Every home needs a water heater to provide hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes. Water is kept warm in an insulated storage tank made of steel inside, which you can use later for household or personal use. Gas Water Heaters provide water similarly to Electric Water Heaters, but they use natural gas rather than electricity.
What can be done if a water heater needs repair? It’s easy to overlook that water heaters must work 24 hours a day to keep up with our household’s needs until they stop working and leak or heat water.
Water heater problems, like low or no heating, can be caused by a variety of reasons, from faulty heating elements to parts that need replacing or repairing. The wrong settings, high home water pressure, or not paying attention to regular tank maintenance may lead to additional problems. However, like all appliances, water heaters can break down over time and require repairs. In this article, we will discuss the most common issues that occur with water heaters and how to repair them.
- Check the warranty before you begin:
Check the warranty of your water heater before beginning the troubleshooting process. The warranty on a water heater varies depending on whether it is residential or commercial. Every tank is equipped with a rating plate containing the model and serial number. If the tank was made in a particular year, a prorated warranty might be offered, free of charge or at a discount, for a replacement tank or part.
In case of a malfunctioning water heater, such as a limited hot water supply in your home, take a picture or write down the information. Field labor is usually not covered by manufacturer warranties.
Method: 1. Troubleshooting Common Water Heater Problems:
The first step in repairing a water heater is to determine the problem. Here are some common issues that can occur with water heaters and how to troubleshoot them:
- No hot water:
If you have no hot water, the thermostat must be checked first. Ensure it is set to the correct temperature and the circuit breaker has not tripped. If the thermostat works correctly, the problem may be with the heating element or the pilot light. There are several possible causes of water heaters not producing hot water, including falling power, tripped limits, and failed heating elements.
- Getting it fixed:
The steps for resetting the water heater temperature are as follows:
- From the service panel, turn off the circuit breaker for the water heater.
- The water heater is checked with a multimeter to see if the power is running.
- Our next step is to open the access panel behind the water heater’s heating element on the upside.
- The plastic safety guard should be removed with caution.
- The red color reset button located above the thermostat must be pressed.
- Safety guards, insulation, and access panels need to be reinstalled.
- The circuit breaker for the heater is then turned on.
- Then we must test each heating element and replace it if necessary if that doesn’t solve the problem.
- Not enough hot water:
The problem may be with the thermostat or the heating element if you are getting hot water but need more. Check to see if the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and if the heating element is not corroded or broken.
- Getting it fixed:
Water heaters should have at least 70% of their capacity filled by water. The demand must be below the capacity for the water heater to operate efficiently. You can limit hot water usage by installing restrictors on showerheads, faucets, and taps, spreading dishes, and doing less laundry. It will save you money on your power bill by preventing teenagers from draining the whole tank!
- Leaks:
Leaks are a common problem with water heaters. Check for leaks around the unit’s base or the water supply and drain lines. If you find a leak, it is important to repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. There are likely to be leaks in the tank due to leaking valves, hoses, or cracks in the walls. The most common problem with leaking water heaters is that they are incapable of being repaired and must be replaced.
- Getting it fixed:
Water heater leaks can be caused by loose heating elements or corrosion in the tank. With the help of an element wrench, check for looseness inside the elements and tighten them if necessary. Corroded tanks can’t be repaired and have to be replaced. For leaks to stop, turn off the electricity and water supply to the water heater and then drain it completely.
- Strange noises:
If you hear strange noises from your water heater, it may be due to sediment buildup in the tank. Drain the tank and flush it out to remove the sediment.
- Getting it fixed:
To fix the noisy water heater tank, you can drain the tank to get rid of the sediment or try calcifying it to clear the sediment out. There are better options, but you may need a new water heater.
Method: 2. Replacing a Thermostat:
One of the most common repairs that need to be made to a water heater is replacing a thermostat. A thermostat controls the water temperature in the tank and can become faulty over time. Here are the steps for replacing a thermostat:
- Turn off the power to the water heater.
- Locate the thermostat on the water heater. It is usually located near the top of the tank.
- Remove the thermostat by unscrewing it from the tank.
- Take the thermostat to a hardware store and purchase a replacement.
- Install the new thermostat by screwing it into the tank.
- Turn the power back on to the water heater and test the thermostat to ensure it works correctly.
Method: 3. Replacing a Heating Element:
Another common repair to be made to a water heater is replacing a heating element. A heating element is responsible for heating the water in the tank and can become corroded or broken over time. Here are the steps for replacing a heating element:
- Turn off the power to the water heater.
- Locate the heating element on the water heater. It is usually located near the bottom of the tank.
- Remove the heating element by unscrewing it from the tank.
- Take the heating element to a hardware store and purchase a replacement.
- Install the new heating element by screwing it into the tank.
- Turn the power back on to the water heater and test the heating element to ensure it works correctly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, repairing a water heater can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be done safely and effectively.
Overall, repairing a water heater requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to take on a challenge. With the right approach and the proper tools and resources, you can repair your water heater and enjoy hot water once again.
