Common Problems You May Have With Your Water Heater in Downriver Michigan

Having a water heater that isn’t working correctly can be extremely frustrating. Those cold winter mornings when a hot shower is something you want only to be disappointed with water that is frigid can wake you up but it can certainly ruin you entire day. Having a working water heater in Downriver Michigan is a must although it can have problems from time to time. Here are some common problems you may have with your water heater and what may be happening to it when it does have problems.

Common Problems You May Have With Your Water Heater in Downriver Michigan

Most water heaters will have a warranty of about 8 years. So for 8 years the water heater should provide you with enough hot water that you need. Anything over the warranty period which, is likely 8 years, is extra. Some water heaters can have a warranty of 15 years but usually come with a hefty price tag because of the higher quality components that are used in the water heater. In either case, know what type of warranty you have and if your water heater is over the warranty period you may want to consider replacing water heater entirely rather than opting for water heater repairs.

Most homes have a single water heater system so when that water heater starts to have problems they can be experienced everywhere in the home that uses hot water. Faucets and showers are just a few but you also want have hot water for washers as well. Making sure your water heater is working properly is a must and if you suspect there is a problem, be sure to call a qualified water heater technician such as Superior Comfort. Here are some signs you may have a problem with your water heater:

No Hot Water At All

If you don’t have any hot water at all in any of your faucets there is likely a problem with the water heater. But, the problem may be energy related. If you have an electric water heater ensure that the circuit breakers are not tripped. Additionally, if your water heater is gas powered, make sure the gas is on and that the pilot light is working.

Running Out of Hot Water

Another common problem that you may have with a water heater is that the hot water runs out quickly. While this can sometimes be a sizing issue with the water heater such as a small water heater installed in a large home, or additional people in the home it may not be. If the water heater was providing enough hot water before and it is not now you may have a problem with the water heater. In dual heating element systems one of the heating elements may have failed which means it can not heat water as fast as it once would. This can cause the water heater to run out of hot water faster. Failed heating elements will need to be replaced by qualified technicians and is not a do it yourself project.

Water is Too Hot or Cold

Like the heating and AC system in your home the water heater is controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat in the water heater determines just how hot the water at the faucet will be. The average temperature this is set at is usually 140 degrees. Some are a few degrees warmer or cooler depending on owner settings. For instance, some home owners with smaller children have the water temperature turned down in case the child turns on nothing but hot water. When a thermostat starts to fail it can cause the water to be too hot or too cold. One way to determine just what your water heater temperature is at can be checked using a kitchen instant read thermometer. Wait until the water runs a minute and levels out then check the temperature of the water coming from the tap.

Higher Energy Costs from the Water Heater

Another common problem with a failing water heater is higher energy costs. If the insulation in the water heater has started to fall it can cause the water heater to use more energy to keep the water at a specific temperature. Sometimes when this happens, replacing the water heater with a newer, more energy efficient model can certainly help. Be sure to call Superior Comfort Heating and Cooling for all your water heater service needs in Downriver Michigan.