Can Your Water Heater Stand Up to Holiday Visitors?
A full house is in the offing for the holidays? Then you should be asking yourself if your water heater has the capacity for a string of showers before the hot water turns cold. What of the relatives queued up in the hall for their go?
Harmon Plumbing has been putting in the work to keep Durham and the greater Research Triangle in good running order since 1989. We have put many a family at ease. But if your water heater is past its prime, we would suggest you give us a ring at (984) 646-6770 and put it right before the guests come calling.
For the most part of the year your plumbing is fine, but the holidays are another matter. With the cooking for a crowd, the dishwashers and laundry in constant use and more than your share of showers, the water heater is put to the test. It is a shame that some homeowners are only made aware their equipment is not equal to the job when they are in a shower on a December morning with nothing but cold water.
The Hardship of the Holidays on a Water Heater
Put two people in a home and the water heater does its job; double or triple the occupancy and it can be a different story. The tank has a limit to how much hot water it can put out and after that is gone there is a wait while it recovers and heats the next batch. When the recovery cannot keep up with demand, so goes the hot water.
Typical causes for a water heater to be left behind over the holidays include:
- Showers being taken in quick succession
- Having both the washing machine and dishwasher on
- A tank too small for the number of guests
- An old unit with slow recovery times
- Sediment in the tank cutting down on capacity
- The cold water coming in during winter which is slower to heat
With some forethought one can avoid an unwelcome surprise. Being attuned to the signs of a unit on the way out is prudent.
Tells That Your Water Heater Is Not Up to It
Before a complete failure there are usually indications from your water heater. In the weeks prior to your get together watch for:
- Hot water that is depleted quicker than of yore
- Rusty or discoloured water
- Popping or rumbling from the tank
- Dripping or pooling at the base
- Water that will not reach the proper temperature
- Ten years or more of service on the unit
Should any of these present themselves, have a certified plumber inspect the situation before you have a house full of people reliant on hot water.
Putting in Some Preparation Work
An outright replacement is not always necessary to see you through the season, although occasionally it is called for. To make your hot water last you might:
- Put some time between showers
- Do the laundry and run the dishwasher overnight
- Hand wash a few dishes to lighten the load
- Bump up the thermostat a touch, provided it does not exceed 120 degrees
- Have a professional do a flush to remove sediment
Then again, if the unit is all but done, it is better to put in a new one than to have an emergency in the midst of a family meal.
Calling in a Pro
There are simple remedies and then there are matters for a trained plumber. A tank that will not heat, is loud or leaking means you need to call us. As a locally run, family business our plumbers at Harmon Plumbing are certified to do everything from a repair to a complete water heater swap.
Our services extend to Cary, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Morrisville, Hillsborough, Mebane and other parts of the Triangle as well as Durham. We are here seven days a week from 7:00am until 8:00pm and our 24/7 customer service and emergency lines are always open so you are not left waiting if your water heater gives out.
We provide free estimates so there are no questions as to what you are up against. Synchrony also makes financing easy with their flexible plans and prompt approvals, a help when a replacement is needed at a busy time.
Make sure your water heater is prepared for the holidays. Call us at (984) 646-6770 and let Harmon Plumbing handle it.