Overview:
Water heater repair is essential to keep it working efficiently and provide warm water for daily use. Your water heater may develop issues like no heating water, supply too hot water, leakages, strange sounds, smelly water, low water pressure, taking more time to heat water, etc. If the water heater is not working well, you should call a professional technician for your water heater repair.
Types of Water Heaters:
Before repairing a water heater, it is important to know the type of water heater you have. It will help you troubleshoot and repair water heaters effectively. The most common types of water heaters are:
- Tank water heaters: These are the common water heaters available in many homes. The hot water is stored in a tank for daily use.
- Tankless water heaters: These types of water heaters do not use a storage tank, they heat the water on demand.
- Electric water heaters: These types of water heaters use electricity to heat water.
- Gas water heaters: Natural gas or propane are used as a fuel source to heat water.
Importance of Water Heater Repair:
Water heater repair is essential to keep it working efficiently and provide hot water for daily use. Over time, problems like leaks, lack of heating, or strange noises can arise. Timely repairs help fix these issues, ensuring your water heater lasts longer and works properly. Ignoring water heater repair can lead to higher energy bills, bigger problems, or even complete breakdowns. A well-maintained water heater provides a steady supply of hot water, making tasks like bathing, cleaning, and washing easier. Regular repairs and check-ups by a professional technician can save money, prevent inconvenience, and ensure your water heater stays reliable and efficient. So, water heater repair should be done in due time.
More about the Water Heater
10 Common Problems of Water Heaters and How to Solve Them:
Here, I’ll discuss the common problems of water heaters.
1. Water heater not heating:
Water heaters may not get power. It could have a tripped switch or its heating elements may have failed.
- Check the water heater’s circuit breaker in the service panel to ensure that it has not tripped.
- If it has trippedoff, rock it to the OFF position and then back to ON.
- If the breaker did not trip off, reset the high-temperature limit on the heater. To do so, turn OFF the power, to the water heater in the service panel.
- Remove the access panel.
- Press the high-temperature reset button.
2. Not enough hot water:
Sometimes, the water heater may flow inadequate water. The water might be hot enough, but only in low volume. Or the volume might be sufficient, but the water is tepid.
- Hot water, low volume: One or both of its heating elements might have failed. Hot water that runs out quickly means a defective lower heating element. Replace the heating elements with a professional technician or replace the entire water heater.
- Tepid water, normal volume: If the water heater delivers a sufficient volume of water, but the water is not hot, there may be the cause of sediment build-up in the bottom of the tank. Flush the water heater of all water and sediment and fill it up again.
3. Water is too hot:
Too much hot water means, one or both of the water heater’s thermostats are set too high. When the water is too hot –
- Turn OFF the power to the water heater in the service panel.
- Remove the access panel.
- Check the heat setting on both thermostats is no more than 120F°.
- Adjust to the desired setting by turning the set screw with a flathead screwdriver.
- Replace the access panel and turn the power back ON.
4. Hot water leakage:
Water heater leakages are often caused by leaking valves and plumbing connections. If you see water, it is the result of a leaking outlet pipe.
- Inspect the water heater for loose inlet or outlet pipes.
- If you find loose connections, tighten these pipes with a wrench to stop the leak.
5. Discolored or smelly water:
When brown, yellow, or red-tinted water flows from faucets, the heater’s tank might be internally corroded. Water may be smells like rotten eggs, the water tank contains bacteria.
- Have a plumber to replace a corroded anode rod in the water tank. An anode is a metal rod in the center of the water heater designed to attract corrosive elements in water to protect the tank from rust.
6. Strange noises:
Sometimes you hear popping or rumbling sounds from the water heater. Sediment build-up in the bottom of the tank can cause an overheat of the heater.
- Turn off the power and water supply to the water heater.
- Attach the inner-threaded end of a garden hose to the valve at the bottom of the water heater, with the other end located outside.
- Open the temperature pressure relief valve at the top and the drain valve at the bottom.
- Let all of the water and sediment fully drain out.
- Close the upper-pressure relief valve and the bottom valve.
- Remove the hose.
- Turn on the power and water again.
7. Leaking tank:
Whenthepool of water develops at the top of the water heater, there may be a cause of leakage of the cool water inlet. This inlet is located at the top of the water heater. Tightening this connection will often stop the water leakage.
- Turn off the water supply to the water heater.
- Tighten the inlet connection with a wrench by turning clockwise.
- Turn the water supply on.
- Dry off the top of the water heater and observe for leakage.
8. Damaged pressure relief valve:
The temperature pressure relief valve of the water heater may develop a slow leak. You can replace the valve yourself by following the below steps.
- Turn off the power and water supply to the water heater.
- Drain water and pressure by opening the valve with a bucket placed below the plastic relief valve drain pipe.
- Unscrew the pressure relief valve with a pipe wrench.
- Screw the valve into the water heater, being sure to use Taflon plumber’s tape.
- Attach the plastic relief valve drain pipe.
9. Sides are leaking:
Water leaking from the sides of the water heater indicates corrosion or damage. The water leaks from holes or cracks.
- The tanks that have damage or corrosion cannot be safely repaired. These should be replaced.
10. Condensation:
Water heaters that appear to be leaking may be producing water condensation. Water condensation will be widespread across the tank’s outside i.e., with cracks or inlet leaks. It does not indicate a problem with the water heater, but excessive water can damage the flooring.
- To fix excess condensation, set the temperature at 120F° or even lower to 115F°.
