corroded.

Pressure Problems

As water is heated, pressure begins to build in the tank. When the water is used, the pressure goes down until new water enters the tank and gets heated. If the water is not used right away, the pressure can continue to build. There is a pressure relief valve on the tank that automatically opens and lets out some pressure. Without this relief valve, the water heater could blow up, causing severe damage to your home and even causing bodily harm to members of the household.

The pressure relief valve should be checked regularly to make sure it is working properly. The valve can be opened by hand to hear the pressure escaping. If no pressure escapes, there may be a problem and you should call a plumber immediately.

Sediment Build Up

No matter how clean your water may appear to be, there are still particles floating in it that get deposited inside the tank. Over time these particles settle at the bottom of the tank and interfere with the heating process, especially in a gas heater. Eventually, the buildup can push the sides out, breaking the seams and cause the water heater to leak. A yearly draining of the tank can flush these sediments out and prevent damage.

Maintenance Programs

Water heaters perform best when they are properly maintained. This is why many people take advantage of maintenance programs that we offer. To learn more about our services, give Mission Viejo Best Plumbing a call today.

 

Tags: Water Heaters