Have you ever been taking a shower and experience a sudden burst of cold water? If the answer is yes, then you may have an issue with your water heater. Fluctuations in water temperature are a common indication of water heater problems.
Before you contact a licensed plumber for help, check the “dip tube” on your water heater to see if it is damaged. It is a tube which runs from the water line to the bottom of the tank. All water that flows into the system will pass through the tube and exit near the bottom of the storage tank.
By allowing all fresh water entering the system out near the bottom of the tank, the dip tube helps heat it up faster. Water that enters at the bottom of the tank is also separated from the warm water exiting at the top. As the water gets hotter, it rises to the top of the tank.
Common dip tube issues include:
- Liable to degrade throughout the years
- Can become cracked or break off entirely
When the dip tube is broken it causes the cold water to enter at the top of the tank and mix with the hot water leaving it. The mix of cold and hot water leaving the tank is the reason why you will get occasional temperature switches.
If you are interested in water heater repairs, contact Duran & Sons Universal Plumbing & Rooter and schedule an appointment with our licensed San Fernando Valley plumbers.