Is Your Water Heater Working TOO Well? Schedule Water Heater Repair If Your Water Is Scalding Hot! | Boerne, TX
“Damn, that’s hot!” Does this sound familiar? Whenever your water heater produces scalding hot water, you most likely have three issues on your hand. First, you risk severe burns from the hot water from the fixtures and taps at your Boerne, TX home. This is one of the major concerns, especially in homes with young kids or senior citizens who use the shower. Second, the water heater has most likely developed an issue you must address. The third and last issue is the energy bill. The scalding hot water means you should expect a massive bill at the end of the month.
Whenever your water heater produces too hot water, that may be caused by several issues. These include mineral buildup, blocked temperature, pressure relief valves, or a faulty thermostat. Other reasons include a malfunctioning heating element or a damaged tempering valve. Hence, you’ll have to enlist a plumber for a water heater repair service.
What Is Considered Too Hot Water?
Water heater thermostats are usually set at around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water heater produces water far beyond this level, that can be considered too hot. Such water might burn you. Hence, you have to set the thermostat to the recommended settings. However, water within the water heater tank should remain hot to prevent the growth of anaerobic bacteria within the unit.
For this reason, some homeowners enlist the help of a plumber or water heater repair professionals to install a tempering valve for sanitary plumbing fixtures such as bath taps or showers. The tempering valve controls the allowed temperatures of the water flowing from these fixtures. Hence, ensure that the thermostat setting remains at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avert scalding your loved ones. But what are the main reasons behind the water heating unit producing scalding hot water?
Reasons Why the Water Heater Is Producing Scalding Hot Water
When the Thermostat Is Broken or Set Too High
The gas and electric water heaters feature a thermostat that controls the temperature settings to which the water should be heated. If your water heater produces too hot water, you can begin by having a water heater repair pro inspect the thermostat. The thermostat regulates the water heater’s temperatures.
It senses the temperatures to control whether the heating element is off or on. The water heater repair technician inspects the thermostat to see the temperature settings. If the temperatures are too high, that might be the main reason the water heating unit produces scalding hot water. The water heater repair technician will adjust the temperature settings accordingly if this is the issue.
The other reason the unit produces scalding hot water is a broken thermostat. This might be a thermostat that isn’t calibrated, meaning it reads a consistently lower temperature than the actual. Alternatively, the safety trigger might be broken, and the water is constantly reheating. Whatever the reason, enlist the help of a plumber for a water heater repair service in Boerne, TX.
Mineral Buildup
Water, especially hard water, contains several dissolved minerals that bypass the filtering process. The hard water contains calcium, magnesium, and dissolved debris and dirt that might settle at the bottom and along the walls of the water heater tank. The sediment accumulation in the water heater tank results in a hard layer that affects the water heater’s efficiency. The layer means that you’ll use more energy to heat the water.
As a result, the water is overheated to higher temperatures than what the thermostat is reading. Besides producing scalding hot water, it also reduces the water heater’s efficiency. The accumulated sediments result in the corrosion of the tank, reducing the service life of your water heater. To deal with this particular issue, ensure that you retain the help of a plumber for a yearly or bi-annual flushing of the water heater. Regular inspection can also help.
A Blocked Pressure and Temperature Relief Valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve is a critical component of your water heater. When the water is heated within the tank, steam is generated with pressure, and temperatures rise to escape high levels. The primary function of a pressure relief valve is to help the unit release the steam and regulate the pressure within the water heater tank.
Whenever the pressure relief valve has a blockage, the pressure within the water heater tank will also increase, overheating the water. This might be the reason why the water heater is producing that scalding hot water. Worse, the pressure and temperature buildup within the water heater tank might explode!
The explosion itself is enough to inform you of the risks you expose to whenever you don’t call a plumber for a routine inspection and maintenance of a water heater. Whenever you notice that the water heater is producing scalding hot water, have a professional visit your home for a water heater repair service. The professional will unclog the T&P relief valve or even replace it.
A Malfunctioning Heating Element
Most electric water heaters feature one or even two heating elements within the tank for heating the water. If the heating element gets stuck, you might suddenly experience hot water from the faucets or shower. Usually, the lower heating element sticks first because of the sediment accumulation at the tank’s bottom.
As a result, the water will be constantly heated, scalding hot. Whenever this happens, you should have a plumber perform a water heater repair service to replace the heating element. This isn’t a DIY job because of the potential disasters that might arise. Remember, mixing water and electrical heating elements is risky and should only be done by a plumber.
You Don’t Have a Tempering Valve or It Is Faulty
The tempering valve in your home’s heated water system limits the water to a maximum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the sanitary fixtures. When the tempering valve is faulty, it might produce much hotter water than the set temperatures, risking severe burns. Hence, have a plumber inspect and repair the water heater. If the tempering valve is damaged, the professional will repair it. If you don’t have a tempering valve installed, the plumber will install one for you.
Are you getting scalding hot water at your home? It is time to invite a professional to inspect the unit because there are several reasons for that. If you want a water heater repair service in your Boerne, TX home, don’t hesitate to contact us at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio today.
Priority Service