There are a few warning signs your hot water heater is bad or failing. If you turn the faucet or shower on and see the water flow reduced to a weak drip, look first to your water heater.
What Causes a Water Heater to Lose Pressure?
Hard water contains minerals like calcium carbonate that, when heated, precipitate out of the water and settle in the form of sediment at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This buildup also forms in the pipes that bring water into and out of your water heater.
When water has a difficult time making its way from your water heater to your plumbing fixtures, the result is a lower-than-usual water pressure.
How Can I Avoid Sediment Buildup?
Using a water softener is one solution that helps keep minerals in hard water from building up in your plumbing pipes and water heater. Flushing your water heater can also be helpful, though it is recommended that an expert plumber do this professionally.
What Are Other Signs of a Bad Water Heater?
Some additional signs of a water heater going bad are:
- Cloudy water
- Foul-smelling water
- Leaking tank
- Popping or banging noises
- Lack of sufficient hot water
What to Consider When Replacing Your Water Heater
TYPES: There are a few different types of water heaters to choose from. Storage water heaters come at a low purchase cost. Tankless water heaters boast a constant supply of hot water alongside an increase in energy savings. Heat pump water heaters have low operating costs. Solar water heaters can last up to 20 years and are 50% more efficient than gas or electric water heaters.
SIZE: Calculating your home’s hot water demand during peak hours will help in determining what size water heater will be sufficient for your household.
EFFICIENCY: A water heater’s Energy Factor (EF) is the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed. It is based on how efficiently heat is transferred from fuel to water, the percentage of heat loss per hour of water stored compared to water heated, and the loss of heat as the water circulates through the tank.
Michael Runk is here for your Plumbing Services in Eldersburg, MD.
Looking for reliable Eldersburg, MD plumbing services? Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating is happy to offer 24/7 water heater and plumbing services so that you never have to go days without water pressure or hot water. To have a professional out to your home to diagnose your water heater or low water pressure issue, contact us today!