Being able to soak yourself in a hot bath at the end of the day is a little luxury you may take for granted. If you start experiencing hot water problems, you'll soon want to resolve them. Here are some of the common ones you may experience and what you can do about them.
Not Enough Hot Water
Not having enough hot water can mean that everyday tasks stop running smoothly. Before you assume that your heater is the issue, consider whether your hot water usage has gone up. If it has risen, you may need to leave your heater on for longer or you might need to look at getting a bigger tank.
Other causes of not having enough hot water include a broken thermostat. Addressing this is relatively easy, but you'll need a plumber to do the work for you.
The Temperature Fluctuates
When you're used to consistency, you'll soon start to notice when the water temperature fluctuates. If it suddenly becomes too hot or too cold, you need to assess whether the thermostat is working.
Move your thermostat to the desired temperature and mark where you move it to. Check a day or so later to see if the thermostat has moved on its own. If it has, you may need a hot water service to address the problem.
Water Leaking at the Bottom
Water leaking from the bottom of the tank isn't always a sign of a problem. If the water is minimal, it may be that you're experiencing condensation. Or, you could have a small amount draining from the overflow pipe.
Without a professional assessment, it isn't possible to identify whether the problem is condensation or a bigger leak. To reduce the risk of damage and condensation-related mould, a plumber needs to assess the tank.
No Hot Water at All
If you find that your water is always running cold, it probably doesn't have an electrical supply. Start by checking the circuit breaker. If it has tripped, replace it and you should find that is enough to restore your hot water.
Should you find that replacing the circuit breaker isn't enough, it may be that the heating elements have failed. If this is the case, ask your local plumber to assess the situation. They'll be able to replace your heating elements and you can return to enjoying hot water again.
By using a regular hot water service, you can identify small issues before they become big ones. As a result, your system should last longer and you can avoid expensive replacements.
