Common Problems with Hot Water Systems Understanding the Causes

Before we get into the specifics of your hot water system, it’s important to understand what’s happening in the pipe system between your hot water heater and your tap. Your hot water system is basically a pipeline made up of a water heater, a hot water pressure tank, a cold water pressure tank, a cold water pipe, a cold water pipe stub, a hot water pipe stub, and a tap. Cold water and hot water travel through the pipes in your home in differentials (temperatures of 48°c) until they reach your fixtures and appliances. In an ideal system, the pressure in the hot water pipe is higher than the pressure in the cold water pipe. This produces a temperature differential that allows hot water to flow through your pipes while keeping the incoming water cool enough to keep it at the same pressure. Ideally, your water pressure stays at 60 PSI (pounds per square inch) everywhere in the system. If the pressure goes below 60 PSI in the hot water pipe, it’s called a low-pressure situation. If the pressure in the cold water pipe drops low enough, it’s called a low-pressure situation.

The Most Common Causes of a Bad Hot Water Systems

Now that you understand the basic operation of your hot water system, let’s look at some of the common issues that can cause your hot water to be a little less hot than usual. Water Pressure Issues: Your system relies on the pressure in your water pipes to create hot water and keep it at the right temperature. When the pressure in your water pipes gets too low, you’ll start to experience low-pressure situations, which can result in cloudy water, a “squeaky” faucet, or more serious problems, like a burst pipe. If you’re noticing a higher-than-usual number of low-pressure situations in your home, it’s a good idea to have your water pressure tested. Low water pressure can also be caused by a clogged water filter or by aging pipes.

Water Hardness: Depending on the source of your water, you might notice a slight difference in the water’s hardness. Over time, that small difference in mineral content can build up in your pipes, resulting in low water pressure or even a water leak. If you’re seeing an unusually high number of low-pressure situations and you’re not experiencing a specific water quality issue, it’s a good idea to have your water tested for hardness.

Water Temperature Issues: Depending on your water source and your geographical location, your water temperature might be slightly higher or lower than the average temperature in your area. Over time, that slight variation can cause low water pressure or even a water leak. If you’re seeing low-pressure situations that are not related to a specific water quality issue, it’s a good idea to have your water tested for temperature.

Water Flow Issues: Even if your water pressure and temperature are fine, if the flow is too low, you might experience low water pressure or a water leak. If you’re noticing low water pressure in one area of your home but not others, it’s a good idea to have your water pressure tested. If your water pressure is fine but you’re experiencing low water flow, it’s a good idea to have your water flow tested.

Faulty thermostat

The thermostat is a device that controls the temperature of the water in the hot water system. When a thermostat fails it can become permanently on which means that the water is always too hot and is constantly being heated even when it doesn’t need to be. This can be very costly. The other way a thermostat can fail is to become permanently off. You;ll know that this is the case when you step in to that cold shower that you thought was going to be hot.

Faulty electric element

In an electric hot water system there is a device called a heating element. It is usually shaped as an elongated coil and is inserted in the side of the water heater storage tank. Over time corrosion sets in and eventually the element will develop a short circuit or just corrode right through. Either way it means cold showers until you call the plumber. Replacing the element is actually an electrical issue but most plumbers are qualified with a restricted electrical licence so that they can perform this type of work.

Discoloured Water

If you have a gas or electric storage water heater and you notice that the heated water has started to become discoloured this can be sign that the tank itself is on the way out. Hot water storage tanks begin corroding from the first day they are used and after about 5 to 10 years they will be completely unusable. They are usually fitted with a metal rod called a sacrificial anode which helps to delay the corrosion process. Without this they wouldn’t even last as long as they do.