Your Guide To Tank-Type Hot Water System Repairs
Hot water systems are an essential component of daily comforts. They ensure you can have warm showers in the winter or run yourself a scalding bath when you're in need of relaxation. They are also effective at diffusing grease during the washing of utensils and pots, as hot water fragments the structure of oil-based bonds.
However, it is likely your hot water system investment will not be a one-off expense; a few repairs and some partial replacements may be necessary along the way. If you fear that your hot water system is aging and needs maintenance, look no further: this guide will take you through standard hot water system repairs and the improvements they provide.
Standard Tank-Type Hot Water System Problems And Quick Fixes
Tank-type hot water systems require an insulated storage tank, which both improves their durability and occasionally compromises the water supply. If you have a shortage of hot water, see rust-coloured water, smell a rotten egg odour emanating from your installation or hear rumbling noises as it runs, you may need some troubleshooting.
Other common problems of hot water systems with tanks, such as whining sounds, can be caused by valve problems and fixed by clearing the sediment build-up from the bottom of the tank. It may also highlight a leak from a nearby plumbing installation. A temporary solution to most tank-type water heater problems is to reduce the thermostat to ensure the tank does not overheat. However, you will eventually need to contact a professional.
Repairs Older Models Will Likely Need
In older systems, you are likely to encounter more problems. For instance, your pilot light or thermocouple may be malfunctioning. Generally, this will make the system produce water relatively colder than the temperature desired. For gas models, you may have to replace the gas pilot control valve to ensure your system is provisioned with the energy it requires. However, in many cases, tightening the thermocouple is enough to rectify a water temperature problem.
If your hot water supply is unstable and you feel the water turning back to cold whilst taking a shower or having an open tap, a more serious installation issue may be to blame. For instance, your hot water tank may be undersized and struggling to cope with your daily demand. Your plumbing installation may also be faulty, with crossed hot and cold-water lines. In such cases, you will likely need to re-install the whole system.
A Final word
Hot water systems aren't immune to the passing of time or increased hot water demands. They may be eventually overwhelmed by your household's consumption and sport the wear and tear to prove it. If this leads to any of the problems mentioned above, you'll want to conduct your own troubleshooting first and contact a repair professional if the damage appears beyond your help.
For more information, contact a heating repair service today.