What You Need To Know About Water Heaters

It is easy to take hot water for granted until it is no longer available, or something is wrong with it. If you are having difficulty getting hot water in your home, a problem with the water heater may be to blame. Often, this requires calling plumbing services in Kelowna to resolve. Getting to know your water heater better may help you understand what is wrong with it. 

Different Types of Water Heaters

There are basically two different types of water heaters: Those with tanks and those without. 

The tank-type water heater is the more traditional type. The older your home, the more likely you are to find a tank-type water heater there. This type of water heater has heating elements at the bottom. A supply line brings cold water into the bottom of the tank to be heated. This type of water heater uses either electricity or natural gas for fuel. Once the water is heated, it rises to the top of the tank. When hot water is needed, a distribution line at the top of the tank removes it to the appropriate faucet or appliance. 

With this type of water heater, hot water is stored in the tank until needed. It has to be constantly heated and reheated, causing some significant efficiency problems. 

A tankless water heater is a relatively new innovation. It is more efficient because it heats water on demand. Like a tank-type water heater, it uses either electricity or natural gas for fuel, which powers a special coil that heats the water as needed. If you have ever seen an electric teakettle, it works on the same principle. 

Tankless water heaters are increasingly popular because of their efficiency. Nevertheless, they still have their downsides. For example, sometimes the flow rate with a tankless water heater is low. This can be compensated for with the attachment of a small storage tank, which is only intended to increase the flow rate rather than holding the hot water until needed. 

Common Problems That Can Arise With Water Heaters

As with any other piece of mechanical equipment, water heaters can occasionally wear out or break down. Occasionally, a problem with a water heater may be relatively minor and you can fix it yourself. Often, you may have to hire plumbing services in Kelowna to repair the water heater. If the problem is severe, you may have to replace the water heater completely. 

Temperature issues are some of the most common problems that arise with water heaters. There are three different types of temperature issues: 

1. Not Enough Hot Water: A problem with the thermostat may cause the water to be warm rather than hot, or the hot water may not last long. 

2. Water That Is Too Hot: If the temperature of the water is too high, it can cause scalding injuries. This could be a simple matter of the thermostat being set too high, but sometimes it is a problem with the wiring. 

3. No Hot Water At All: This might not be a problem with the water heater at all. It could be a blown fuse or a trip of the circuit breaker. However, it could also be a problem with the heating element, which likely needs to be replaced by a professional. 

If you have hard water, problems with your water heater, such as strange noises, might be a result of sediment buildup. Water heater leaks could be caused by a loose valve that you can tighten yourself. However, the tank itself may be corroded, in which case you probably need to replace the water heater. 

Professional Plumbing Services in Kelowna for Water Heater Issues

Call Handyman Connection for plumbing issues involving your water heater. Our qualified plumbers can diagnose the problem and determine whether the problem is the water heater or the pipes surrounding it. Whatever the case, we can suggest an effective solution.