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In some cases you can perform your own preventative
maintenance and other times you may need to call a heating service provider or
plumber.
There are also several other common
water heater problems that can also cause a reduction or an increase in the hot
water temperature.
One of the most common water heater
problems is a pilot light that has gone out and will not relight, or the
electrical igniter will not fire. Check to make sure that there is gas or oil in
the tank and that the fuel valve to the water heater has not been inadvertently
turned off. If you are convinced fuel is getting to the water heater, then you
will probably need to call a heating repair service to change out the
thermocouple or electrical igniter. Thermocouples and electrical igniters
frequently fail if they are old and exposed to dust and dirty oil.
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If you have an electric water
heater the heating coil itself frequently burns out due to corrosion that
occurs inside the water tank. Usually a heating repair service or plumber
can quickly replace the heating coil element.
If your hot water is either too
hot or cold chances are the water heater’s thermostat has either been
inadvertently adjusted, failed, or has been damaged. If appears the
thermostat has been inadvertently adjusted, try adjusting it yourself and
see if the water warms to your preferred level. Another possibility is that
the water heater flue is partially blocked and not allowing proper air flow. |
This could cause an uneven burn of the fuel which could
lead to a dangerous situation as well as an improper hot water temperature. Make
sure that the flue is free from any type of obstruction. If the thermostat
setting was not inadvertently adjusted and you have confirmed that the flue is
clear from obstructions, then again it is best to call a heating repair service
or plumber to replace the water heater thermostat.
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Another common water heater problem
is a failed pressure relief valve. This could manifest itself as a small leak or
as a gushing leak. If it is a gushing leak you will certainly experience a lack
of hot water. If it is a small leak, you may find a water puddle forming in the
area of the water heater. If the water heater pressure relief valve leaks it has
probably done so for a good reason. Its purpose is to assure the water heater
tank does not get over pressurized and explode. When a water heater pressure
relief valve has fired, or begun to leak, it must be replaced as it will
typically never re-seat itself fully. Again, call a heating repair service or
plumber to fix it.
If your water heater is making odd
noises chances are there is sediment building up in the tank due to corrosion or
the heating element is failing. Draining the tank can sometimes cure the
problem. Other times, however, it is a sign that water heater element or the
water heater itself has reached the end of its life. Water heaters typically
have a short lifespan of 5-10 years.
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