The holiday season is considered the best time of the year! It’s filled with family, great food, and relaxing times. You probably aren’t thinking about your water heater until it’s too late. A failed water heater can wreak havoc on your daily life as well as ruin your holiday plans. Let’s take a look at some of the ways a failed water heater could ruin your holiday and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
Fluctuating Water Temperatures
A failed water heater can leave you with unpredictable water temperatures. Imagine going into the shower and being met with scalding water. It only takes two seconds for adults to suffer third-degree from water that is 150 degrees. On the other end of the spectrum, you could be met with very cold water, and nobody likes a freezing shower. Also, note that water temperatures can change very quickly. For example, one minute your water temperature can be fine and then suddenly it could change to an unbearable temperature.
Contaminated Water
Another consequence of a failed heater is the risk of water contamination. This can be especially true if your water heater contains a rusty pipe. This pipe can contaminate the water that flows through it with rust and bacteria and in turn, cause a wide range of health problems for you and your holiday guests. Here are some of the signs that let you know that your water is contaminated:
– Strange odor
– Rust-colored water
– Water tastes unpleasant
– Staining on glassware
If you see any of these warning signs, it means that it’s time to get your water heater checked immediately!
Damage to Surrounding Areas
A leaking water heater can cause damage to the floors and the walls that surround it. Continued exposure to water can cause mold and mildew to form. Because the water heater is usually located in the basement, moisture can seep down into the foundation of your home and cause more serious damage. This can put a major damper on your holiday plans.
Potential Explosion
One of the most serious consequences a failed water heater can have is an explosion. A water heater explosion can be caused by a multitude of things. They include, but aren’t limited to:
– Corroded gas connections
– Electrical shorts
– Gas leaks
– A buildup of water pressure
It goes without saying that this can have a tremendous and even fatal impact on your holiday plans. The good news is that an explosion can be prevented by getting your water heater checked and flushed out at least once a year.
Looking for Water Heater Maintenance in Maryland?
Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating is your number one resource for water heater maintenance in Eldersburg, Maryland. As an Eldersburg master plumber, we understand the importance of a water heater to homeowners and we work hard to ensure that yours stays working properly and efficiently. If you’re having trouble with your water heater or would like to talk about upgrading to a new model, contact us today!