A hot water system is a device that heats water and circulates it through pipes to provide hot water for showers, laundry, dishes, and other uses. There are several types of hot water systems, including electric tankless heaters, gas-fired storage tanks, and solar-powered water heaters.
If your hot water system breaks down, it can be a real inconvenience. No hot showers, no hot baths, no hot water for washing dishes, the list goes on.
So, what should you do if your hot water system breaks down?
7 Signs of Hot Water System Problems You Can’t Ignore
1. The water is cold.
If your taps or shower do not get hot water even if all the settings are correct, there could be a problem.
There are a few different things that could be causing this. First, the thermostat could be set too low, meaning that the water isn’t getting hot enough. Another possibility is that the dip tube, which supplies cold water to the heating element, is broken or missing. Finally, there could be a problem with the heating element itself.
2. There is no water flowing.
You know there’s something wrong with your hot water system when there is no water flowing. This can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from a faulty heater to a blocked pipe. In some cases, the problem may be as simple as a blown fuse or an empty gas bottle.
3. The water temperature fluctuates.
There’s nothing worse than jumping into a hot shower only to have the water turn cold a few minutes later. Or, even worse, scalding yourself with hot water and then having it turn icy cold.
If you’re experiencing these kinds of extreme temperature fluctuations with your hot water system, something is wrong. The most likely culprit is a faulty thermostat. This is a relatively easy problem to fix but you’ll need to call in a professional hot water technician to do the job.
4. There is a strange noise coming from the hot water system.
The hot water system is a complex piece of equipment, and when something goes wrong, it can be difficult to figure out what the problem is. If you’re hearing a strange noise coming from your hot water system, there’s a good chance something is wrong.
First, check the pressure relief valve to see if it is open or closed. If it is open, there may be too much pressure in the system, which can cause noise.
Second, check the expansion tank to see if it is full of water. If it is, this could be causing the noise as well.
Finally, check the anode rod to see if it needs to be replaced. If it does, this could be the source of the noise.
5. The pilot light keeps going out.
One of the most common hot water system problems is when the pilot light keeps going out. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as a dirty burner, a drafty room, or even a faulty thermocouple.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem yourself. First, make sure that the area around the water heater is clean and free of debris. Second, check for drafts in the room and seal any gaps that you find. Finally, if the problem persists, you may need to replace the thermocouple.
6. Water is leaking from the system.
But when you see water leaking from your hot water system, it’s a pretty clear sign that something is wrong. The first thing that you should do is to identify the source of the leak.
If it’s coming from the pipes, then it’s likely that a joint or connection has come loose. But if the leak is coming from the tank itself, then it might be due to corrosion or a crack in the tank. Either way, it’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
7. The gas usage is higher than usual.
As any homeowner knows, a hot water system is an essential part of daily life. When something goes wrong with the hot water system, it can be a huge inconvenience. This could be caused by several factors, such as a leak in the system or a problem with the heating element.
It could be a simple issue like a dirty burner or something more serious. In any case, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your hot water system.
If you encounter any of these issues, don’t panic. While it’s possible to troubleshoot some hot water issues on your own, it’s always best to call in a professional if you’re not sure what the problem is. If the issue is an empty gas bottle, don’t panic. Simply contact Plus Gas, and we’ll get your hot water system running in no time.
