Cold Water Is Not Cool
Here in Fort Myers, cold water has its place – as a refreshing drink after hiking the Six Mile Cypress Slough or a cooling spritz from the garden hose when the humidity makes verandah-sitting a bit uncomfortable. But even in sultry southwest Florida, we often prefer our water the way we prefer our climate – hot.
Service Minds Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has made it our mission to stamp out the inconvenience that comes with the unavailability of hot water. We believe you should never have to forgo a soothing hot shower or wash your dishes in anything less than a steamy, sudsy, sink.
Unfortunately, a water heater fails to deliver these conveniences; it disrupts your day and can even affect your health and comfort. The good news is that Service Minds Benjamin Franklin is the area’s most experienced team of water heater diagnostic and repair professionals. We’re on call around the clock, every day of the year, to ensure your flow of healthy hot water remains uninterrupted.
Don’t let a malfunctioning and inefficient water heater bring chaos into your home. If it takes too long for your bathwater to get hot or your laundry is less vibrant than it should be, your family pays the price.
The Heat is On
Or it soon will be, when you call Service Minds Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to repair your water heater. If your productivity and quality of life are suffering due to a poorly performing water heater, don’t wait any longer, especially if you notice any of these signs that your unit needs some attention:
- Inconsistent Temperatures: If your “hot” water fluctuates between frigid and flammable, isn’t hot enough, or runs out quickly, you might be dealing with thermostat issues or excessive sediment buildup that interferes with the heating process.
- Puddling Water: Standing water around your water heater indicates a leak that requires immediate attention. Small leaks from the top of the unit could be due to a faulty temperature/pressure relief valve which can be repaired easily. Leaks from the tank itself, however, suggest internal corrosion or rusting that will only get worse unless you do something about it now.
- Colored Water: Rusty or cloudy water should raise a red flag that trouble is brewing within your water heater’s internal tank, often indicating corrosion.
- Unusual Noises: Growling, whining, or popping noises are signals that your water heater is struggling against accumulated sediment that collides with and potentially damages the components and tank chassis.
- Foul Smells or Taste: If your hot water smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, or has an unpleasant taste, it may be due to bacteria buildup in the tank or a failing anode rod that needs replacement.
- Low Water Pressure: Weak hot water flow can mean that your water heater isn’t operating at full capacity due to clogs, sediment accumulation, or other heating issues.
Do Not Trifle with a Damaged Water Heater
You might be able to live with minor water heater issues, but because your unit combines water and a gas or electric power source, any problem can bring disaster.
Your home water heater is a complex system that works by drawing cold water from your water lines into a dip tube that directs it to the bottom of the tank, near the heating element or burner. The burner activates to heat the water to the temperature set by the thermostat. As the water heats up, it rises to the top of the tank, where it can be drawn out through a “heat-out” pipe whenever you turn on a hot water faucet, run the dishwasher, or take a shower. This process repeats continuously, ensuring a steady flow of hot water.
With so many components involved, there’s the potential for things can go sideways. When any part of the water heater malfunctions, it can leave you without hot water and potentially create dangerous consequences:
Scalding Risks: Broken valves, pumps, or hoses can cause ultra-hot water to escape unexpectedly, posing a risk of burns. A malfunctioning thermostat can also lead to overheating, making the water dangerously hot.
Fire: Leaks around the water heater can come into contact with electrical outlets or wires, posing a fire and explosion hazard.
Mold: Pools of water attract mildew and mold growth that can aggravate raspatory problems.
Structural Damage: water leaking from the heater can seep into floors and foundations, weaking wood structures and promoting rot.
Carbon Monoxide: Faulty gas-fired water heaters can emit carbon monoxide, a deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Poor ventilation or a broken pilot light can exacerbate this danger, putting your household at serious risk.
Given these potential hazards, it’s vital to contact Service Minds Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to immediately address any issues with your water heater. Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself, as improper handling can exacerbate the problem and put your safety at risk.
