Problems with water heaters are typically very straightforward to identify. You hop in the shower anticipating a wonderful, warm experience, but instead, you are blasted with icy cold water.
Other indications that there is a problem include water that is dripping, puddles of water, water that is discolored, and noises emanating from the water heater unit.
You may be able to diagnose and fix problems with your water heater on your own in certain instances. Because of the complexity and risk involved, the majority of water heater problems and repairs require the assistance of trained professionals like South Adelaide Plumbing and Gas.
Root Causes Water Heater Problems
Problems with the water heater, such as a lack of hot water, can sometimes be traced back to leaks as the root cause. Mineral deposits are another common source of trouble for water heaters.
The deposits have the potential to lower the efficiency of the water heater, which in turn will diminish the amount of hot water that is supplied throughout your home. In addition, sediment might be the source of weird noises coming from your water heater.
These sounds can be the result of the sediment heating up and exploding or the buildup of scale on the heating components. If you find water leakage issues, then you should check this guide on how to detect water leaks and repairing guide.
How to Fix Water Heater Issues Yourself
If the water heater is powered by gas, you should inspect the pilot light. If the pilot light is not lit, the appliance will not be able to generate hot water. Check the temperature’s setting to be sure it hasn’t been reduced without your knowledge.
Draining the water tank and flushing away the sediment will help if you suspect that mineral deposits are the cause of the problem.
If you notice water accumulating on the floor, you should contact a plumber as soon as possible because this indicates that the tank is leaking and may require replacement by a trained specialist.
Preemptive Measures to Avoid Water Heater Issues
Keeping up with your hot water heater’s maintenance will help it work more smoothly and keep problems at bay. Maintain a routine inspection of the pressure valve.
Remove the sediment from the tank on a regular basis by flushing it. Inspect the area around the tank on a regular basis to look for drips and leaks, which could be signs of a more serious issue.
When You Should Contact a Plumber
In the event that the problem can be solved with a straightforward method, such as reigniting the pilot light or altering the temperature setting on the thermostat of the heater, you should contact an experienced plumber.
Because water heaters are potentially hazardous and require considerable repairs, it is best to delegate the work to plumbing experts.
Precautions to Take
Take a few precautions right now to safeguard your safety in the event that the problems with the water heater cause water to pool on the floor. What you should do is as follows:
- Turn off the power to the water heater in your home. If you have an electric water heater, you need to make sure that you are not only fully dry but also wearing a pair of work gloves in order to turn off the water heater circuit breaker. Use the shut-off valve that is located at the connecting point of the unit while working with a gas water heater.
- Turn off the water to avoid any more damage from occurring. If the valves leading to the water heater are in good working order, you will be able to turn them off. If this is not the case, turn off the main water valve leading into your house until a plumber can come and assess the matter.
- Clear the area around the water heater of any clutter.
Check out these water heat tips to save energy and bills.
