Did you know that a water heater replacement costs between $810 to $1,656? Of course, recognizing water heater issues early can greatly extend a heater’s life.
Do you suspect that you need water heater repairs but aren’t sure what to look for? There’s nothing cool about hot water issues and it’s important to address them quickly.
The following guide will cover 5 common water heater problems you shouldn’t ignore. Read on to learn what leaks, sounds, and other signs you should look for to avoid buying a replacement heater. If you find any of these issues, don’t worry finding a repairman is easy. Just head to Google and search “water heater repair in St. Martinsville, IN” or whichever area you live in. Now check some reviews and find a company that works for you.
1. Finding Leaks
If your water heater is leaking, you might be able to make simple repairs on your own. For example, replacing the pressure relief valve or tightening the ball valve might stop the leaking.
Also, check for a loose connection or stripped threads if leaking occurs at the top of your water heater. You might need a replacement water heater if the leaking comes from the bottom of the heater.
Ensure that the drain valve is closed correctly and replace it if needed. If that doesn’t help, replace the valve. Consider lowering the thermostat if you notice excessive condensation.
2. Water Temperature Issues
If your water heater isn’t producing enough or any hot water, check for a tripped circuit breaker first. If that doesn’t work, try resetting the temperature cutoff on your heater.
You can also try replacing the dip tube and adjusting the thermostat. If your heater uses gas, check that the pilot light is lit and try cleaning the thermocouple.
3. Strange Odor and Dirty Water
You might need to change the heater’s anode rod if you’ve noticed strange odors or dirty, rusty-looking water. Make sure to flush the heater’s tank after replacing the rod.
4. Slow Heating
Use a testing probe on the heating elements if your water takes too long to heat. You can also check the thermostat with a multimeter to find a solution to this problem.
Make sure that you set the right pressure for gas heaters if they’re not working quickly enough. You can also try cleaning the heater’s burner orifices if the problem persists.
5. Strange Noises
If your water heater is noisy it doesn’t always mean you need a replacement. Sometimes all you have to do is fix leaks and check the pressure valve for issues.
Thoroughly clean your water heater if it continues to make noise after checking for leaks and pressure issues. If the noises don’t stop after the cleaning, you might need to consider professional repairs or buying a new heater.
Identifying Water Heater Issues
Now you know what common water heater issues to look for and how to fix them. Follow this guide and make repairs as soon as possible to prevent damage to your home and wallet.
Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you’re not comfortable making the repairs yourself. You’ll still save money in the long run by maintaining your heater even if you have to pay for help.
Check out our household category for more amazing tips and tricks to protect your home.