If you’re not a fan of cold showers, greasy dishes, or ice-cold hand washing, a malfunctioning water heater can really put a damper on your day. At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we understand that for most people, hot running water isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. And for that reason, we’re here to lend a helping hand.
If your water heater recently started acting up and you can’t seem to figure out why, this blog should help. Below, we explain 3 common culprits behind faulty (or seemingly faulty) water heater operation, and what you can about them.
A Faulty Heating Element
If you have an electric water heater, it should have two heating elements inside the tank, but those elements don’t last forever. In fact, it’s quite common for them to wear out within 6-10 years. When a heating element stops functioning, the water heater can no longer heat the water inside the tank to your desired temperature.
If a heating element is the culprit, you might get a constant stream of lukewarm water, which indicates a failed upper element. If you get a short-lived supply of hot water followed by water that isn’t up to temperature, that indicates the lower heating element no longer works. In either case, contact a licensed plumber who can replace the affected component.
Low Thermostat Setting
Have you checked the thermostat setting on your water heater lately? A low thermostat setting is super easy to overlook, but it’s one that stumps many homeowners. If you previously set the thermostat lower to save on energy costs, chances are you’ve been running your faucets at the full hot position to get the appropriate temperature water.
Keep in mind that running your faucets that way can quickly drain the tank of hot water, which can make it seem like your water heater is malfunctioning. Check out your thermostat setting — if it’s lower than 140°F, crank it up. Setting it to 140°F will allow you to get comfortably warm water that’s a mix of both cold water and hot water from the tank. Once you adjust the thermostat, see how long the hot water lasts.
A Bad Thermostat
If you’ve tried increasing the thermostat setting on your water heater with no success, there’s a solid chance you’re dealing with a faulty thermostat. This issue is fairly common with electric water heaters since they have two thermostats: one attached to both the upper and lower heating elements. If you think the thermostat may be the problem, schedule an inspection and water heater repair with a licensed plumber.
Need Water Heater Repair or Replacement? Contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating
If your water heater isn’t working and you can’t figure out why, our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating is here to help. We specialize in water heater repair, replacement, and a wide variety of plumbing services for homeowners throughout Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wausau. When you need reliable, honest plumbers who know how to get the job done right, make us your first call!
To request an estimate or schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 715-421-1800 or send us a message, and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.