Once you have installed a hot water system in your home, you expect to get as much warm water as you need each day. This water can be used for shower, laundry, cleaning utensils, and performing other general cleaning duties. However, hot water systems sometimes become inefficient.

The unit may start producing insufficient hot water, the water might become dirty or smelly, water temperatures may keep fluctuating, or you might begin to hear unfamiliar noises when the unit is running. In other incidences, your electricity bill may increase even though your needs haven't changed. So, why would your water heater become inefficient? Some possible causes of this common problem are outlined below.

The electrical connection is faulty

One of the primary reasons why your water heater may malfunction is a faulty electrical connection. Perhaps the power cords that transfer electricity to the heater are broken or loose and need to be fixed or replaced so the unit can function effectively. Also, the problem could be caused by a blown fuse.

You might've bought the wrong heater size

Before you buy a hot water system, it's always advisable to consider your requirements. You will need a professional to determine your hot water usage to recommend the best heater size. If you make the mistake of purchasing a water heater that's too small, the unit will be forced to work hard to meet your requirements. This kind of overuse causes frequent breakdowns, and the only solution is to get a new heater that can produce sufficient hot water. Sometimes your needs may change over the years, even though you bought the right size of the unit. If this is the case, then you'll need to get another system.

Sediment has accumulated in the tank

Water contains different kinds of mineral deposits, particularly the hard water from wells. Once the water is heated, the mineral deposits usually separate and get deposited at the bottom of the tank. The sediment builds up over time and reduces the efficiency of the water heater. The good news is that it's easy to fix the problem if the damage hasn't spread to the heating elements. All one has to do is flush the heater to get rid of the sediments. This measure will boost the efficiency of the heater and ensure you get clean hot water.

However, if the heating components got damaged, you'll need to replace the parts to restore the heater's functionality. Remember to flush the heater tank occasionally to ensure the mineral deposits don't accumulate excessively. For more information, contact local hot water services.