Hot water suddenly very hot why and what to do
Hot water has become a common household item. But did you know that it also has its own unique properties? Hot water can be used to cook food, clean dishes, wash clothes, even heat buildings.
Hot water is water at a temperature above 100°F (38°C). The boiling point of water varies depending on the amount of dissolved solids present in it. Water boils at 212°F or 100°C at sea level.
Water is a liquid composed primarily of hydrogen and oxygen atoms bonded together. When heated, the bonds between these atoms break down and the water molecules separate into their constituent parts. This causes the liquid to expand and boil.
Have you ever had hot water suddenly become very hot? If yes, then you might have experienced something called “hot water temperature shock”. This happens when the temperature of hot water suddenly increases from normal to boiling point within seconds or minutes.
Hot water temperature shock is caused by the sudden increase in temperature of hot water, usually due to a malfunction of a heating system. The sudden change in temperature causes the water to expand rapidly and boil over.
This phenomenon occurs because of the sudden increase in pressure inside the tank. As the pressure rises, the volume of water expands. When the pressure reaches the boiling point, the water boils and releases heat energy.
Hot Water Suddenly Very Hot? Why and What To Do?
If your hot water suddenly becomes very hot, there are several things you should do:
1) Turn off the main valve that controls the flow of water through the heater.
2) Wait for the pressure to drop back to normal before turning the valve back on.
3) Check for leaks in the pipes leading to the heater.
4) Make sure the faucet isn’t leaking.
5) Try using cold water instead of hot water until the problem is fixed.
6) If all else fails, call an expert plumber.
7) Don’t use the hot water unless absolutely necessary. It’s better to wait until the problem is solved.
How Often Should I Flush My Water Heater?
The best way to maintain the efficiency of your water heater is to flush it regularly. Flushing helps keep sediment out of the tank. Sediment buildup can cause corrosion and reduce the life span of your water heater.
Flushing also removes any minerals left behind after cleaning. These minerals may interfere with the operation of your water heater. In addition, they could leave deposits on your appliances and fixtures.
Flushing your water heater once every two years will help ensure that it lasts as long as possible. However, if you live in a hard-water area, flushing more often than recommended may not be necessary.
How Do The Hot Water Gets Suddenly Very Hot?
When a water heater gets too old, it may fail to work properly. A defective water heater may leak, burn up, crack, corrode, or burst. A faulty water heater may also produce excessive amounts of carbon dioxide gas.
Carbon dioxide gas builds up in the tank and prevents the water from rising to its proper temperature. A broken thermostat may prevent the water from reaching its proper temperature. In some cases, a water heater may get so hot that it burns itself out.
A water heater that has been installed improperly may also cause hot water to suddenly become very hot. Improper installation includes installing the water heater where the water supply enters the house rather than at the lowest level of the tank.
Water heater repair service providers say that this type of failure is most common among older units. They recommend replacing the unit if it hasn’t worked for more than three months.
When To Replace Your Water Heater?
Your home’s water heater should last about 10 years. Most experts agree that a water heater needs to be replaced if it doesn’t work properly for more than six months. This time period varies depending on how well your water heater was maintained.
If your water heater has been working fine but suddenly stops producing hot water, you should contact a professional plumber right away.
Your water heater may have failed due to one of these problems:
• Leaks in the plumbing system
• Corrosion caused by mineral build-up
• Cracks in the tank
• Burned out thermostat
• Faulty electrical wiring
Causes Of Hot Water Suddenly Very Hot
1) Leakage in the Plumbing System
Leaks in the plumbing system are usually caused by cracks in the pipes or valves. You may notice leaks when there is no water pressure.
2) Mineral Build Up
Mineral deposits form inside your water heater over time. When the water heater heats the water, the heat causes the minerals to dissolve into the water. Over time, these dissolved minerals accumulate in the bottom of the tank.
3) Corroded Tank
Corrosion occurs when metal parts come into contact with acidic substances. Acidic substances such as rust, sulfuric acid, and vinegar can damage metal components.
4) Thermostat Failure
Thermostats control the amount of energy used by the water heater. If the thermostat fails, the water heater uses more energy to heat the water. Eventually, the water heater overheats and shuts off.
5) Electrical Wiring Problems
Electrical wiring problems can cause hot water to suddenly get very hot. For example, an electrician who does not know what he is doing could install wires incorrectly.
6) Other Causes
Other possible causes include a cracked tank, blocked vents, and a clogged drain line.
How Do Hot Water Heaters Work?
The main purpose of a water heater is to keep water warm. It works by heating water in a storage tank. The stored water then flows through a pipe to a faucet or shower head.
In order to heat the water, the water heater must use electricity. Electricity powers a blower fan located near the top of the tank. The fan circulates air around the tank. As the air passes through the tank, it picks up the warmth from the water.
In addition to warming the water, the air also helps prevent corrosion. Because the air contains moisture, it prevents corrosion from forming on the tank walls.
Conclusion
Replacing a water heater is a major job. It requires removing all of the existing piping and fittings. The new water heater must be sized correctly to fit the space available.
The new water heater will need to be connected to the existing plumbing system. Once this is done, the old water heater must be removed.
The new water heater must then be tested before being put into use.