It’s the weekend and having woken up early for a leisurely day of relaxation, you decide to hop in the shower. So you pull yourself out from the comforts of your bed to take a nice shower, and you prepare by turning the water on to heat it. After a few moments of preparing your shower essentials, you jump right in—only to nearly slip! Shockingly, it’s cold—and not the warm shower you’ve been thinking about.
Unfortunately, this can only mean one thing—your water heater isn’t working. While you certainly feel like panicking, it’s best not to do so. A malfunctioning water heater is just one of the many problems homeowners face daily, but it’s best to contact a local plumber as soon as possible.
It also pays to learn more about the problem, as this will help the plumber understand exactly what needs to be done. For that reason, you may want to locate the problem area or issue.
To help you understand why your water heater isn’t working as intended, here are some of the most common causes:
Cause #1: There’s a build-up of sediment in the tank
If you’re always suffering from freezing water temperatures, your water heater tank may need to be inspected. More often than not, sediments build-up, causing the malfunction. Bear in mind that the water that enters your plumbing system likely comes with various minerals and debris, such as small stones and sand.
As the water sits in the tank system, the debris settles at the bottom. Unfortunately, the heater burner also sits at the bottom of the tank, making the heating process less effective. This is likely the reason you’re suffering from lukewarm to freezing temperatures—a clean up is necessary!
Cause #2: Your dip tube needs to be replaced
Your water heater tank receives water from your plumbing system, and this travels through the dip tube. The dip tube has been designed to shoot cold water to the bottom of the tank, where the heating process occurs.
If damaged, the water will only stay stagnant at the top of the tank, making the cold water travel to your showers without being heated. Unfortunately, damaged dip tubes will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’ll be showering and bathing in cold water for the days and weeks to come!
Cause #3: The heating system is malfunctioning
Water heaters are constantly used, which is why regular maintenance is paramount. You’ll need to have its heating systems flushed annually, just to keep the mechanisms well-oiled. Failing to do so could lead to problems, especially when your water heater is on the older side. They’re only meant to run for a maximum of 15 years.
If you’re currently suffering through cold showers, there could be something wrong with the heating system. It’s best to have it checked by a professional—you may need to replace some parts or have a new one installed.
The Bottom Pipe Line
Having a malfunctioning hot water system can be highly inconvenient, but it’s all part of the journey as a homeowner. Issues may arise due to various problems, so it’s important to stay knowledgeable about your plumbing system. More importantly, however, you’ll want a reliable plumbing company by your side.
At Sunny Coast Plumbing and Gas, we make your convenience our top priority. We offer you the best residential plumbing services on the Sunshine Coast, providing you with same-day solutions guaranteed to repair, improve, and replace your plumbing issues in no time. Get a free quote today!
