Why You Might Need To Replace Hot Water Heater Parts

Replace hot water heater advice. Hot water heaters are vital components in any household. They provide hot water throughout a house whenever it is needed. The two basic types are electric water heaters and gas water heaters. Both perform the same function, however there are slight differences in how they are set up. Both will have a ready supply of water stored in a tank, and heated so that it is ready to be used whenever it is needed. Hot water heaters are designed to be long lasting and reliable, however things can, and do, go wrong with them. Whilst in some cases it might be necessary to replace the whole system, it will often be possible to simply replace hot water heater parts. This will be a much smaller and easier job, and will also be much less expensive than replacing an entire system.

Replace Hot Water Heater – The Components Of A Hot Water Heater

The first crucial component to any hot water heater system is the tank. These large metal cylinders will generally hold anywhere between forty to sixty gallons of water at a time. The inside of the tank will be lined, and the outside will be insulated. In an electric system the water is heated by elements inside the tank. In a gas system the water is heated using a gas burner underneath the tank. The only other difference between them is that the gas heater needs a vent at the top of the tank.

Hot water heaters will have a dip tube to allow cold water to enter the tank from the mains, and a heat out pipe to allow the now heated water to travel around the house. A shut off valve will regulate the flow of water into the tank. There will be a thermostat to control the temperature the water is heated to. This is fully adjustable, but care must be taken not to set it too high or the water being run from faucets will be dangerously hot. It will also require more energy to continually heat water to such high temperatures, and will therefore be more expensive.

Every hot water heater will have a pressure relief valve for safety purposes. The water pressure within the tank will usually be maintained by the valve at between fifty and one hundred PSI. At the bottom of each hot water tank will be situated a drain valve. This is an easy way to let water escape from the tank for maintenance, for example removing sediment from the water. The final important part of a hot water heater system is the anode rod, which is situated inside the tank and is designed to prevent it from corroding.

Replace Hot Water Heater – When Parts Fail

It can be seen then that a hot water heater system is not complicated, however there are several components which could malfunction. For that reason it is important to examine what can go wrong with hot water heaters. This will establish if there is a need to replace hot water heater parts.

People will generally notice there is a problem with their hot water heaters when they find that they have no hot water. The reasons for this failure will depend upon whether the heater in question is gas or electric. If it is a gas heater there may be a problem with the gas supply, and if it is electric it could be a blown fuse. It could also be the case that the elements have burned out and need to be replaced.

If there is some hot water, but not enough, then this is another sign that there may be a need to replace hot water parts. The pressure relief valve may be faulty, and will need to be replaced. An alternative reason for little hot water could be that the dip tube is damaged and is leaking cold water in to the top of the tank where the hot water is stored. This too will require a replacement part. A final explanation is that a build up of sediment is reducing the heater’s ability to heat the water.

If the water coming out of faucets is too hot it is most likely a problem with the thermostat or the pressure relief valve.

This could be a potentially very dangerous situation, and if any component is found to be faulty it should be replaced immediately.
A water heater which is noisy could be another sign of a build up of pressure, and once again the pressure valve should be checked. In electric hot water heaters it could also be a build up of sediment which has attached itself to the elements. If this is the case they will often need to be replaced. If there is a strange smell coming from water when it is run it is most likely the case that the anode rod is faulty. In these situations it needs to be replaced as quickly as possible.

One final common problem with hot water heaters is when they leak. This can be caused by one of many reasons. For example, there could be a leak in the pipes or joints going into, or coming from, the tank. An alternative fault could be with the drain valve, which may need to be replaced. The leak might be coming from the pressure relief valve. If this is the case it will need to be replaced. In gas hot water heaters there may be a fault with the vent becoming blocked, and in electric heaters the heating element gasket may need to be replaced.

Replace Hot Water Heater – How To Replace Hot Water Heater Parts

It should be clear from the above why it is important to replace hot water heater parts. Some of the problems listed are easily fixed, and can be carried out by anyone who is moderately competent at DIY. However, hot water heaters are expensive pieces of equipment, and can also be dangerous. It is always best to seek the advice of professional plumbers, who will be able to diagnose and fix problems quickly and safely. Magic Plumbing are the best in the business, with over thirty years of experience. They will be able to replace hot water heater parts with the minimum of fuss, and can also advise if the entire system needs to be replaced.

If you need a professional call the experts our technicians can repair water heaters and replace hot water heater parts or even the whole heater if necessary.

Recommended Reading

• Plumber San Francisco
• High Efficiency Low Flow Caroma Toilets