First off, thanks for providing this wonderful forum. I'm bookmarking, and will contribute as much as I can, as well as enjoy the site. That said, I don't claim to have any knowledge of any value to anyone else. I'm pretty much a novice with most things around the house, and I am completely ignorant about plumbing. So, please, take it easy on me with this question.
I have a gas water heater in the basement. This morning, I turned on a bathroom faucet to shave, and the water was scalding hot. We usually keep it set to 120 degrees, and suddenly, it burns to the touch. I have no clue what happened. We've lived here for 5 years this month without an issue or one single event with our water heater. Only variables I can think of are the weather, and basement temperature. Down in the teens at night for the last couple of nights, and basement is probably around 35 - 37 degrees.
I'm going to call for a plumber monday morning, but till then, my main concerns are, am I doing any more damage by waiting, and am I endangering my family? I don't see anything unusual upon visual inspection. I can't if the tank is full of water or not. The out pipes are warm to the touch, but not burning hot. Should I worry tonight, or can I sleep?
Thanks, again. So much.
C
I have a gas water heater in the basement. This morning, I turned on a bathroom faucet to shave, and the water was scalding hot. We usually keep it set to 120 degrees, and suddenly, it burns to the touch. I have no clue what happened. We've lived here for 5 years this month without an issue or one single event with our water heater. Only variables I can think of are the weather, and basement temperature. Down in the teens at night for the last couple of nights, and basement is probably around 35 - 37 degrees.
I'm going to call for a plumber monday morning, but till then, my main concerns are, am I doing any more damage by waiting, and am I endangering my family? I don't see anything unusual upon visual inspection. I can't if the tank is full of water or not. The out pipes are warm to the touch, but not burning hot. Should I worry tonight, or can I sleep?
Thanks, again. So much.
C