The water heater in your home is an essential part of everyday life. Whether you’re taking a shower, doing the dishes, or washing your clothes, it’s likely that your water heater is working hard to provide hot water. But what happens when things go wrong? If you are experiencing problems with your water heater, don’t worry – there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take to get it back up and running again.
Check the Thermostat Setting
Your water heater has a thermostat that controls when the heating element turns on and off. If this setting is too low, the heating element won’t turn on often enough to keep the tank hot. To check this setting, start by finding the thermostat on your water heater (it should be near the bottom of the tank). Then, adjust it until it is set at a comfortable temperature (usually around 120 degrees Fahrenheit).
Check for Leaks
Another common issue with water heaters is leaking. A leak could be coming from anywhere – from the pipes connected to the tank, from a crack in the tank itself, or even from a connection between two parts of the system. To check for leaks, start by checking all of the fittings and connections in your system for any signs of moisture or corrosion. Additionally, look around for any standing puddles of water near or around your water heater. If you find any signs of leaking, contact a plumber as soon as possible so they can fix it before any further damage is done.
Insulate Your Tank
If you find that your hot water isn’t staying hot for very long after use, consider insulating your tank with an insulation blanket. This will help keep more heat inside your tank so that it will stay warm longer after each use. Insulation blankets can be purchased at most hardware stores and are relatively easy to install yourself – simply wrap them around your tank and secure them in place with tape or zip ties.
Troubleshooting your home’s water heater doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to identify common issues quickly and easily and take steps towards getting them fixed right away – saving you time and money in the long run. Remember – if ever in doubt about anything related to your home’s plumbing systems, always call a professional plumber, like Cleanline Plumbing Solutions, who can help diagnose any issues you may be having and provide solutions that are tailored specifically for you.