If you are experiencing problems with your water heater, a plumber can easily diagnose and fix the problem. You may also be able to solve your water heater repair problems on your own with simple troubleshooting steps.
Make sure that your circuit breaker for the water heater is in the On position and not tripped. Turn off the power to the water heater by turning off the breaker. Remove the access panel, insulation, and plastic safety guard, being careful not to touch any wires or electrical terminals. Click Here for more information.
If you notice water leaking from the top of your water heater, it’s time to call a plumber. This type of leak usually results from rust and internal tank corrosion, which will eventually cause the steel tank to crack or rupture. Generally, a leaking tank means the unit will need to be replaced and can only be patched in some cases.
The location of the leak tells the plumber a lot about the problem and can help them rule out some problems that don’t make sense in terms of where the water is coming from. This helps to speed up the repair process and keeps homeowners from having to spend more money than they need to on a plumber’s services.
If a leak is found near the temperature and pressure relief valve, this can be caused by the T&P valve itself or the pipe that connects it to the water heater. Typically, you can tell if the T&P valve itself is to blame by looking at it and determining if it is rusted or damaged.
Homeowners can often fix these issues by tightening the connectors around the T&P valve or replacing the flex tubes that run from the T&P valve to the water supply inlet. Depending on your comfort level and the complexity of the repairs, you can decide whether to do it yourself or call a plumber.
Another common cause of a leak is the water heater’s drain valve. Check to see if it is leaking by removing any insulation from the valve and visual inspecting it for signs of water. A leak here may indicate the drain valve is faulty and needs to be replaced or it is clogged with sediment.
If a leak is found near the bottom of the water heater, this can be caused by either the pressure relief valve or the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve). If it’s the T&P valve, you may be able to replace its washer, or you may need to have it replaced completely. If it’s the pressure relief valve, you may be able to fix it by opening the lever or dial on the T&P valve and decreasing the water pressure in the tank until it is no longer leaking.
Rust
The chemical compound known as rust is a natural reaction that occurs when iron combines with oxygen. It’s a very common reaction, and it creates a reddish-brown substance called iron oxide, which is referred to simply as rust. Iron and other metals are important building materials, but they can become dangerous if allowed to rust for too long. For this reason, it’s important to protect metal surfaces from rust as much as possible.
The most common way to prevent rust is to coat the metal with a protective substance. This is why steel structures are often galvanized, which involves adding a layer of zinc to the surface. Other coatings, such as paint and plastic, can also help to keep iron from corroding. Another option is to use cathodic protection, which involves using an electrical charge to suppress or prevent the chemical reaction that creates rust.
A water heater’s rusting is usually the result of corrosion on its interior, but it can also occur on the exterior or on its plumbing connections. Corrosion can lead to leaks and water damage, and it’s important to fix a leaking tank as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
If you notice a rotten egg smell coming from your water heater, it may indicate that sulfate bacteria are building up inside the tank. This is often caused by warm tank water sitting stagnant for too long or by sulfate-rich well water. Sulfate bacteria are difficult to get rid of on your own, so it’s best to call in a plumber for professional assistance.
Leaks on the outside of a water heater can cause serious water damage, and they are usually caused by broken or faulty parts or by tank corrosion. If you suspect that your water heater is leaking, shut off the power and water supply and drain the tank before attempting any repairs.
If your water heater is leaking, not producing hot water, or making strange noises, contact us for fast and reliable repair services. Our technicians are experienced in the full range of water heater repairs, and we use OEM parts to ensure your repaired unit will last as long as possible.
Noisy Heater
The rumbling sounds that can be heard from a water heater are usually a sign that there is sediment buildup near the bottom of the tank. If left unchecked, this sediment can trap water near the base of the tank and overheat it. This can cause rusting and a leaking water heater tank. If the sediment level is reaching critical mass, a professional will need to flush and drain the water heater.
If you hear a tapping or ticking sound, this is most likely a sign that your water heater has heat traps or check valves installed. These are designed to encourage water flow in the proper direction. However, sometimes these can become loose and may create a tapping noise. This is usually a minor issue that you can fix on your own with a little bit of DIY knowledge.
Hissing and whistling sounds can be a sign of the pressure relief valve being faulty. This valve is designed to release excess pressure in the event of a tank leak or overheating. However, if the valve becomes stuck open, it can create a constant hissing or whistling sound. It is important to check and maintain the pressure relief valve in order to avoid these issues.
Screeching sounds can be caused by a restriction in the water flow with the inlet control valve. The best way to solve this is by ensuring that the valve is fully opened and calling in a professional if needed.
Banging sounds can be caused by the sudden forceful impact of water slamming into shutoff valves or pipes. This is referred to as water hammer and can be quite loud, but it isn’t necessarily an emergency issue. If this is a problem in your home, you can purchase a water hammer arrestor at the hardware store to help resolve the issue.
Humming sounds can also indicate a loose element in your water heater. This isn’t a major concern, but you should have a professional take a look and tighten the element to avoid any further damage. It is always recommended to use extreme caution when working on your water heater, as it will be hot and could cause injury if not properly handled.
Age
Most people aren’t record keepers, and most homeowners don’t know when their water heater was installed. This can be a problem when it comes time for replacement, as you need to know how old the unit is in order to select a new one. Luckily, most water heaters have the model and serial number printed on the side, so it’s easy to find out how old your heater is.
One of the first signs that your water heater is getting older is a drop in hot water temperature. Often, this is caused by sediment building up in the tank, but it can also mean that your heater is nearing the end of its lifespan and will need to be replaced.
Another sign that your water heater is getting older is rust in the water. Whether this is on the outside of the tank, or on the pipes that lead to your faucets, rust is a sign of corrosion and can be very dangerous for you and your family. If you notice rust in your water, contact your local plumber right away to prevent it from spreading and damaging your home.
