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Water Heater Replacement: Reasons Your Water Heater Is Malfunctioning | Myrtle Beach, SC
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A malfunctioning water heater is a common problem for many Myrtle Beach, SC residential and commercial properties. Nowadays, hot water is essential in ensuring that people run their daily chores like showering, washing their hands, and cleaning dishes smoothly.
A water heater is vital in supplying hot water in your residential or commercial property. Nearly 17% of the energy consumption in your home goes to the water heating appliance directly. Have you ever had troubles with the water heater and wondered how such a creatively engineered appliance could end up malfunctioning?
Below, we discuss some of the causes of water heating appliance failure. By knowing what causes its failure, you can institute preventive measures to costs that you might incur by having a water heater replacement service.
1. Bad Electrical Connections
It is vital to inspect your electrical connection before calling a water heater replacement technician. Sometimes, the issue may be with your electrical connections and not the water heater. A damaged power cord or a blown-up fuse are some of the electrical problems that could result in your water heater malfunctioning. A limited gas supply may be the case if the water heater is gas-powered.
Regardless, enlisting the services of a plumber for regular inspection and maintenance is vital. The water heater replacement expert will detect the worn-out and uninsulated electrical wires and replace them. Therefore, your home will have a continuous supply of hot water. Regular maintenance also prevents issues with your water heater from becoming full-blown to the extent of requiring an entire water heater replacement.
2. Internal Rust
A sacrificial anode is a material that swiftly wears out over time and is purposefully inserted into a water heater tank to protect it from corrosion. The term “sacrificial” refers to that anode rods are corroded rather than the tank itself. Anodes deteriorate over time, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, it is critical to seek comprehensive and timely water heater service to avoid major inconveniences.
Failure to do so results in the corrosion of the anode rod, and the anodes have a one-year lifespan. Plumbing experts advise that you inspect your pipes regularly to ensure that they are in good operating condition and that you can detect any problem early. A plumber can help you with regular inspection and maintenance. If you notice that your anode rod is worn-out, enlist a plumber for water heater replacement services as soon as possible to minimize more damage.
3. Loose Parts
Loose elements in your water heater system can cause consistent water leaks. The water heater’s drain valve might be malfunctioning. Water leaks from the valve’s foot indicate that the device is not properly water-sealed. You can resolve the problem by repairing the drain valve instead of replacing the entire water heater.
As a result, loose nuts or bolts may cause a hot water system to malfunction. Water leaks from your system’s bolts strongly show that some sections of the heating element are loose. To minimize excessive water costs, homeowners should repair the loose parts as soon as possible.
If water is leaking from the bolts or nuts of your system, that is a clear sign that some parts of your water heater are loose. You must fix the loose parts immediately to avoid the expensive water utility bills.
The US Department of Energy estimates that a leak from a single drip results in over 1600 gallons of water lost every year. Homeowners in Myrtle Beach, SC, may opt for DIY methods like tightening the loose nuts and bolts. However, we advise them against this as it may exacerbate the problem. Instead, a water heater replacement service tech should inspect the water heater and perform the necessary replacements and repairs.
4. A Faulty Thermostat
A thermostat produces some electric currents in response to heat presence. The increase in water temperatures increases the electric current, and the reverse is true. If your water heater produces cold water, call to perform a comprehensive checkup of the thermostat.
The issue may not be with the water heater but a cut-off unit that is damaged. Moreover, because of technological developments, there are many thermostat designs that a water heater replacement service provider can install to your water heater. Some of the thermostat designs include electronic, stem, and bulb thermostats.
Knowing that, when a thermostat problem arises, the heating system at your home may detect the issue and work extra harder to operate at its peak efficiency. Therefore, it uses more power and increases the energy utility bills. Besides checking whether the batteries in the thermostat are working to identify when the water heater has a problem, a reputable plumber can also inspect, detect, and resolve all thermostat issues. This saves you the hassle and stress of purchasing a new water heater.
5. Incorrect Water Pressure
The high water pressure might cause your water heater to malfunction or possibly damage your entire piping system. If you notice that water is leaking from the hot water system, it is a sign of a problem with the water pressure within your system. To prevent any further damages that may result in severe injuries like burns, you should enlist the help of a water heater replacement service.
The distance that hot water covers could cause a change in water pressure. This is because the water flows through multiple bends, with its pressure dropping as it passes through the pipe joints. A water overflow can also cause a change in water pressure. The topmost pressure is usually around 80 psi. Consider upgrading your water heater’s pressure relief valve if the problem persists.
6. Mineral Buildup
The other reason your water heater may be malfunctioning is the buildup of minerals within the water tank or on the heating element. Water from the municipal main supply line contains dissolved minerals that may accumulate on the walls of the water heater or its heating element, reducing the unit’s efficiency.
This problem is more pronounced in areas with hard water. When the water heater’s efficiency reduces, it cannot heat the water properly, meaning that your home will not have a sufficient water supply. Significant sediments may cause the water heater to explode because of the pressure buildup.
Water Heater Replacement Services in Myrtle Beach, SC
A water heater is a vital plumbing fixture that should be optimally operating continually. However, various factors threaten their efficiency, as discussed above. Fortunately, you can avoid these problems by enlisting a plumbing service like Benjamin Franklin of Myrtle Beach for water heater maintenance and repair. Do you need any water heater services in your home? Call our experienced water heater replacement technicians today.