On a chilly morning, there’s nothing like a hot shower to ease you into your day. So before you step into the tub to feel the shock of cold water spraying on your head, make sure your water heater is working properly.
There are a couple things that might prevent your water from reaching the right temperature:
Sediment
Over time, minerals can build up in the bottom of your hot water tank, producing a barrier between the heat source and the water being heated. This means it can take longer to heat your water, which you’ll also notice if the dishes in your dishwasher aren’t getting clean enough. You may even notice a popping or thumping noise coming from the water heater if there is significant buildup. Draining your tank every year or so can flush out the sediment to keep your water clean and hot.
Dealing with gas and scalding water can be dangerous, and if your hot water tank is older and you don’t regularly drain and refill it, draining it may actually create an irreparable leak. Your safest bet is to have a professional plumber inspect and drain your water heater for you. During an inspection, a plumber will check the pressure relief valve, drain your tank to remove any sediment, and check for any rust or corrosion. If there is any metal or rust found in your tank’s water, it may be time to replace your anode rod, which is a fairly inexpensive but very important piece that attracts chemicals in the water and keeps them from rusting away the tank liner.
An Old Tank
If after draining your tank, you still notice that your water isn’t hot enough, it may be time to replace your hot water heater. The average unit lasts 10 to 15 years, so chances are if yours is getting up there in age, it won’t be long before it quits. We’ll be happy to tell you about our selection of hot water heaters, and about the advantages of tankless water heaters.
Call us today, so you’ll be enjoying hot water for years to come.
