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When your hot water system is malfunctioning, never attempt to repair it yourself. Reach out to a qualified plumber for the repairs as these systems can be either powered by gas or electricity and store boiling hot water. Reference the unit’s manual for maintenance instructions and troubleshooting tips. Unqualified attempts of repairs may result in electric shock or tank leaking, both of which may cause major damage to the hot water system and possibly your property.
There can be many reasons why your faucet is dripping. It’s best to call a repairman if you come across this issue. Some of the most frequent causes for a dripping tap or faucet are:
Leaks or Dripping Faucets
If you notice water gathering around the tank or the pipes going to the tank, there is obviously a problem that has to be addressed right away. Leaks usually do not stop on their own. They can also cause considerable property damage if ignored. Not only will you have to deal with damp furniture, rugs, walls, and other items, but you may also have to deal with invasive mold.
Lack of Hot Water or Low Water Pressure
If your water isn’t at a warm enough temperature or there’s no hot water, it could be an indication that something is wrong with your water heater. It could be time to replace an old model as its ability to transfer heat into the water may have deteriorated over time, or if it’s relatively new, it might due to poor installation or other plumbing-related problems. Since there are a great many contributing factors that affect your water heater’s efficiency, the safest option is to contact us and have them diagnose the issue.
Water is Too Hot or Not Hot Enough
Strange Noises
If you notice strange or loud noises from your hot water tank, this may be a sign of a problem that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. It could be caused by sediment buildup in the unit due to frequently using hot water, or hard water running through the system. This buildup can make it more difficult for the machine to heat the water, and strain it from having to work harder than necessary. Over time that can lead to corrosion and cause leaks.
Rust or Rust-Covered Water
If you find rust near the water entrance on the exterior of your unit, it’s likely there’s rust inside as well. Unfortunately, rust doesn’t have a long-term solution so you’ll probably need to replace the unit soon before it can cause water damage due to a major leak.
Sediment Build-Up in the Tank
Over time, sediment will build-up in your tank. It is recommended to flush the tank at least once per year to prevent this issue from further damaging your tank.
Many people are unaware that their water heaters are already failing until it is too late and cold water begins to flow from faucets. Typically, homeowners choose to try to repair their hot water heaters before completely replacing them. A new hot water heater, including installation, might cost several thousand dollars. As a result, it is often preferable to try to repair rather than replace. Sadly, this may not always be possible, depending on the problem.
The Age of the Unit
Deciding whether to repair or replace your hot water heater depends largely on its age. If the unit is near the end of the regular 10-12 year lifespan, it may not be worth repairing and faults are likely to persist. On the other hand, if it is younger than 5 years old, a repair could be cheaper and still covered by warranty. To extend its life further, proper maintenance should also be done regularly.
Depends on Type of Issue
Not all hot water heater problems break the bank, some can be rather cheap to address. Broken heating elements, pressure relief valves, thermostats, and other small pieces, for example, are easily changed and are not worth throwing out the entire tank. If there is corrosion, fractures, or leaks, your unit will most likely need to be replaced. If you are still unclear about how to treat the problem, a professional should be able to offer you a price on the projected cost of repair versus replacement.
Is the hot water thermostat set to the right temperature? This is the most common troubleshooting tip that can fix many issues. If it is set incorrectly, then set it to between 60-65°C.
If your water heater is gas-powered, then the pilot light may have gone out. If it has gone out, try turning the system off and on. If the light remains off, contact us.
If the water isn’t hot, the hot water system heating element may need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace the heating element once every 10 years.
Not all water tanks have an anode rod. The ones that do usually have the rod running down the middle of the tank, and it helps protect the tank from corrosion. These should be replaced every 3-5 years.
Go to your hot water unit and look around the area for signs of leakage. If it’s leaking then it needs to be repaired.
If you haven’t been flushing your tank once per year then it’s possible too much sediment has built-up. Look inside the tank (if possible) and see if you notice any sediment.
If the venting system is blocked or not functioning properly, it can cause serious problems with the hot water system. These vents push harmful combustion gas out of your home.
Sometimes a hot water issue isn’t that it needs to be replaced, but it can simply be too small. If you have a lot of people in your household then you just may simply be using too much hot water too quickly. A 50-60 gallon storage tank is normally enough for 1-2 people. An 80-gallon tank is a better choice for families of 3-4 people.
Not all tanks have an anode rod. The ones that do usually have the rod running down the middle of the tank, and it helps protect the tank from corrosion. These should be replaced every 3-5 years.
If the hot water system is more than 10-15 years old, then it needs to be replaced.
Tankless water heaters do not have a storage tank. They are able to heat water on demand. Usually, these repairs involve the (1) heating element, (2) thermostat or (3) venting system.
Gas water heaters usually require repairs to (1) pilot light, (2) heating element, or (3) thermostat.
Electric water heaters usually require repairs to the heating element, thermostat, or electrical connections.
Solar water heaters usually require repairs to the solar collectors, storage tank, or pump.
Heat pump water heaters usually require repairs to the pump, heat exchanger, or electrical connections.
Wear protective gear: Wear appropriate protective clothing such as gloves, safety glasses and long pants and sleeves when fixing your hot water heater to prevent burns or other injuries.
Turn off the power and gas supply: Disconnect the electrical power and shut off the gas (if applicable) for the hot water heater before attempting repairs.MORE
Drain the system: To gain access to certain parts, draining the hot water heater is necessary. Strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s safety instructions during this process.
Soldering caution: If you’re trying to solder pipes or fittings, make sure to take extreme caution and follow safety protocols to avoid injuries.
Disconnect electrical connections: Completely turn off the power supply to the unit.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions: If you can’t find the manual, search online for advice on how to safely repair your hot water heater. Find the section of the manual that addresses your problem and follow the steps given. As always, you can call us for more details.
Hire a professional for major repairs: It may be tempting to try to save a few dollars by taking care of any serious plumbing issue yourself, but if you mess up the job it will likely end up costing you more money in the end. Professional help is your best bet for avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring that your water heater is safely repaired.
Step 1: Identify the problem: Troubleshoot, inspect and run diagnostics to service hot water systems.
Step 2: Gather the necessary tools and materials: Gather the necessary tools, like wrenches, pliers and pipe fittings. It’s also a good idea to keep replacement parts on hand in case of any repairs needed.
Step 3: Turn off the power and water supply: It is extremely important to turn off the power and water supply prior to beginning any hot water unit repairs. Doing this will help protect from any potential damage or accidents.
Step 4: Drain the system: In some cases, emptying the entire hot water tank is necessary, particularly to access difficult-to-reach parts.
Step 5: Remove and replace faulty components: Disassembly may be necessary to replace the faulty part.
Step 6: Test the system: After repairing the unit, run a system check by turning your power and water supply back on. A professional plumber will have a multi-point checklist to guarantee proper functioning and longevity of the system.
The Law: In some rare cases and areas, attempting repairs may be against local building codes or regulations.
The Law: In some rare cases and areas, attempting repairs may be against local building codes or regulations.
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