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3 Common Hot Water Heater Problems

By August 8, 2016August 21st, 2020No Comments

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The ability to take a hot shower after a long day is something we take for granted. The hot water heater does its job to make this ritual possible. Nobody ever notices this vital piece of household equipment until it stops working – usually at the most inopportune time possible! If your hot water heater is acting up, knowing the answer to these three questions will go a long way to help the Kelowna plumber you call understand the problem. This will save you time and money when it comes for repair or replacement.

 

Water Problems

Is the problem a sign of trouble with the water? Does it look or smell normal? This would be our first indication of built up scale or bacteria in the hot water tank. Knowing what the problem may be in advance will save us time troubleshooting when we arrive on the scene.

 

Temperature Issues

When the water is too hot or not hot enough, there is a chance the thermostat was accidentally raised or lowered. The standard recommendation for hot water temperature is 140F, though families with young children often lower it to 120C to avoid accidentally scalding delicate skin. Try adjusting the temperature slightly first to see if that fixes the problem. If there is no hot water at all, a call to a plumber is definitely in order right away.

 

Other Signs of Trouble

It’s normal for your hot water heater to make a little bit of noise when it turns on, but it’s not normal for it to be a large, jarring sound. If you can hear the hot water heater on another floor of the house, or there’s a new sound that you haven’t noticed before when you’re down in the basement doing laundry, it’s time to call a plumber to investigate.

Having the hot water heater looked at when the first sign of trouble appears will help avoid major problems, like finding out there is no hot water to wash the dishes after a family holiday feast (happens more than you’ll ever know).

Hot water heater repair in Kelowna is a job best left to a professional plumber. Since 2008, we have been helping area residents with planned and emergency plumbing repairs. Contact us today at (250) 681-0089 to discuss the trouble with your hot water heater.