Water heaters are important household appliances that are not given much thought until something goes wrong. Routine water heater maintenance is the best way to keep hot water flowing throughout your home so you avoid costly repairs and replacements. Below, learn about the most common issues concerning this essential appliance to help your maintenance efforts.

Your Guide to Water Heater Maintenance Issues

1. No Hot Water

Perhaps the most common water heater maintenance problem is no hot water. Cold water flowing from fixtures despite using the hottest setting indicates one of several issues, such as a tripped circuit breaker if your heater is electric, or a broken dip tube. Dip tubes send cold water to the bottom of the tank to heat it; however, a broken tube means the water stays on top and comes out of your fixtures first. If you have a gas water heater, ensure the gas connected to the appliance is on.

2. Dirty or Rust-Colored Water

Rust-colored water means the tank or its anode rod has corroded. The anode rod is designed to prevent internal corrosion but eventually wears out. Dirty or discolored water points to scale or sediment buildup. While you can flush sediment from the appliance yourself, corrosion issues usually mean replacement is necessary.

3. Insufficient Hot Water

Hot water that does not last through your shower or dish-washing activities is likely because of a thermostat issue. Simply adjust the thermostat to see if anything changes—if not, the problem is probably due to a wiring problem assuming your tank is not too small for your household needs.

 

Rely on the expert plumbers at Putman Plumbing for the professional water heater maintenance you need to enjoy hot water year-round. The experienced company provides Cookeville, Algood, and Baxter, TN, with a variety of plumbing services, including tankless water heater installation, and offers both residential and commercial assistance. 24/7 emergency services are available as well. Call (931) 520-3569 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information.