A water heater is a necessary appliance in every single home because it provides hot water for showers, cooking, dishes, and laundry. However, when the water temperature isn’t what you need it to be, it can be extremely upsetting. Not to mention, it can make for an unsanitary situation. Here are some common issues that you can encounter with temperature control along with some steps that you can take to address them.
Water Too Hot
Nobody likes a surprise shower that’s too hot. If your water temperature is too warm for comfort, even when you adjust to a cooler setting on the fixture, it’s time to check out the water heater. Most water heaters have a little dial or button where you can change the temperature. Just be careful not to turn it down too low, or you’ll be shivering.
Water Too Cold
Stepping into a cold shower is a total shock to the system. If your water heater isn’t delivering the heat you need, there might be a few things going on. Maybe it’s time to give your water heater a little tune-up. Sometimes, there’s a build-up of gunk, also known as sediment, inside the water heater. This gunk can make it harder for the water to get hot. Or maybe the part that actually heats the water is worn out. You should have a plumber inspect the unit to be certain.
Fluctuating Water Temperature
Imagine stepping into a shower expecting a nice warm rinse, but instead, you get hit with either freezing or boiling water. When your shower temperature keeps changing frequently, it’s usually because something’s wrong with the water mixing valve.
The mixing valve is the tool that makes sure everything’s balanced. If the mixing valve is broken, you might end up with a super hot or super cold shower.
No Hot Water
If your water heater has completely given up on you, there could be a few things going wrong. Maybe the element that actually heats the water is broken or something’s wrong with the thermostat. It could even be a problem with how the water gets to your house. If you’ve tried everything and still no hot water, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Professional Water Heater Assistance
To make sure your water heater remains in good working order, you should regularly schedule maintenance with a professional plumber. During the appointment, they will check the pressure relief valve to make sure it’s functioning as it should. This valve helps to keep the tank from exploding if the pressure gets too high. The plumber will also flush out the sediment buildup to improve how your water heater operates. Then, they will check all components for wear and tear and provide any repair recommendations.
Keeping your water heater in proper working order is essential for your home comfort. For water heater services in Bethel Park, PA, call G. I. Plumbing today.
