About Plumbers, With Honor

Do you suspect your water heater is the cause for the spike in your power bills? If your power bills are climbing while your hot water usage remains the same, it could be time to call the water heater repair service to check for anomalies causing a surge in power consumption. Here are several common explanations for a power-hungry water heater and how they can be fixed: 

1. There's a Plumbing Leak

A plumbing leak is one of the most common reasons your water heater will consume too much power. As a result, the heater will heat water continuously to replace the leaked amount. Fortunately, a plumber can typically find and fix the leak quickly and efficiently. Often, it's the plumbing connections that are leaky, but the tank itself could also be leaky. Patching the leak solves the problem. 

2. The Temp Is Set Too High

The first thing you should check is the temperature setting on your water heater. If it's set too high, your water heater will use more energy to heat the water, resulting in higher bills. Fortunately, you can easily notice this problem because it is the most obvious starting point. You can save money by turning the temperature down. 

3. There's Accumulated Sediment

Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater, causing it to work harder and use more energy. To clean it out, the water heater repair technician shuts off the power, drains the tank, and flushes it out with a hose. They may also need to descale the tank if the sediment is hard to remove.

4. The Insulation Is Broken

Another reason your water heater may be consuming too much power is if the insulation is damaged. This can happen if the unit is old or if it was damaged during installation. If the insulation is broken, heat will escape from the unit, causing it to work harder to maintain the water temperature. This will lead to higher energy bills and a shorter life span for your water heater. The problem can be fixed by adding insulation to cover the tank. 

5. The Thermostat Is Faulty

The thermostat controls the working of the water heater, and if it's not working properly, your water heater will work erratically; it will either not heat the water or keep the temperature too high. This can lead to higher energy bills and, in some cases, damage the unit. The technician will test the thermostat to see if it's working properly and calibrate it if needed. 

The water heater is often one the largest energy consumers in the average home, so a faulty water heater can significantly drive up the power bill. Repairing is crucial to keeping bills low and restoring comfort. Call a water heater repair service if you think your water heater is taking up too much power.