Learn To Repair Water Heaters

Things To Do Before Repairing Water Heaters

When you need to repair water heaters (in case you have forgotten where you put your warranty or manual), it really helps to have some tips to guide you along the way since most of us doesn’t know a whole lot about water heaters or water heater repair. But it is something that every homeowner has to deal with at some point in time (it may be sooner or later) since no water heater lasts forever. Determining whether or not you should repair your water heater or buy a new one depends on what is wrong with it—whether if it’s badly damaged or not. Here is a list of the most common problems and the best solution for each.

· The water that is too hot – This is usually caused by a faulty temperature pressure relief valve which is supposed to shut off the water heater's heating element once the water reaches a certain pressure. If this valve is now working properly, using the heater can be dangerous because of the scolding hot water that the faulty unit could produce, plus the fact that the unit could blow up due to built-up pressure. If this happens, make sure to call a licensed repairman to inspect your unit.

· Leaks – Most of the time, leaks can be fixed very easily. Leaks will usually come from one of these three places—the drain valve, the pipes, or the tank. The drain valve is the easiest to fix and by simply tightening it, in most cases the leak will stop. Inspect the fittings and tighten each one if the leak is coming from the pipes. If the leak continues, it is most likely being caused by a hole or crack in one of the pipes due to corrosion. This is a relatively easy problem to fix and is worth it because of the relatively small cost. And lastly, if the leak is coming from the tank, replacement is most likely needed. But generally speaking, purchasing a new one is most likely the best solution here.

· Pilot light – If the pilot light keeps going out on your gas water heater, the problem is most likely with the orifice so you have to clear it from any dirt or debris. The problem could also be with the heater’s thermocouple. If this is the problem, replacing it will not cost too much and if you are some kind of a handyman, you could even do it yourself.

· Water is not hot enough – If the heated water being produced is not hot enough or not hot at all, the problem is most likely with the heater’s heating element. If this is the case, repair will be expensive so buying a new one is probably the best option.

If you want to repair water heaters but are still unsure of what to do, just call the respective manufacturer for instructions or your local repair guy.