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Written by Jake
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Hot water heater problems seem to come at the most inopportune times, such as during a shower! Hot water heater problems are not as difficult to handle as you might think. See also hot water heater efficiency tips to save you money.
Common electric hot water heater problems and repairs
Warning: Your electric water heater is a 240 volt appliance. The shock it can produce can be fatal. Turn off the power at the service panel before beginning work. Be sure to label the service panel with tape that will alert family members you are working on the electricity.
- Hard water contaminants can build up over time: This can create a layer of sediment on the bottom of the water tank. This hinders the heater’s performance and shortens its life. Slow down this process by softening the hard water and lowering the temperature to 130 degrees.
- Not enough water: Push the reset button on the high-temperature cutoff. Test the thermostats and replace them, if they are not working. Test the heating element. Replace it if it is faulty.
- Not enough hot water: Adjust the thermostat settings. Reset and then test the replaced thermostats or heating elements.
- Water is too hot: Adjust the thermostat settings and reset. Test and replace the thermostat or high-limit cutoff.
- Leaky heater: Check the pressure relief valve. If leak continues, replace the valve. Tighten the mounting bolts on the heating element gasket. Replace gasket, if needed.
- Rusty tank: Replace the water heater.
- Noisy heater: Drain and flush the tank. Replace damaged or scale-encrusted elements.
- Dirty water: Drain and flush the tank. Do this on a regular basis to extend the life of your electric water heater. If drain valve leaks, tighten or replace.
Common gas hot water heater problems and repairs:
Warning: If you smell a gas odor for more than a couple of minutes, close the gas-shutoff valve that supplies water to the heater. Open a door or window to ventilate the room. Call the gas company immediately.
- Not large enough: If your water heater holds less than 15 gallons of water per family member, you should consider purchasing a larger unit or staggering the use of the hot water within the family.
- No hot water: Check to see if pilot light is out. Relight it if it is.
- Pilot light won’t stay lit: Clean the pilot orifice, tighten the thermocouple connections and/or replace a faulty thermocouple.
- Not enough hot water: Check and reset the temperature controls.
- Water is too hot: Check and reset temperature control. If too high, have the thermostat professionally serviced.
- Water leaks: Operate the pressure relief valve. If leak continues and the temperature is okay, replace the valve.
- Rusty tank: Replace the water heater.
- Noisy heater: Drain and flush the tank and refill.
- Dirty hot water: Drain and flush the tank and refill.
- Relief valve or drain valve leaks: Replace if needed.
You do not have to run out and purchase a new hot water heater for hot water heater problems. Consider these simple hot water heater problems and repairs before venturing out to purchase a new one.
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