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Serving the South Puget Sound and Western Washington Areas Since 1976

Serving the South Puget Sound and Southwest Washington Areas Since 1976

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Sunset Air Blog

The Causes of Inconsistent Water Heater Output

Have you ever been taking a shower, or washing the dishes, and suddenly had a blast of cold water interrupt the warm flow? What about having to wait much longer than normal for water to warm up after opening a faucet? These issues indicate a problem with your water heater, one that will require professional services in order to fix.

Cracked Dip Tube

The dip tube is a PVC tube that runs from the water line to the bottom of the storage tank in your water heater. It’s designed to prevent cold water coming into the tank from mixing with the hot water leaving the tank. Over time, though, this tube can become cracked or broken, which vents cold water directly into the hot water leaving the system. This can lead to intermittent bouts of cold water coming out of the faucet.

Sediment Buildup

Sediment from the water supply can build up on the bottom of the water heater tank over time, especially in homes with a hard water problem. Enough sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank can eventually insulate the water inside from the burner assembly. This prevents the system from properly heating the water, leading to a drop in output. If your water seems to be consistently cooler than it should be, it might be that you need to have your water heater tank flushed out to remove the sediment. In cases of extreme sediment buildup, the tank will likely need to be scrubbed out manually.

These are just a few of the water heater issues that can affect your water temperature. Call a professional if you suspect that your water heater is malfunctioning.

Sunset Air offers comprehensive water heater repair services throughout Olympia, WA. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

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