8 July 2024
 Categories: , Blog

Water heaters stand as vital appliances in your household, furnishing you with hot water for everyday essentials like showering, dishwashing, and laundry. But like any other appliance, they can experience issues and breakdowns over time. Instead of calling a professional immediately, there are some simple repairs you can do yourself. In this blog post, we will discuss more about water heater repair.

Check the Power Source

The first thing to check when your water heater is not working is the power source. Make sure that it is plugged in and receiving electricity. If it is an electric water heater, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to see if a switch has been tripped or a fuse has blown. For gas water heaters, make sure that the pilot light is lit. If the flame is extinguished, refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to relight it.

Inspect the Heating Elements

Insufficient hot water or a complete lack of it from your water heater could indicate a problem with the heating elements. These are located inside the tank and can become corroded or malfunction over time. To inspect them, turn off the power to the water heater and remove the access panel covering them. Use a multimeter to test if they have continuity (a continuous electrical path). If they don't, they will need to be replaced.

Drain and Flush Your Tank

Sediment buildup in your water tank can cause issues such as reduced efficiency and strange noises coming from your tank. To prevent this from happening or to fix an existing problem, you should drain and flush your tank regularly. Begin by deactivating the power supply and attaching a hose to the drain valve located at the base of the tank. Open the valve and let all of the water drain out. Then, close the valve and fill the tank back up with cold water. Repeat this process a few times until the water runs clear.

Check for Leaks

A leaking water heater is not only an inconvenience but can also cause damage to your home. If you notice any puddles or moisture around your tank, it's important to find the source of the leak and fix it as soon as possible. Check all connections and valves for any signs of leakage. If you find a leak, try tightening the connection or replacing the faulty part. If you are unsure how to fix it, it's best to call a professional.

Know When to Call a Professional

While some water heater issues can be easily fixed at home, there are certain problems that require the expertise of a professional plumber. These include major leaks, gas line issues, and serious malfunctions with electrical components. If you are unsure about how to handle a repair or feel uncomfortable doing it yourself, it's always best to call in a professional for safety reasons.