When it comes to water heater problems, winter is the time when these problems are most likely to arise. With that said, the summer season can still cause problems for your heater. As such, it’s important to monitor it so that you can make the necessary repairs and replacements as quickly as possible. Here are some problems your water heater may encounter during summer.
Hot Water Quickly Becomes Cold
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), a family will use roughly 320 gallons of water each day. In summer, however, the average skyrockets to about 1,000 gallons. Given the increased water usage in your home during summer, there’s a chance that you’ll run out of hot water more quickly, which can explain why your water suddenly turns cold.
This is why you want to conserve water when possible. The less water you use, the more hot water you’re able to preserve.
Your Water is Too Hot
While hot water is much-appreciated in your home, we don’t want the water to be dangerously hot. Sometimes, however, your water heater can output exceptionally hot water. This can happen for a few different reasons, like sediment buildup, a dysfunctional thermostat, or a pressure relief valve that’s been broken. Your heating element may also be at the end of its lifespan, and this can cause it to stay on all of the time, which makes your water overheat.
Gas Combustion
Combustion sounds like a scary word, but you don’t have to fear it in this context. For water heaters, combustion air allows your heater to run smoothly. When there isn’t enough combustion air, it results in the production of carbon monoxide gas, which is highly dangerous to anyone. Carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless, and invisible to the human eye, but it has devastating health effects when you’re exposed to it for too long.
To see if you have improper gas combustion, take a look at your gas flame by peering through your sight window. If the flames switch from blue to yellow to red, you’re good to go. With improper gas combustion, the flames may seem to light correctly, but then they’ll flatten.
For Water Heater Repairs, Call Master Plumbing
Give Master Plumbing a call at (301) 650-9100, or contact us online to get more information on how our expert plumbers can help you with just about anything plumbing-related! We have received Angie’s List Super Service Award recognition for plumbing and drain cleaning every year since 2007, in addition to the Best Plumber award from Best of Bethesda. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our service is unparalleled. Give us a call today—you won’t regret it! To see examples of our projects, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!