Having Trouble With Hot Water in Your Home? Here’s How to Fix It

Few people want to learn the hard way that their hot water is no longer working. During the winter, you want the comfort of hot water that lasts for the entire season. Many water heater problems can be fixed by yourself or by hiring a professional. First, learn the main reasons why you're having trouble heating water properly in your home.

Insulate Your Pipes

Cold weather often affects the temperatures in your water heater. Freezing air will enter metal pipes and freeze the water, causing your heater to work harder than necessary. A common tip is to insulate your water heater and its connected pipes. Decrease heat loss by as much as 50% and increase the temperature by several degrees. Your water heating system becomes more efficient and less wasteful, so you spend less money on energy bills.

Repair or Replace the Thermostat

There may be a problem with the thermostat that controls the water temperature. For many repairmen, it's easier to replace this device when problems already exist. When this happens, install a smart thermostat that controls your water heater automatically. The temperature has automatic settings that can be controlled from any location without your input.

Repair or Replace the Heating Element

The heating element converts your energy into heated water that circulates throughout your home. The average element lasts for nearly a decade before it needs a water heater repair or replacement. A restored element results in noticeably higher temperatures in the water.

Fix Leaks

A leak in or around the water heater could release heat from the water. A professional may need to replace a damaged valve, reduce pressure in the tank or plug holes in pipes that are connected to the tank. The leak could be related to old age and require the replacement of the heater or its pipes.

Remove Mineral Buildup

Minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, build up on the floor and walls of your water tank. This build up reduces the heater's ability to control the temperature effectively, resulting in water that is too cold or too hot. Draining the water and flushing out the sediments are solutions that most homeowners can do to resolve this problem.

Even worse than a lack of hot water is the cost of a repair or replacement. However, not fixing the problem makes it worsen and become more expensive to fix over time. In addition, you can fix many heating problems on your own or you can prevent them through regular maintenance. Make the effort to fix hot water issues as soon as you find them.