It would not be easy to get much of anything clean around your home if it wasn’t for your residential water heater. How would you take a shower or wash your dirty dishes and clothes? Your water heater is always on the clock to keep you comfortable anytime you need heated water. That being said, when your water heater works too hard or has been working for too long, it can lead to problems that may require a professional. Fortunately, in this article, our plumbing professionals at Miamisburg Plumbing & Drain will point out common water heater issues and the best solutions to get your equipment back up and running.  

Do You Ever Have Trouble Finding The Perfect Water Temperature? 

Irregular water temperature is one of the most common problems you may face with your water heater. You could encounter three different types of water temperature problems: water being too cold, too hot, or warm but not hot enough. Below we explain the possible causes and how to address the situation:  

● Water is too cold – If you’re experiencing nothing but cold water running throughout your home, this could be caused by one or more of these reasons, a faulty heating element, defective thermostat, or a lack of power. If you have already tried to self-diagnose the problem by resetting any blown fuses or tripped breakers, then you may want to try checking the thermostat. Finally, if there is still no hot water, check to make sure the unit is, in fact, switched on.  

● Water is too hot – To ensure you’re experiencing the best-heated water while staying energy-efficient, the US Department of Energy recommends that it is best to keep your thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. When your water is too hot, check to ensure the thermostat isn’t set too high.  

● Water is warm but isn’t hot enough – If the water in your home isn’t warm enough, you should first check to make sure the thermostat is set high enough. If the thermostat is set at the correct temperature, you could have a faulty heating element, an undersized water heater, a defective thermostat, or crossed hot or cold connections. The easiest way to rule out crossed connections is to turn off the water supply and switch on a hot faucet. If the water from the hot tap is still flowing, you may have a crossed connection issue. If that doesn’t seem to be the issue, we suggest getting in touch with your local plumbing professionals to investigate whether your water heater is working properly or if it is time to invest in a new, modern water heater.  

Are There Any Water Leaks Coming From Your Water Heater? 

Unfortunately, water leaks in your water heater can occur more than just on its tank. There could be multiple issues with your water heater, including a stuck valve, improper water pressure, a bad gasket, faulty temperature or relief valve, loose heating element bolts, the water heater overheating, and even a leak from a nearby plumbing connection. If you think one of these issues may be the problem, you should check for loose plumbing connections and heating element bolts and tighten them. Nevertheless, if a leak is still present after following these steps, we advise calling a professional to have your water heater thoroughly evaluated.  

Is Your Water Discolored? 

If your home’s running water is discolored, especially if it is a rusty color, it may indicate corrosion inside your water heater. Often, this is caused by a failing anode rod or an older water heater tank. Again, we suggest seeking advice from your local plumbing professionals. They would be able to determine whether you need to replace the anode rod or install an entirely new water heater.  

We know how vital it is to have your water heater fully functional! Our trusted plumbing professionals at Miamisburg Plumbing & Drain are here to replace or repair your water heater today! You can call us at (937) 705-0297 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here