Factors That Affect the Performance of Your Water Heater

Your water heater works around the clock to ensure that you can take a nice hot shower whenever you want. Unfortunately, its performance can be affected by a variety of factors, some of which require the help of an emergency plumber in Colorado Springs, CO to fix. This post will cover a few of those factors and address how you can ensure your water heater works to the best of its ability.

Time

Though they’re built to last, Father Time is a top enemy of your water heater. Water heaters with tanks typically last 10 to 15 years, while tankless units can go for 20 years or more without needing to be replaced. Towards the end of any unit’s lifespan, however, the water heater will become less energy-efficient and take longer to heat up your water. If your water heater is getting up there in years, you might want to consider replacing it sooner rather than later.

Sediment buildup

As hard water is heated in a water heater, sediment settles out and collects at the bottom of the tank. A little bit of sediment doesn’t cause any damage, but over time, all of that buildup can cause your water heater to stop working. It’s a good idea to call a plumber to inspect your water heater each year and clear out all of that residue.

Negligence

Speaking of maintenance, neglecting to call a plumber for an inspection or to flush out your water heater is a leading cause of malfunctions and even leaks. If it’s been a while since your water heater has been professionally maintained, pick up the phone and call a plumber as soon as possible.

Improper sizing

Your water heater’s performance could be negatively impacted from day one if it’s the wrong size. A unit that’s too small for your home has to work overtime to heat up your water—and, as you can imagine, if your unit is working too hard, it’ll eventually quit working. Be sure to speak to a professional plumber before purchasing your water heater to ensure you get the right size for your household.

High water pressure

We can all agree that it’s much nicer to take a shower with high water pressure than one with a weak flow. Unfortunately, what’s good for us isn’t necessarily good for your water heater. Water pressure above 80 psi negatively impacts the tank, which is certain to cause a breakdown at some point. Talk to a plumber about checking your water pressure and possibly turning it down a bit if it’s too high. If you’re unwilling to sacrifice your water pressure for the good of your water heater, you could add an expansion tank that’ll help your water heater adjust to that stronger water pressure.

Whether it’s a problem with your water heater, a leaky pipe, a clogged drain or any other plumbing issue, call our team at Affordable Rooter! Our fair prices and fast service make us the number one emergency plumber in Colorado Springs, CO.

Categorised in: Emergency Plumber

This post was written by Writer