Why Is My Water Heater Constantly Running?
Hearing running water unexpectedly is always a cause for alarm. Did you leave a faucet running? For many people, when they hear water running constantly, it’s often from their water heater.
If your water heater is constantly running, like any other running faucet, it should be addressed immediately. The team of professional plumbers at Redman Services are here to help troubleshoot your water heater issues.
Things to Check When Your Water Heater Is Constantly Running
If your water heater is constantly running, it’s trying to tell you that there is an issue. Some issues can be easily fixed with the turn of a wrench, while others are best addressed by a professional. Here are a few things you can do or check on to get your water heater back in working order.
Higher Than Normal Water Bills
Take a look at your water bill. If your water consumption is way higher than it was in the previous month, there’s a good chance that there’s a leak somewhere, especially if you hear your hot water heater run constantly.
Leaks
Now that you suspect that there is a bigger issue with your hot water heater, a good place to start is to check for water heater leaks. Leaks can come from the hot water tank itself, the pipes leading into the tank, or the temperature pressure relief valve at the top of the hot water heater.
Check the floor below the tank. If you notice pools of water, then you have a leak. Take a spray bottle and fill it with soapy water, then spray the tank. If you see bubbles start to form, that’s how you can tell you have leaks in your hot water heater tank. Leaks from the sides or the bottom of your water heater are a sign that your water heater needs to be replaced.
Tighten Pipes
You’ll most likely notice leaks coming from the pipes that connect to your hot water heater. There are two sets of pipes that bring water in and out of your water heater. Check both of these pipes for leaks at the point where they connect with your water heater as well as further down the line. Use a wrench to tighten these pipe connections. You can also use pipe tape to secure the threading to strengthen the connection between the water pipes.
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
The temperature pressure relief valve is on the top of your water heater. This valve vents pressure from inside your water heater and is designed to prevent a critical failure. If the valve is too loose, water can start leaking. This is often the common source of water tank leaks. Be sure to tighten the valve and see if that helps.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional for Water Heater Repairs
Hot water heaters tend to last about 10-20 years. If your hot water heater is older than that, and it is leaking, it’s probably a good idea to consider replacing it. A hot water heater that is less than 20 years old, but is leaking, another common cause is a build up of sediment at the bottom of your tank. If you have hard water, magnesium and calcium sediments can build up in your hot water tank over time. Your owner’s manual should have directions on how to drain your hot water tank using the drain valve to remove the sediment safely, but if you are not comfortable with this task, Redman is here to help.
If you ever notice that the hot water supply from your tap isn’t hot enough, or you notice a change in color or odor when you run the hot water, then your hot water heater is trying to tell you that it’s going bad and needs to be replaced.
Call Redman Services for All of Your Water Heater Problems
When hot water heater issues are disrupting your life, call Redman to find the solution. Our team of plumbing experts is standing by to help you figure out why your water heater is constantly running and fix any leaks or other plumbing system issues. Call us today.