tank-water-heaterWater heaters are built to last, but they’re not immune to problems. Using the system multiple times a day, every day puts a lot of strain on it. If you want to protect your investment, it’s a very good idea to make sure that you are on the lookout for any signs that indicate that your water heater is in trouble. Let’s go over some of the more common signs that your water heater needs professional services right away.

Leaks

The bane of water systems everywhere, leaks can form as the result of rust, a damaged seal, or about a half-dozen other factors. Even small leaks can cause problems, depending on where they’re located. They also often grow larger over time if they aren’t dealt with quickly. If you have a leak somewhere like the storage tank of your water heater, you may even have to replace the entire system when the tank ruptures. Make sure you have any leaks you find dealt with as soon as possible.

Falling Heat Output

If your water heater is struggling to provide enough hot water for your needs, and you know that you’re not just overwhelming it with demand, then you might have a couple different issues with the system. It’s possible that the burner assembly is clogged, preventing it from burning enough gas to create heat. It’s also possible that you have sediment building up on the bottom of the storage tank, insulating the water inside from the heat the system generates. You can have the burner assembly cleaned, and the storage tank flushed out to deal with these problems. You’ll need to have a professional examine the system to determine for certain what the problem is and repair it for you, though.

Temperature Swings

If you have temperature fluctuations in the water coming out of your faucet, you might have an issue with the dip tube. The dip tube is a plastic tube that runs from the water line to the bottom of the tank. All fresh water entering the system flows through the dip tube and is let out near the bottom of the tank. This is closest to the burner assembly, so the fresh water will heat up faster and remain separate from the hot water leaving the tank.

The dip tube can crack after years of use, releasing cold water to mix with the hot water leaving the system at the top of the tank. This is what can cause those temperature swings. The tube will need to be replaced to fix the problem. This is a fairly simple thing to do, but you should still trust a professional to do it for you. You never know what else they might find that will need fixing when they open up the tank.

Climate Control Heating & Cooling provides comprehensive water heater repair services in Smithville, MO. If you need help with your water heater, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure that your system is restored to proper condition.