In the heat of the Oklahoma summer, one of the last things you might be thinking about is your hot water heater. However, the summer is one of the best times to make sure your hot water heater is running at its best!
Your hot water heater is a large appliance that needs to be maintained. Failure to do so could lead to hot water not being available or hot water temperatures dropping below the desired temperature for an extended period of time, making it difficult or impossible to take showers and prepare food quickly in hot Oklahoma weather.
In order to avoid hot water emergencies, it is a good idea to have an OKC plumbing company pay a visit to inspect the hot water heater, tank, and plumbing to ensure hot water is running hot and strong.
After all, just because the weather is hot doesn't mean you should have to deal with ice-cold water all summer!
What is a Hot Water Heater?
You may know that you have a hot water heater in your home, but do you actually know how the heater functions? Understanding how a hot water heater works can help you understand what to watch for when this vital piece of home equipment begins to struggle.
A hot water heater is a closed system that stores hot water on the hot side and cold water on the cool side. When you turn up your hot water, it opens an electric valve to release the hot tap into the tank from the hot-cold mix in order to heat the cold tap until it reaches the proper temperature.
There are two main types of hot water heaters that many homes have installed: tank style and tankless.
Tank Hot Water Heaters:
Tank hot water heaters store hot water in a metal or plastic container, while the hot-cold mix is fed into these containers from an outside cold source by pumps.
Tankless Hot Water Heaters:
Tankless hot water heaters use electricity to convert liquid gas into hot gases, which are heated before being pumped through pipes on their way to hot water faucets. Many Oklahoma homeowners choose tankless water heaters, as they take up much less room in the utility closet or room.
A well-functioning hot water heater can mean the difference between an ice bath and an unexpected scalding. Let's break down a few of the signs that your hot water heater may need repair or replacement:
Signs Your Hot Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement
1. Your water loses its heat too quickly.
The tell-tale sign of a bad hot water heater in Oklahoma is a lack of hot water duration. While some people swear by ice-cold showers, the average Oklahoma homeowner loves a nice, warm shower.
If you find that your hot water isn't staying hot for long, it may be time to consider the possibility that you have an issue with the hot water heater itself.
2. There's no hot water at all.
Even worse than a tease of hot water is no hot (or warm!) water at all! If you’re turning the faucet all the way to "hot" and the temperature is still lukewarm, then it may be time to call an OKC plumbing company to see about hot water heater repair.
No warmth to your water may indicate issues with your piping, your hot water heater's gas source, or a combination of problems that lead to a lack of hot water.
3. You’re finding water leaking around your hot water heater.
If you notice hot water coming from around your hot water heater, it might be time to call a professional! Leaks can mean bad news for your hot water heater.
The hot tap can cause the tank or pipes to corrode and leak hot water - if not repaired quickly, this could lead to damage to other areas in your home.
4. The pilot light isn't staying lit.
If your hot water heater is a gas hot water heater, the pilot light should be on all of the time. If you notice that it isn't staying lit or flickering out every so often, this could indicate that something is wrong with the tank. Contact a trained plumber to take a closer look and ensure that you aren't having a gas or broken pilot light issue.
5. Your water flow is inconsistent.
If hot water flow is inconsistent, it may be time to call an Oklahoma plumber to check out the situation. While irregular water flow may not be directly related to the hot water heater, any plumbing issues can lead to problems with your heater if it is allowed to continue for long.
If you have an inconsistent water flow or temperatures, the hot tap can either have an issue with how the gas mixes - or there could be a problem with your thermostat. Contact a plumber to take a closer look at any potential issues.
6. You hear popping or growling from the hot water heater itself.
If hot water heaters make weird sounds, it could be time to call a professional.
Unusual noises when the water is run or immediately afterward can indicate sediment in the hot tap or gas leaks that are causing issues with pressure and temperature and corrosion. Over time, this corrosion can lead to further damage to your hot water heater and cause the unit to fail.
7. Your water is discolored or has an unusual smell.
When you run your water, does something smell or look... off?
Discolored hot water could be a sign of sediment from the hot tap or minerals in your pipes. If you notice an unusual smell coming from the hot tap, it may mean that there are bacteria or rust developing within a portion of your plumbing, including the hot water heater.
8. The hot water heater is an older unit.
Hot water heaters, unfortunately, have not been manufactured to last forever. While we hope that one day science helps us create plumbing solutions that last for millennia, even the most modern hot water heaters will wear down with age and use.
Even if your hot water heater is running well right now, you may soon face problems if the unit is old. In Oklahoma, homeowners can benefit from routine checks on their older hot water heater units from licensed plumbing professionals to check for any potential issues that can be remedied to avoid future problems.
Remember, the best way to maintain your hot water heater is with proactive care!
Summer Hot Water Heater Maintenance Tips
It can seem like a daunting task to take on hot water heating repair, but preventative care benefits go far beyond saving time. Preventative hot water heater maintenance can save homeowners both time and money in the long run.
Here are a few tips for helping you keep your hot water heater running strong this summer:
Use cold and hot cycles as needed.
One tip that many Oklahoma homeowners are surprised to hear is that you should avoid washing your clothes with hot water all the time. Constantly using hot water washes can cause the hot tap to work harder, leading to an earlier need for hot water heater repair.
Keep your hot water heater clean.
Be sure that you keep your hot water heater and any nearby vents free of dirt and debris with a vacuum or broom regularly. Dirt buildup around hot water heaters can cause corrosion, leading to hot water heating issues.
Check for gas leaks.
Gas is an integral part of hot tap repair, and a professional plumber or gas company should address any leak immediately.
If you’re experiencing a natural smell from your hot water heater or hear popping noises coming from it, these may indicate the presence of leaking gas that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Call a professional hot water heater repair company!
One of the best ways to keep your hot water heater maintained this summer is to contact your local plumbing team for a proactive check. Even if you aren't having hot water problems, a quick inspection will give you peace of mind and ensure that your hot water heating system runs smoothly.
Keep the Hot Water Running with BL3 Plumbing
Hot water heaters are an essential piece of your home, and when the unit begins to have problems, you can find yourself in hot water - without any hot water at all!
If you’re experiencing any hot water or hot water heater issues, contact a hot water heater repair professional today. With years of experience, BL3 Plumbing has the knowledge and expertise that Oklahoma trusts to get the job done quickly.
Whether you are having problems or want to take care of proactive maintenance, contact BL3 today to learn more. Our team will be happy to answer your hot water heating questions and get you started with hot water heater repair in Oklahoma! Give our team a call at (405) 237-1414 for more information about Oklahoma hot water heater maintenance and repair.
