Hot Water Headaches? 5 Culprits & How to Fix Them

Hot Water Repair

Experiencing hot water issues can be frustrating, especially when they disrupt daily routines or kibosh your desire for a refreshing shower after a sweaty gym session.

Understanding common culprits behind these problems and knowing how to address them will help restore comfort and efficiency to your home.

1. Inconsistent Water Temperature

Fluctuating water temperatures often stem from a malfunctioning thermostat or a defective heating element. To tackle this, we recommend checking and adjusting the thermostat settings first. If the issue persists, ask our team to inspect the heating elements for wear or damage.

This hot water repair should be done by a professional plumber due to the complexity of these components. This ensures an accurate diagnosis and safe repairs.

2. Water Leaks

Leaks can arise from various sources, including a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve, improper water pressure or a stuck valve. Regularly inspecting your water heater for signs of leakage and ensuring all valves are functioning correctly can prevent significant water damage from a burst geyser and maintain system efficiency.

3. Strange-Smelling Hot Water

If your hot water emits an unusual odour, it may indicate bacterial buildup in the tank from a contaminated water source. To address this, we suggest increasing the water temperature to about 60°C for a short period to eliminate bacteria.

However, you must exercise caution to avoid scalding when showering. If the smell persists, the Keystone team can do a full system flush for you.

4. Extended Reheating Times

Is your water heater causing a queue for the shower and taking ages to heat up? This delay could be due to sediment buildup, a malfunctioning thermostat or issues with the heating element. Flushing the tank to remove sediment and checking the thermostat settings can help. A tank flush is best done by a professional plumber, who can simultaneously assess and address the underlying causes.

5. Low Hot Water Pressure

Experiencing low hot water pressure can result from sediment buildup in the pipes, issues with the pressure regulator or problems within the plumbing system. We recommend an inspection and cleaning of the aerators (these control water flow at the tap), checking the pressure regulator and ensuring there are no obstructions in the plumbing.

Any blockages anywhere in the system will put huge stress on the pipes, which can lead to a burst pipe and flooding.

The above steps should be done by a professional plumber to ensure the correct process is followed and no damage is done to the water system.

By proactively identifying and addressing these common hot water issues, you can maintain a reliable and efficient system in your home. Regular maintenance and timely repairs not only enhance comfort but also extend the lifespan of your water heater.

Having a lukewarm experience with hot water issues? Contact us now for expert hot water repairs done in a jiffy!