- If that does not solve the problem, hire a plumber to disconnect the water heater and drain a pan underneath to catch drips.
At the time of the water heater repair job, the professional technician faces these types of problems.
Basic Components and Operation of water heater:
A typical water heater consists of a tank, heating elements or a burner, a thermostat, and plumbing connections.
- Tank: The tank is where the water is stored and heated.
- Heating elements: Heating elements, usually made of metal, heat the water either through direct contact or by transferring heat from a burner.
- Thermostat: The thermostat controls the temperature of the water by regulating the heating elements or burner.
- Plumbing connections: The entire water flow is done through a pipe. It enters cold water in the tank and discharges hot water to the desired location. The plumbers play an important role in this water heater repairing jobs.
Basic Safety Precautions to be Followed When Repairing a Water Heater:
There are some safety precautions to be followed when repairing a water heater. Here are the safety precautions for water heater repair jobs-
- Turn off power: For electric heaters, switch OFF the power at the circuit breaker. For gas heaters, turn OFF the gas supply.
- Turn off water supply: Close the cold water supply valve to the heater.
- Let the heater cool down: Allow the water to cool before working on the heater.
- Use proper tools: Ensure you have all the tools for the job, such as a wrench, screwdriver, and multimeter.
Routine Maintenance Tips for Your Water Heater Repair Needs:
Regular maintenance of water heaters can extend their life and prevent future problems. Whether you have a traditional storage tank or a modern tankless system. these maintenance tips will help you to avoid unexpected water heater repair expenses. Here are the tips:
- Flush the tank annually: Remove sediment buildup by draining and flushing the tank once a year.
- Check the anode rod: Inspect and replace the anode rod every 2-3 years to prevent rust.
- Test the temperature and pressure valve: Lift the valve’s lever to ensure it releases water. Replace it if it does not work.
- Inspect for leaks: Check leaks around the tank and connections regularly.
- Adjust the thermostat: Keep the thermostat set to 120°F for optimal performance and safety.
Water Heater Repairing Tips:
Following are the tips to keep in mind when –
- Install water heater at sufficient height: The standard height of a water heater to be installed is 1.8 meters or 6 feet from the ground. It empowers the pressure of water to get warm water.
- Drain the water heater: Collect the water while draining the water heater and you find sediment there. If the water heater is not drained in a timely, the sediment will be collected and cause a serious issue.
- Inspect the pressure relief valve: Check the pressure relief valve or thermostatic mixer for clogs to help you determine the issues with the water heater. Pressure should be checked once a year to avoid major damage.
- Monitor water temperature: You must monitor the water temperature occasionally. The water temperature should be 125° or lower. It should not go beyond that.
- Focus on the exhaust stack: You should look closely and ensure the connections are safe and the water heater is not leaking. If there is any rust or corrosion, ensure to sort that out and take a step to prevent it.
- Electrical connections and wiring: Ensure that the water heater is wired to an MCB(Miniature Circuit Breaker) that cuts off if the power is unstable.
- Examine the insulation: The insulation around the unit must be checked every few months. You should cover the water heater with insulation if the unit is older.
- Annual maintenance: To avoid major issues, you must get a regular annual checkup on the water heater.
- Lower the temperature: Lowering the temperature of the water heaters will save electricity and extend their life span, as the lower temperature will reach the desired temperature faster.
- Life of water heater: If your water heater is more than 10 years old, you should replace it with a new one. A 10-year-old unit can never compare to today’s technology. The new technology will work much more efficiently.
Key Water Heater Troubleshooting Steps:
Power supply: Check for a tripped circuit breaker.
Heating element: Check for failed heating elements.
Thermostat: Check if it is set too high.
Leaky valves: Check for leaks in plumbing connections.
When to Call a Professional:
While many issues are arising from your water heater, you should call a professional technician for help. Call a plumber on the following ground:
- If there is leakage in the tank.
- If you do not know how to repair a water heater.
- Problems persist after troubleshooting.
- If you need to replace the water heater.
Choosing a New Water Heater:
If your water heater is beyond repair, consider the following factors when buying a new one:
- Type: You choose what type of water heater you are going to buy, i.e., with tank, tankless, electric, or gas models.
- Capacity: It will depend on your family size.
- Energy efficiency: Look for an energy efficiency model to save energy bills.
- Warranty: Check warranty coverage details.
Conclusion:
The water heater repair is not just about fixing a broken appliance, it is about ensuring the comfort, safety, and efficiency of your home. Timely water heater repair prevents minor issues from escalating into costly problems, extends the lifespan of your unit, and maintains a consistent hot water supply. The water heater repair job is not a frightening one. By understanding common issues, you can keep your water heater running smoothly. If a problem seems too complex, do not hesitate to call a professional technician. With proper care and maintenance, your water heater can provide warm water efficiently and extend its life too.
FAQ:
- What is the most common cause of water heater failure?
The most common cause of water heater failure is the slow buildup of sediment. Water heaters are meant to be flushed (drained and refilled) about once a year.
- What are the signs of a water heater going bad?
You may experience a lack of hot water or a leak from the water heater as signs it is going bad.
- What is the life expectancy of a water heater?
Water heaters typically last from 8 to 12 years. If the heater is older than that, it should be replaced by a new one.
- How do I reset my hot water heater?
Reset your water heater by pressing the red reset button. Locate the reset button directly next to one of the thermostats (most likely the top one). Push the reset button. The water heater will take about one hour to reset.