Hot water is something most people take for granted -; until something goes wrong with the system. When that happens, you suddenly get a feel of what life was like in the Middle Ages. Fortunately, it doesn’t take long for a qualified technician to get the hot water flowing again. Here are some of the commonly found problems that can affect a hot water system.
The first category of problems can be described as a failure to heat the water. In gas fueled systems, the problem can be that the gas isn’t getting through to the burner. This can be cause by clogs in the line or by the action of the water heater’s safety device. If the safety device isn’t opening, it may be because the system doesn’t sense any flame. If the pilot light has gone out, then the lack of gas is a good thing -; it prevents unburnt fuel from getting into the room and becoming an explosion or suffocation hazard. Many times, however, a lack of fire just means you need a new thermocouple.
In electrical systems, a lack of heat often means that the element has failed. Unfortunately, this can be a fairly expensive repair. On the plus side, a new element can last for years without further maintenance. Other reasons for a lack of heat in the systems include blown fuses, tripped breakers, and other minor electrical problems.
The second category of hot water problems falls under the heading of tank failure. If the tank has begun to leak, it’s time to get a new one. Hot Water Tanks Wichita KS can last for decades, but eventually, they can corrode. Trying to stop a leak instead of replacing the tank isn’t a good idea. The amount of water pressure in a tank is almost always enough to break through a patch.
There are two general types of hot water tanks. In most houses, the water heating element and the tank are part of a single unit. In large homes or commercial buildings, however, they can be separate. A hot water tank that only holds water will be cheaper to replace than one that also has a heating element. Either way, getting a new one will prevent a mess and allow you to avoid the threat of water damage. It’s definitely a good investment.
