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Answering Common Hot Water Heater Questions





Water heaters are important all year round, but they become even more vital as the fall approaches and winter is approaching. During the colder months, water heaters have to do more work to heat up colder-than-average water. They are also used in greater numbers during winter.

We at My Buddy the plumber are here to help you with all of your water heater problems, including repair, water heater replacement, and installation of tankless heaters. Here are answers to some common water heater questions for those who want to improve their knowledge heading into winter.

What temperature should my water be?

It is important that homeowners ask this question, as it will affect the temperature settings of their water heaters. It is important to note that ideal temperatures vary depending on several factors.

  • Who's in your house? Families with young children and elderly people may need a lower level for their safety.
  • How do you make use of the hot water? For what purposes do you need hotter water?
  • What is the average time it takes for your water to heat up? Lowering the temperature will help you save money and energy but it may not work for all uses.

Modern American homes usually set their hot water between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have recently installed a new major appliance or done major home work, it is important that you consult a plumber in order to make sure that the settings of your system are compatible. Failure to do this could result in poor performance, voiding warranties, and even safety issues.

How long does it take for hot water to reach me?

This answer is dependent on several factors including:

  • The location of the water heater in your home.
  • Distance the water must travel. (Hotwater traveling in longer pipes may lose heat.
  • What is the amount of hot water left in your shower when you step out? A homeowner who has a smaller tank, or whose tank's almost empty, will have less wait time before receiving hot water.

You should contact a plumber if you are experiencing long delays in the hot water reaching your appliances, especially if it is occurring near the water heater.

What is the cause of my lack of hot water?

Do you find that you are constantly running out of hot-water or waiting longer to turn on multiple appliances? There are several possible causes for this.

Fill your tub halfway and then turn off the drain valve. Run all faucets open until the entire water is drained. You may have an issue with your hot water supply if your bathtub drains for more than several minutes.

A homeowner could be experiencing a rapid loss of hot water for a number of reasons. For example, an old, poorly-insulated pipe connected to the hot water heater may allow heat to escape. You can ask a plumber to help determine where the problem lies in your system and which options you have for fixing it.

What Can I do to conserve hot water?

You can conserve hot water in many ways, including reducing usage or lowering the temperature by a few degree. But one method stands out: checking for pipe leaks. The most common reason for wasted hot water is leaks. They are usually hidden and difficult to detect without a professional. You may notice warm spots where cold areas should be (like in the exterior walls of your home) or dampness after you shut down your water supply. This could indicate that there is a leak in your system.

There are many ways that homeowners can reduce the heat loss from their home and energy consumption in general. It is important to do this if the hot water heater is your primary source of heat during winter months.

What causes my hot water to smell bad?

The buildup of minerals and sediment in the tank of your water heater is most likely to be responsible for odors. You can use an old rag to check the bottom of your hot water heater for this substance.

Consider hiring an expert to perform a deep cleaning of the tank to eliminate all the sediment. If you notice rotten egg smells, it could be that your heater is contaminated with sulfur, hydrogen or magnesium.

To learn more about how your water heater works and the things you need to be aware of, or for any information on our HVAC or plumbing services, contact the team at My Buddy the Plumber.

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