Your water heater needs regular maintenance to function correctly. For instance, you should insulate your tank to reduce energy expenses. Also, insulation will extend your tank's lifespan as less heat will escape from the unit. Hence, your water heater won't have to struggle to heat the water. This measure will reduce your energy bills as your unit will consume less energy.
Your water heater can develop problems that may require immediate repair. Here are signs you need to call a water heater professional to service your unit.
Old Heater
If your water heater is old, it may cause fluctuating water temperatures. An older heater will decline in efficiency as some components deteriorate due to wear and tear. This issue will affect your overall unit's performance.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your thermostat can malfunction, leading to wrong thermostat settings. This issue can cause erratic water temperatures in your heater. Your heater operates within a particular range of temperature.
If you set your thermostat too low, your heater won't properly heat your water, resulting in lukewarm water. If the thermostat is set at a higher temperature than normal, it can cause excessive heating of water, leading to unbearable hot water that can harm you. You may suffer severe burns.
Moreover, setting your thermostat too low can result in bacterial growth due to the lower warm temperatures that are conducive to micro-organisms. Bacteria can cause legionnaire's disease. You can contract this condition when you inhale or swallow tiny droplets of water with the bacteria.
Wrong Size
A wrongly sized water heater can cause fluctuating water temperature. If your heater is smaller than the recommended size, it will struggle to meet the demands of your home, making it malfunction. Conversely, if your heater is larger than necessary, it will lead to high maintenance costs and energy consumption.
Faulty Pressure Valve
A faulty pressure balancing valve can cause wavering water temperatures. If you find small pools of water around your heater, it could be a red flag for a malfunctioning pressure valve. The relief valve is responsible for keeping your water temperature at a safer range. If the water in the heater gets too hot or the pressure gets too high, the valve will be triggered to open. The component will eliminate some water from the unit until the conditions become normal.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure in your unit can be due to excessive sediment buildup in the tank and other components. This problem is common in areas with hard water. As the water flows in the tank, it gradually deposits sediments, blocking your water lines. Also, excessive rust can accumulate in your unit and interfere with proper water flow in the equipment.
Contact a company like Foulk Brothers Plumbing & Heating to learn more.