Water heater problems can be frustrating and costly to fix. Knowing the most common causes of water heater issues can help you diagnose and repair the problem quickly without having to rely on a professional or make an expensive replacement. Below are 10 of the most common causes of water heater problems that homeowners face:
- Insufficient Water Pressure – When there is not enough pressure in your pipes, it may lead to a decrease in hot water flow from your faucet. This usually occurs when there are too many fixtures running at once or because of clogs in the lines.
- Corroded Pipes – As pipes age, they become more susceptible to corrosion which can reduce the amount of hot water coming out of your faucets.
- Malfunctioning Thermostat – The thermostat regulates the temperature of the water heater and if it is not working correctly, it can cause hot water to come out at a lower temperature than desired or shut off completely. If your water heater in Kansas City, KS is having problems maintaining the desired temperature, it may be due to a malfunctioning thermostat.
- Sediment Build-up – Over time, sediment will build up in your water heater tank which reduces its efficiency and causes hot water to run out more slowly or stop running altogether.
- Leaks – Leaks can occur in both the exterior of the tank due to corrosion as well as internally with tubes that are connected to the unit’s heating elements. This can lead to a decrease in hot water output as well as an increase in energy bills.
- Loose Connections – Over time, the pipe fittings that connect your water heater to the incoming water line can become loose or worn out due to corrosion. This reduces water pressure and causes hot water to come out more slowly than usual.
- Faulty Heating Element – Hot water is produced when electricity passes through a coil located at the bottom of the tank which heats up the water in the tank. If this heating element becomes faulty, it may cause hot water not to be produced or for only lukewarm water to come out of your faucets. Tankless water heaters in Kansas City, KS may also experience this issue if their electronic components need to be replaced.
- Improperly Set Temperature – If you have recently adjusted your thermostat setting, make sure it’s properly set as too high or too low of a temperature can lead to hot water not coming out.
- Blocked Vent Pipes – Over time, debris and lint can build up in the vent pipes leading from your water heater which will reduce the amount of pressure in them and cause hot water to come out more slowly than usual.
- Inadequate Size – If your household has a large demand for hot water but you have an undersized tank, then it may struggle to keep up with the demand which can result in lower temperatures or no hot water at all.
By understanding these common causes of water heater problems, you’ll be better equipped to diagnose and repair the issue so that you can get your hot water running smoothly again. If you’re still having trouble, it may be time to call in a professional to help.
Tips to hire a water heater service pro!
- Start by doing your research. Ask for referrals from family and friends, read customer reviews online, and ask for recommendations from home improvement stores that sell water heaters.
- Make sure you hire a professional plumber or contractor who is licensed and insured in your state. It’s important to make sure the person you hire can legally perform the work you need done on your water heater.
- Have an honest discussion about costs upfront with any potential contractors before committing to any services so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay the bill.
- Understand what kind of warranty or guarantee is offered by your chosen contractor for their services and products, if applicable. This helps protect both parties in case something goes wrong.
- Ask questions! Before the job is done, make sure you understand what was done and what to do in the future if an issue arises with your water heater. A good service pro will be happy to answer any questions you have about their work.
- Finally, get everything in writing, including a detailed invoice for services provided and a contract for any materials or labor purchased as part of the project. This will help protect both parties should any issues arise down the line. Following these tips can help ensure that you find a reliable and trustworthy water heater service professional to suit your needs! Contact Quick Relief Plumbing at (913) 207-0779 for more information.
