You likely appreciate having access to hot water in your home. However, you expect to have water that is heated to a safe temperature and not getting too hot to use. There are several reasons why your water heater might be overheating. The underlying reason may be as simple as needing to adjust your thermostat. Hot water heater inspections and flushes are an effective way to keep your appliance operating safely. The following points identify potential reasons that a gas water heater might start overheating. 

Mineral Accumulation

Gas water heater services involve extending the life of water heaters. This usually involves interventions such as water heater flushing. This maintenance task needs to get done periodically to reduce the amount of sediment building up in the tank. The sediment usually is a combination of minerals that are found in the water, and they sink to the bottom of hot water heater tanks rather than floating. If they are not flushed out, they stick to the bottom of the water tank where they may start to harden. The hardening effect may eventually lead to parts of the water heater, like the heating element, responding by overworking the unit. This can lead to inaccuracies in heating and cause the water to overheat. 

Thermostat

The thermostat is an essential part of your water heater. It is necessary for regulating the temperature of the water. Fluctuations may signal that the thermostat is failing and you might notice that the water overheats. Your gas water heater also may not cycle on and off as expected. If you notice continuous operation or changes in the normal cycling pattern, the thermostat may be the problem.

Blockage

You might notice a boiling sound in your gas water heater if there is a blockage. The sound is produced by pressure getting trapped inside of the tank, and it is indicative of a faulty pressure relief valve. If the pressure cannot escape, there is a risk of the water heater bursting as well, and it needs to get replaced. Potential pressure problems need to be treated as a gas water heater emergency.

A plumber is a good resource to use when gas water heater issues arise. They can repair and replace water heaters. Replacing gas water heaters requires specific knowledge that most laypersons do not have. The risk of explosions or improper installations that can lead to gas leaks is not worth it when you consider that a plumber can perform the work safely. Choosing a professional for gas water heater services also aids in protecting consumers against voiding their water heater warranties.

For more information about gas water heaters, reach out to a local service professional.