A Handbook to Hot Water Plumbing

We all rely on hot water to get us through the day. Hot water is a modern necessity, whether it is for cooking, cleaning, or simply taking a relaxing shower. But when something goes wrong with your hot water plumbing, it can quickly become a nightmare. Leaks, clogs, and loss of water pressure are all issues that can arise, leaving you cold and frustrated.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to fix common hot water plumbing problems or, better yet, prevent them at all.

So, here’s a quick guide that will help you understand what’s going on so you can better communicate with a professional such as Doyle Plumbing.

Hot Water Plumbing

Many things can go wrong with your hot water plumbing. Here are some of the most common problems—along with some tips on how to fix them. So read on to learn everything you need to know about your hot water system.

Water Tank

At least once each month, set aside some time to inspect your hot water systems. From the outside, you are searching for cracks, water leaks, or general system wear. If you perform this five-minute check once a month, you can identify any abnormalities before they grow into significant ones.

Relief Valve Inspection

A hot water system relies on the relief valve to release excess pressure, which is a crucial component.

So, you should inspect your relief valve every six months or so. The valve is typically tested by repeatedly raising and lowering the testing lever to lift the stopper to which it is connected.

Hot water should gush out of the connected pipe’s end if everything is functioning properly. If there is no or only a trickle of water coming out, the valve needs to be replaced.

On the other hand, if water is still running down the drainpipe after you have tested the valve and shut it off, try lifting and lowering the test lever a couple more times. It removes any material that may be blocking the valve from shutting. You will need to get a new valve if that does not work.

But remember to wear fully encased shoes or boots before performing the relief valve examination. It is for your safety as the water from the pipe will be hotter than tap water. It happens because the hot and cold water is not combined.

Yard Maintenance

You should exercise extreme caution when performing any gardening or yard work near your system. Any stones or sticks you find while mowing could become projectiles and strike your hot water system, cracking or denting it.

Water Puddles

Checking for tank leaks from a loose fitting around and underneath your water heater is crucial. The interior of old water heater tanks gradually corrodes. If you discover water dripping from the bottom of the tank, your water heater is failing, and you may need to replace it.

Leaky Faucets

A dripping faucet is annoying and can also waste a lot of water (and money). If your faucet is leaking, the first thing you should do is check the washer. Over time, washers can wear out and need to be replaced.

And if water is seeping at its base or down the stem of the tap, the O-ring needs replacement. But if you are unsure which is the cause, you can easily change both at once.

No Hot Water

If you suddenly find yourself without hot water, a few different things could be causing the problem.

• Is your water heater’s power turned on? — You should ensure the system hasn’t  disconnect by checking the switches at your water heater and the switchboard.
• Check your thermostat to make sure it is set to “Hot.” It sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes people accidentally turn their thermostats down without realizing it.
• Do you use solar-powered hot water? If so, you might be experiencing problems unique to solar energy. The easiest is simply not getting enough sunlight to heat the water. To identify the issue, you should get professional advice.
• There could be an issue with your pilot light—the small flame that ignites your gas furnace. If your pilot light has gone out, relight it.
• See if your heating element has burned out. It is more common in electric water heaters than gas ones, but it can happen either way. If this is the case, you will need to replace the heating element—a job best left to your professional plumber in clayton.

Professional Inspection

Get a qualified plumber to perform a thorough checkup of your hot water system at least once a year. It will involve thoroughly inspecting the interior and exterior of the tank, testing the anode and replacing it as necessary, and any other damaged parts.

It can also assist in preventing future issues. It is always preferable to prevent the issues than to remedy them after they arise.

Conclusion

Dealing with plumbing issues is never fun—but at least now you know what to do when something goes wrong with your hot water supply!

Remember, for minor issues like leaky faucets and slow drainage; there are usually simple DIY solutions that you can try at home before calling in a professional plumber. But if you find yourself without any hot water at all or dealing with major leaks or flooding, you must give a call to the professional plumber in St Kilda!

One such plumbing expert you can rely on is Doyle Plumbing. It is a 24/7 emergency plumbing service that does all kinds of services, from gas plumbing to drainage excavation.