Around the world, especially in areas with four seasons, many people depend on water heater machines or devices that can give them the right water temperature for a bath or shower when it gets cold. In many aspects, heating water for your bath or taking a hot shower is definitely beneficial and healthy.

Benefits of Having a Water Heater

After surveying 80 people, psychologist Neil Morris said that a hot and comfortable bath can reduce feelings of depression and pessimism because this can create “a wonderful combination of isolation, serenity, and comfort.” Another benefit of a hot bath is that it can help relieve muscle pain as the heat coming from the water will get your blood moving. This can be great for blood circulation, and can also help sore or tight muscles to relax. Basically, it is important for everybody to have a hot and comfortable bath or shower, especially in places that can get cold. In this modern age, a tankless water heater is one of the best options you can choose to have in your home.

Compared to other traditional storage tank-type water heaters, there are a multitude of benefits when you invest in a tankless water heater for your water heating needs. primeheaters.com can guide you about the best tankless water heaters.

• Saves space with a compact design
• Consumes less energy compared to other electric heaters, which are among the appliances that consume the most electricity
• Lasts longer
• Environment-friendly
• Typically have a longer warranty as it is expected to be built in a more durable and standardized quality

However, there are times when tankless water heaters are in need of repairs. These are some signs to look out for that can indicate you need a water heater repair service here in Fairfax County or your local area:

1. Shutting off of the Heater

If your water heater keeps on turning off at irregular intervals that you didn’t set, it’s an indication that your water heater might need repairs. Initially, check the system’s thermocouple, a sensor responsible for temperature measurement. The thermocouple is usually situated next to the pilot light and it could be damaged or bent due to impact or simply wear and tear.

Also, your tankless water heater can shut off due to accumulated dirt and soot in the pilot light tube, which consequently causes a weak flame and prevents the pilot light from functioning properly. If the pilot burner ignites with a weak, flickering yellow flame instead of a half-an-inch-high, intense, blue flame, then the pilot burner could be dirty.

However, if it’s not an issue with the heater’s thermocouple or pilot light, then the gas valve is most likely the culprit. To fix this problem, seek the best plumber around Fairfax that can examine the issue.

2. Fluctuating Water Temperature

Unknown to most water heater owners, a phenomenon called the “cold water sandwich” can happen to their water heater. The cold water sandwich is characterized by temperature fluctuations, wherein the heater produces hot and cold water at irregular intervals. The root cause of a cold water sandwich can come from a damaged flow sensor. Flow sensors play an essential role in your water heater’s functioning and it should be regularly checked during plumbing maintenance appointments. The issue can also be caused by poor installation of heat exchangers or corroding lines due to condensation dripping onto the gas burner.

Moreover, homeowners may encounter fluctuating water heat due to mineral buildup caused by improper installation and maintenance. Also known as hard water, this mineral buildup consisting of calcium and magnesium creates a negative impact on the pipes, leading to clogs and corrosions.

3. Leaky System

Once your heater irregularly leaks, it can indicate the symptom of a bigger issue, so it’s best to find a professional who can immediately attend to your problem. Leaky systems can have different causes, but one of the most typical reasons is improper ventilation. When good ventilation is observed, there should be no condensation occurring in the heater. However, improper ventilation can lead to leakages or, worse, the overall system malfunctioning. Proper ventilation is indoor air being vented during combustion, while an exhaust is used for air coming out of the system.

To know if your system is leaking gas instead of water, you can apply water with soap on the areas where leakage has occurred or simply examine the smell of a gas leakage. Once confirmed, your maintenance provider should immediately attend to your issue.

4. Odd Noises

Lastly, hearing unfamiliar, odd noises from your water heater is a great indication that you need the intervention of an expert. If the heater is producing a constant thumping noise, sediment buildup from hard water might be the cause, and it should immediately be fixed to avoid the worst scenarios. If you’re living in an area exposed to hard water, either find a thumping water heater of a reliable water heater repair body. Mineral buildup, specifically the accumulation of calcium carbonate, can cause a complication once water is heated and mineral deposits settle at the bottom. To resolve this matter, the tank usually needs to be drained and mineral deposits eliminated so the water heater will run with reduced noise.

Moreover, most people prefer tankless water heaters due to its energy-efficiency and economical advantage. The most prominent feature tankless heaters have for saving energy is the presence of heat traps. However, these can become the cause of fluctuations in water pressure, leading to a series of clicking and ticking noises from the pipes. Once your service provider attends to your issue, they will simply remove the heat traps and minimize the ticking noises. One disadvantage, however, is that its energy efficiency might lessen, resulting in a heftier energy bill. But at least your water heater will properly regulate the water pressure at constantly fair levels.

Conclusion

Similar to other appliances you have at home, a tankless water heater needs to have regular check-ups to maintain its current condition, as well as identify underlying issues that might arise in the future. Make sure that you’re getting the best service providers to avoid more problems and keep your costs down. Because of this, you can keep your water heater functioning well with reliable performance and consistency.