If you’ve got hot water tank heater that keeps misbehaving like a child, you may be at your wits end about it. Some days you’re able to enjoy long, hot and relaxing showers, others you can’t. After all, you don’t have the time nor the money to keep calling your local plumbing Nashville company out to your home. Check out the following troubleshooting advice and solutions so you can keep your hot water tank working like it should. Of course, if all else fails, just contact Steve the plumber for help.
Unlit Pilot
The first issue is pretty easy to troubleshoot. If you don’t have any hot water, check the pilot light. Is it lit? Modern day gas hot water tanks have certain safety features built into them. One of those features is restricting the flow of gas so it doesn’t leak. To light the pilot, you’ll need to follow the directions that are listed in your hot water tank’s owner’s manual. If you don’t still have the manual, check the sides of the water tank. Follow those directions carefully to prevent mishaps and injuries. If your pilot light doesn’t come on, then there may be a more serious problem that needs to be addressed by your local plumbing Nashville professional.
Pilot Won’t Stay Lit
If after lighting your pilot you find that it won’t stay lit, it doesn’t mean that you need to replace your water tank. You may be able to get by with replacing the thermocouple. Or, the problem could be caused by a bad gas valve. If it is, you’ll want to get it replaced by a plumbing Nashville professional.
Hot Water Doesn’t Last Long
If you’ve noticed in recent days and weeks that you can’t seem to enjoy hot showers for as long as you used to, there are several things you can do. First, check your water tank to see if it’s leaking. A leaking tank needs to be replaced. If leaks aren’t the problem, think back to when you first noticed the problem. Did you install new shower fixtures? If so, did you check to see if they were low flow or high flow? If they were high flow, then they are likely the reason why your hot water doesn’t last very long. If not, then it may be time for you to upgrade to a larger hot water tank.
Water Is Too Hot
If you can’t seem to take showers or baths without scalding yourself because the water gets too hot, you may want to take a look at the temperature gauge on the tank. Chances are the temperature is set too high. Adjust the temperature dial so that it is 120 degrees for optimal comfort and safety.
Rusty Colored Water
If you notice rusty water every time you turn the faucet on, your water tank may have a bad anode rod. You should have your water tank professionally inspected to be sure. If that is not the case, you’ll need to have your plumbing inspected so you can find out if your water discoloration issues are the result of some other plumbing problem.
The problems listed above are just a few of the problems that you may experience. Hot water tanks are great appliances that rarely break down. However, their constant contact with water can render them ineffective at times. Regular maintenance and proper care are necessary to prolong the life and performance of your appliance.
For more diagnostic and repair advice about hot water tanks or some other plumbing concern, give Steve Mull Plumbing in Nashville a call today.
