Some strange things are happening to Waxahachie residents on Buena Vista water. The water coming out of the taps is always hot! It's not just a little hot - it's a LOT HOT. This article we will explore what's really happening and why the water coming out of the taps is too hot.

HOW DOES A WATER TOWER WORK?

Water towers are typically up to 130 feet high and can hold up to 4 million gallons of water. Water is pumped from the treatment facility or from well water or aquifers deep in the earth to the tower. The water is stored for a time & when needed, gravity assisted towers push water to homes that water tower serves. There is a lot more physics involved in the process, but this is the most straight forward explanation.

WHY IS THE COLD WATER COMING OUT SO HOT?

In the case of Waxahachie residents on Buena Vista water, we find that water coming into the cold inlet is as high as 100 degrees on the cold side! Buena Vista water is tapped from an aquifer deep under the ground - some 40 feet down! Waxahachie is surrounded by active geothermal resources. The water being pumped to the tank is as high as 140 degrees. 

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING NOW? WE NEVER NOTICED THE HOT WATER ISSUES BEFORE?

Waxahachie and surrounding areas are growing RAPIDLY, with some 120 new residents moving in per month. Housing is booming and new homes are coming up everywhere. The increase in new subdivisions means more demand for water. How is this related to the water in the taps? Water normally sits in the tower for a time, allowing it to cool. The demand for water is such that it has no time to cool, it's pumped from the earth at extremely high temperatures & almost immediately directed to homes. There simply is no time for the water to cool.

WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT?

The most direct answer is lower your water heater's thermostat. Most water heaters are factory set to 110. Many homeowners increase that temperature on their water heater. If you are on Buena Vista water, enjoy the cost savings by lowering your water heater. This will allow you to keep the pressure by using both hot and cold taps. Buena Vista suggests even turning your water heater completely off.  For now, Buena Vista is not looking to add cooling towers.

Contact Duncan Plumbing for all your commercial & residential plumbing needs. We've been voted Best Plumber Waxahachie a number of years in a row & for good reason. Contact us today for all things plumbing.