Dear People Stuck Taking Cold Showers

December 18, 2019

You should enjoy your showers! There is nothing worse than a mid-shower splash of shockingly cold water. If you are experiencing uneven water temperatures during your morning shower, your water heater needs a check-up. Read this blog to learn the signs your water heater needs repair and which type of water heater is right for your home!

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair

Consistently Cold Water

If your unit is relatively new or is nowhere near the end of its noted lifespan, and you are not getting any hot water during your showers, you likely have a malfunctioning heating element. To restore hot water flow to your fixtures, you will need a new heating part installed in your water heater. This is a simple repair that Winters® Home Services will provide with our same-day repair availability!

Low Water Pressure

Is your shampoo taking longer than normal to wash out? If this is the case, your water pressure is not sufficient. A change in water pressure signifies that you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. Leaks can cause the pressure within your pipes to become unbalanced, resulting in backflow. If you notice a change in your water pressure, contact Winters® Home Services for leak repair.

Discolored Water

Water should be clear. It is as simple as that! If your water suddenly appears rusty in color, your water heater tank is corroding. This is extremely dangerous, as rust in your water is contaminating. Your tank will need to be flushed out and cleaned before you take another shower.

Loud Operation Noises

The normal sounds of water heater operation include a few pops and a bit of rumbling; however, these noises should not be inordinately loud, nor should they persist for long periods of time. If your water heater is producing percussion noises throughout the day, sediment has likely accumulated at the bottom of your tank. Your water heater will need professional cleaning to restore quiet operation.

Pooling Water

If you see a puddle of water at the base of your water heater tank, your tank is cracked. If the fracture is irreparable, you will need a new water heater installed to prevent further water leakage and damage. Contact Winters® Home Services for your new water heater installation.

Types Of Water Heaters

Conventional Water Heaters

Conventional water heaters release hot water from the top of your tank when you turn your hot water tap on. Once the hot water starts flowing through your fixture, unheated, cold water will enter the bottom of your tank to replace the water used during your shower.

These water heaters are either run on fuel, such as natural gas or propane, or electricity. All gas water heaters function identically. A burner underneath the tank will open a gas valve when a drop in water temperature is detected. This heats your water back up to your thermostats programmed temperature.

Electric water heaters have two electric elements at the bottom of your water heater tank that will keep the water stored in your tank at your desired temperature.

Conventional water heaters store hot water in the tank, constantly heating and re-heating water, as it remains on standby.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters heat water as it flows through your pipes, rather than storing hot water in a tank. This process has many advantages:

  • Reduced water bills

  • Constant, never-ending hot water supply

  • Small units, so they don’t take up much space

  • 20-year lifespan

Don’t know which system is right for you? Don’t fret! We will help you find the right water heater for your home that meets your needs.

That’s all on water heaters for today, folks!

Sincerely,

CJ the Plumber.

Don’t take another cold shower. For water heater repairs or installation contact Winters® Home Services, at 617-221-5899. We will restore hot water to your home.