A hot water tank is essential for a commercial establishment, especially one that serves food. And when your hot water tank is faulty, it could lead to a lot of problems in your operations, or worse, a code violation.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can avoid this problem, and the easiest one is by replacing your water tank before it causes problems. But how do you know that it’s time to replace your water tank?
Here are some signs you should watch out for:
1. Changes in temperature
Just as room temperature water is the most obvious sign of a faulty buffer tank for chilled water, a decrease in water temperature is a sign that you may need to replace your hot water tank. In most cases, a decrease in temperature is caused by corrosion or deterioration inside the tank, which is common in commercial establishments that use their water systems frequently.
However, a decrease in temperature may not be easily noticed in a busy setting like a restaurant. Hence, you need to check for yourself by using a thermometer to measure the hot water nearest your dishwashers and other appliances that use hot water.
2. Old tank
If you’re not sure how old your water tank is, it’s best to check the serial number on the sticker. You may have to replace your tank if its more than ten years old already, because at this age, it is likely too old to perform at its best.
But you’re probably thinking, “if it still works, why do I have to replace it?” Well, even if your water tank is still functioning at an acceptable rate, it might be using up more energy to do so, which brings us to our next sign:
3. Increased energy bills
There are a lot of reasons why a restaurant’s energy bill may increase, but the culprit could be a faulty water tank. When a tank is no longer efficient and loses heat constantly, it is likely to consume more electricity to function properly.
4. Rusty water
Rusty water is a big no-no in food establishments. Aside from risking the quality of the food you serve, it might also be a reason for a code violation. Therefore, if you notice signs of corrosion in your water (discoloration, rusty taste and smell, sediments), call in a professional to take a look. When this happens to your water tank, it usually means that you have to get a new one.
5. Leaks
Lastly, leaks in your water tank can indicate fractures. Sometimes, a leak can be easily repaired if it’s small. However, if the leak is coming from a welded joint, a side-wall seam, or a thread that’s rusted through, you will need to replace your tank entirely as these parts cannot be fixed.
In a restaurant, hot water is essential for many tasks, such as dishwashing and sanitizing, in particular. Therefore, don’t let your hot water run out in the middle of a dinner rush. Be on the lookout for these signs of a faulty water tank and replace it as soon as possible.