Common Water Heater Problems
It never fails, during your morning shower will be the time you find out that you have water heater problems. It’s a good thing that most water heater problems are not as difficult to fix as you may think. Whether your water heater is gas or electric, there are many common problems that the average homeowner can repair themselves.
ELECTRIC HOT WATER HEATERS: Electric hot water heaters use 240 watts of electrical power. A shock from this can be fatal, so be sure to turn off the electrical power to the unit before you proceed with any repairs.
One of the most common problems with an electric hot water heater is that hard water contains contaminants that can build up over time. This sediment settles in the bottom of the water tank and can hinder the water heater’s performance and shorten its lifespan. You can slow down this process by simply lowering the temperature of your heater to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and adding a water softener.
Another common problem is that there is not enough hot water or the water is too hot. This can easily be solved by adjusting the thermostat or heating element of the water heater.
If your water heater is leaking around the valve, you may need to tighten the valve up. If there is still a leak, replace the valve completely.
Checking your water heater for any signs of rust or corrosion is also important. If your water heater is becoming rusty you will need to replace the whole water heater unit.
You will also need to drain and flush the water heater if your water appears dirty or the heater runs noisily. All of these problems can easily be fixed yourself with a bit of care and knowledge.
GAS HOT WATER HEATER PROBLEMS: If you smell a gas odor for a few minutes coming from your gas water heater, you will need to turn off the gas valve that supplies the water to the heater and call your gas company immediately. If this is not one of your problems, you may be able to fix your gas water heater yourself.
Most gas water heaters are small, however if you have a larger family, you may wish to purchase a bigger gas water heater. The appropriate size should hold 15 gallons of hot water per member of the household.
One of the most common problems of a gas hot water heater is that there is no hot water. If this is the case, check the pilot light. Chances are it just needs to be relit. If the pilot light does not seem to want to stay lit, you will need to clean the pilot orifice, tighten the thermocouple connections or replace the thermocouple. This usually takes care of the problem.
If the water is too hot, or there is not enough hot water, you will probably need to check the thermostat and reset it to a more comfortable level.
Other problems can be fixed by flushing and cleaning the water heater out.
Water heater problems are no problem for our Magic plumbers. Call and schedule plumbing service for any day of the week for a free estimate.
