Water Heater Repair And Troubleshooting
If you’re considering water heater repair because of some problems with your heater, it’s wise to do a little bit of troubleshooting and to see if you have a serious problem or something that only requires a minor repair.
Knowing what to check when something goes wrong with your hot water heater can save you a lot of money if you can fix it rather than replace it or even call a professional to repair it.
The most common problem with hot water heaters is that the water is not hot enough.
In many cases this problem is caused by a faulty thermostat or defective heating element.
If your hot water is not heating hot enough here are some steps you can follow to pinpoint and fix the problem.
Troubleshooting Electric Water Heaters
If your hot water is electric, and you are not getting hot water the first thing you need to do is to check and make sure that the power has not become disconnected. As ironic as it may seem electric water heater repair is often as simple as plugging in a connection that has come unplugged.
If the power is plugged in make sure that there is a good connection. After you have checked the connection, reset the thermostat.
If you find that you cannot reset the thermostat properly you will need to change it. This may take care of the problem if it does not, try removing the sediment from the tank.
Water heater repair that involves removing sediment from the tank is simply a matter of draining out some of the water until it runs clear. When sediment builds up around the heating element, it can interfere with elements ability to function.
Making sure that there is no sediment around the element may correct the problem if the element has not already burned out. If it has then replacing the heating element is the next step in water heater repair.
Keep in mind that if the heating element is costly to replace and your hot water heater an older model replacing it might be a better option.
Troubleshooting Gas Water Heaters
If you own a gas or propane hot water heater first check and make sure that the pilot light is lit. If it is not lit follow the directions for relighting it.
If you cannot get your pilot to stay lit you may need to change the thermo coupler. The thermo coupler is a safety device that shuts off the gas automatically when the pilot light goes out. Changing the thermo coupler is an easy water heater repair job to do.
If the pilot is on then you can attempt to repair the water heater by flushing the tank, or raising the temperature on the thermostat.
If your water is hot enough but you are hearing a sizzling noise in your tank you can repair your water tank by simply cleaning it. Drain the tank until the water runs clear and then soak the elements in vinegar water and scrape off the collected scale.
Leaking is also another problem that may arise. If the pressure valve is leaking you can repair your water tank by replacing the valve.
If it is the water supply pipes that are leaking try tightening the fittings. If it still leaks then you may have to shut off the water and replace the fittings in order to complete your water heater repair.
The best way to avoid troubleshooting and water heater repair is to do a few simple maintenance procedures.
1. Drain your heater twice a year. This will get rid of the sediment and help your water heater to burn more efficiently. You should also reduce the temperature to 120 degrees this will prevent overheating.
2. Make sure to test the pressure relive valve at least once a year by lifting it up and letting it snap back into position. This should release a burst of water into the overflow drainpipe. If it doesn’t release any water, replace the valve.
Before replacing your hot water heater take the time to do a little troubleshooting and if need be water heater repair. It just may save you money in the long run.
Water Heater Repair And Trouble Shooting
When your hot water heater isn’t working up to par, you need to decide if it is time to replace the water heater or simply do some water heater repair. Before rushing off to purchase a new hot water heater it is wise to do a little bit of troubleshooting and to see if, what is wrong with your heater, is a serious problem or something that only requires a minor repair. Knowing what to check when something goes wrong with your water heater can save you a lot of money if you can fix rather than replace your hot water heater.
Water heater troubleshooting
The most common problem with hot water heaters is that the water is not hot enough. In many cases this problem is caused by a faulty thermostat or defective heating element. If your hot water is not heating hot enough here are some steps you can follow to pinpoint and fix the problem.
Electric hot water heaters
If your hot water is electric, and you are not getting hot water the first thing you need to do is to check and make sure that the power has not become disconnected. As ironic as it may seem electric water heater repair is often as simple as plugging in a connection that has come unplugged. If the power is plugged in make sure that there is a good connection. After you have checked the connection, reset the thermostat. If you find that you cannot reset the thermostat properly you will need to change it. This may take care of the problem if it does not, try removing the sediment from the tank.
Water heater repair that involves removing sediment from the tank is simply a matter of draining out some of the water until it runs clear. When sediment builds up around the heating element, it can interfere with elements ability to function. Making sure that there is no sediment around the element may correct the problem if the element has not already burned out. If it has then replacing the heating element is the next step in water heater repair.
Keep in mind that if the heating element is costly to replace and your hot water heater an older model replacing it might be a better option.
If you own a gas or propane hot water heater and are having problems with the water heating. Check and make sure that the pilot light is lit. If it is not lit follow the directions for relighting it. If you cannot get your pilot to stay lit you may need to change the thermo coupler. The thermo coupler is a safety device that shuts off the gas automatically when the pilot light goes out. Changing the thermo coupler is an easy water heater repair job to do.
If the pilot is on then you can attempt to repair the water heater by flushing the tank, or raising the temperature on the thermostat.
If your water is plenty hot but you are hearing a sizzling noise in your tank you can repair your water tank by simply cleaning it. Drain the tank until the water runs clear and then soak the elements in vinegar water and scrape off the collected scale.
Leaking is also another problem that may arise. If the pressure valve is leaking you can repair your water tank by replacing the valve. If it is the water supply pipes that are leaking try tightening the fittings. If it still leaks then you may have to shut off the water and replace the fittings in order to complete your water heater repair.
The best way of hot water heater troubleshooting and keep abreast of your water heater repair is to do a few simple maintenance procedures.
Drain your heater twice a year. This will get rid of the sediment and help your water heater to burn more efficiently. You should also reduce the temperature to 120 degrees this will prevent overheating.
Make sure to test the pressure relive valve at least once a year by lifting it up and letting it snap back into position. This should release a burst of water into the overflow drainpipe. If it doesn’t release any water, replace the valve.
Before replacing your hot water heater take the time to do a little trouble shooting and if need be water heater repair. It just may save you money in the long run.
Water Heater Repair And Troubleshooting Articles
- Drain Hot Water Heater
Draining your hot water heater on a regular basis can save you a lot of headache and unnecessary costs. It's an easy and simple task to perform as well.
- Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting
Learning to prepare yourself for troubleshooting your electric water heater troubleshooting can be an interesting DIY project if you are ready for the challenge with some help of course.
- Water Heater Temperature
Find out the best way to adjust your water heater's temperature and save big on repair and other costs!
- Gas Water Heater Repair
Learning the steps for repairing your gas water heater is a tad difficult but it's fun once you get the hang of it.
- Water Heater Maintenance
Maintaining your water heater is an easy job, all you need is a hose, bucket, and a pair of gloves.
- Water Heater Leak
When you face a problem of leakage in your water heater don't panic; simply try to figure out the source of the leak and repair it.
