Commercial water heating is remarkably sturdy but not invincible. You need to be careful about keeping an eye out for signs that the water heater on your commercial property is experiencing any issues. Earlier detection means faster repairs and more damage prevented, which is always better for your system. Have a look below at some of the most common signs that your commercial water heater is in need of repairs.
Problems Meeting Demand
No water heater has an infinite capacity for providing hot water. Enough demand will eventually overwhelm even a large commercial water heater. If your commercial system appears to be struggling to meet even moderate demand, though, then you may have a more serious issue to deal with. Low heat output could mean that there’s sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank, insulating the water inside from the heat generated by the burner assembly. It could also mean that the assembly itself is clogged, or otherwise malfunctioning. You’ll need to have a professional examine the system to be able to tell for certain.
Rapid Temperature Swings
There could be a couple different issues causing a rapid fluctuation between hot and cold water coming out of a faucet, not all of which are related to the water heater. Still, there is a good chance that the commercial water heater is the source. Most often, this kind of problem is caused by a cracked or broken dip tube. The dip tube is a small pipe in tank water heaters that ensures that fresh water flowing into the system doesn’t mix with the hot water leaving the system. If the dip tube is cracked or broken, cold water entering the tank can mix with hot water leaving the tank and create those temperature issues.
Leaks
We’re not sure how often you actually take a look at your commercial water heater. If you do, though, you should make sure that you never, ever ignore any leaks you notice. Even a small leak in the wrong place can cause immense damage if it is allowed to develop for long enough, up to and including causing the entire storage tank to rupture. Other areas like the circulation pump can be crippled by leaks around seals, preventing it from properly pumping water through the building. Make sure that you call for repairs if you notice a leak anywhere on your water heater.
The best way to prevent further damage due to various water heater issues is to call for repairs as soon as you suspect a problem. Even if you’re not entirely certain that your system is experiencing some kind of issue, at least you can have a professional check it out and make sure that it’s in good working order.