Being knowledgeable about water heater repairs can come in handy the next time you suddenly find that there’s no hot water or if the temperature is not at your desired range anymore. Having your water system professionally serviced is ideal, especially if you’re no handyman, but if time’s of the element, knowing the basic things about your water heater and how it runs may be of good use. The basic components of a water heater, apart from the thermostat, are the vent and pressure relief valve.
If you find water leaking but the temperature is fine then it’s the valve that may need replacement. Other possible causes of problems may include a rusty tank. In some instances like if there’s noise, the tank may simply have to be drained, flushed and refilled. A common unfavorable problem would be dirty hot water coming out of your heating device. Smelly hot water is another problem that can be traced to impurities like bacteria forming, in which case the heater may need to be flushed with chlorine water, or the aluminum anode rod may have to be replaced.
The first thing individuals would need to assess when faced with the possibility of a need for water heater repairs is to see if the device can be fixed, or if it must be replaced. Proper care and regular servicing is actually a must to prevent the heater from conking out or malfunctioning. Take note of what a plumber will normally do at least once in about three or six months – drain the tank of water to prevent sediment from building up underneath the tank. Before draining, though, don’t forget to turn off the heater and close the water intake.
Water heater repairs would also depend on the type of device you have. There’s the storage tank and there’s the tankless type. Problems with the tankless type may be a rare occurrence. Nonetheless, a periodic maintenance is advisable. It would also be helpful to read about troubleshooting tips. If you’re simply wary about replacing the heating element, much less siphoning the water out of the heater, then there’s really no option but to get professional help.
When dealing with the repairman, it’s still very important to be in the know. Find out how much it’ll actually cost to replace your water heater, and how long you’ll be able to use the device when fixed. Water heater repairs will also depend on the specific type and model and the overall quality and the installation of the device.
