There is nothing like standing at the sink and waiting for hot water that does not want to come. Or starting your morning shower only to find it cold for what feels like an age. You may be left to wonder if your water heater is on the fritz or if this is just the way of things these days.
For more than 20 years we have been putting Maryland homeowners out of their misery when it comes to these sorts of issues. If you would rather put down the phone and talk to a pro, A Better Plumber is at (301)-278-8786. Otherwise, read on for some insight.
A unit that takes an inordinate amount of time to heat is an annoyance, but it is also a signpost. In most cases there is a clear water heater problem and an equally clear fix.
The Usual Suspects
We do not see slow heating without cause in the homes we service across Maryland, and the reason is often quite straightforward. Some of the more common ones include:
- Sediment at the bottom of the tank insulating the water from the heat
- An electric heater with a bad element
- A thermostat past its prime that cannot read the temperature
- A gas burner in need of a good cleaning
- A dip tube that has given out and is letting cold water into the hot supply
- Long runs of pipe where the water cools before it gets to the tap
- A heater that is no longer up to the task of your household’s needs
You will find each of these presents itself in its own way. Identifying the one you are up against is half the battle.
Sediment Buildup
Minerals in the water have a habit of settling in the tank over time. That sediment forms a barrier to the burner, so the water above it is slower to warm, and the heater has to work for it. An annual flush of the tank will stave off most of it. Should the buildup be bad, a professional can flush it and put your heater back in working order.
Problems with the Element or Thermostat
With an electric model, a failed element means the unit is running on half power and will take about twice as long to get hot. You cannot tell by looking at the tank, however. A faulty thermostat is much the same; the heater is not being told to put out enough heat. Both are replaceable once you have the proper tools to test them.
Is the Heater Too Small?
Occasionally the equipment is fine and the demand is the issue. Put it in a bigger tub or add a bathroom, and a tank that was sufficient yesterday may not be today. We would recommend speaking with a licensed plumber about whether an upgrade to a larger or tankless system is in order.
Things to Check Before You Call
Go ahead and run through a few of these:
- Verify the thermostat is somewhere in the 120 to 140 degree range
- On a gas unit, check the pilot light
- See if the circuit breaker is tripped on an electric
- Pay attention to any rumbling or popping, which could mean sediment
- Take note of how long this has been going on
It gives your plumber something to work with when you make contact.
Time for a Professional
Water heaters are pressurized and involve electrical and gas lines. It is not a job to tinker with unless you have the training. When the basics have not done the trick, let someone who does this for a living handle it. A Better Plumber is fully insured and licensed with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee to back our work. Our 1600+ Google reviews and 4.9-star rating speak for themselves.
Stop making do with cold showers and the wait that goes with them. We are here Monday to Friday from 7AM until 8PM and on Saturday until 4PM. Give us a ring at (301)-278-8786 and we will have your hot water flowing properly again.
