Your water heater provides you with access to hot water whenever you need it. Can you imagine what would happen if it wasn’t for your residential water heater? Unfortunately, you’d have to manually preheat your water on the stove or over an open fire whenever you needed to bathe, wash dishes, or clothes. The fact of the matter is when your water heater becomes too old, it starts working too hard, which can lead to problems that may require a professional opinion. Our skilled plumbers at Westerville Plumbing & Drain will help you demonstrate common water heater problems and how to prevent them.  

Does The Temperature Of Your Water Fluctuate? 

We understand how frustrating it can be when your water is too hot, too cold, or warm but not hot enough. Fluctuating temperatures can result from a lack of power, a defective thermostat, an undersized water heater, or a faulty heating element. There are several ways you could troubleshoot before calling a professional. First, we recommend checking the thermostat to ensure it is at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher than that is a waste of energy and can cause burns. Second, try resetting any blown fuses or tripped breakers to guarantee your unit is getting power. Last, if neither of these solves your problem, we recommend calling a professional plumber.  

Do You Notice Leaks Coming From Your Water Heater Leak? 

When your water heater leaks, that can often be a sign that your unit is too old or poorly maintained. Nowadays, water heaters don’t need a whole lot of maintenance, but there are things you can do to ensure your unit stays working as long as possible. Commonly, sediment from your water can collect in your water heater’s tank. That said, you will want to drain the water from your unit at least twice a year to prevent that as best you can. At your discretion, you can test the pressure relief valve. You can do this by lifting the valve’s handle and letting it snap back in place, releasing a burst of water into the overflown drainpipe. If neither of these options works, it may be time to call in the professionals at Westerville Plumbing & Drain.  

Do I Need To Replace My Water Heater? 

Depending on the model and how well you have kept up on maintenance, your water heater could last 8 to 12 years. Another factor that can determine the life expectancy of your unit is the quality of your water. If your water heater works erratically and shows signs of leakage, it’s probably time to replace it with a newer model that will be more energy efficient.  

A functioning water heater is essential for you, your home, and your family. We understand how important that is in our hectic world. If you want your water heater functioning at its best, call the trusted professionals at Westerville Plumbing & Drain at (614) 540-3437, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!