How to detect and fix Hot Water Heater Problems

Most hot water heater problems are usually self evident. Whether you own a home or business premise, a hot water unit is a crucial part of your daily life and is essential for your comfort and needs. This is why you need to figure out how to fix your hot water unit, should it develop problems.

A hot water system is a very simple unit. Most often, if your unit fails to function properly, it could be due to three basic areas: the water supply to the heating unit, the thermostat that controls the unit or the heaters water storage tank.

As a result of fault in these three areas, the unit can fail to deliver hot water sufficiently, fail to deliver enough hot water or fail to do both. Most hot water heater problems are easy to diagnose and fix if you understand how the system works.1. When the unit does not heat water

The most common problem with water heaters is when they fail to do the basic job of heating your water. Since gas water heaters function differently from electric water heaters, most repairs on a malfunctioning unit depends on whether your unit is gas or electric powered. If your water heater fails to work properly, be sure to contact the repair companies for a specific advice.

When the heater fails to produce enough water

If your unit begins to produce less hot water, and you have confirmed that the tank is not leaking, then you need to flash the units tank to ensure that mineral deposits are not hindering your systems efficiency. In order to do this, you need to perform the following:Turn off the units gas valve or electrical power in order to let the water cool

Turn off the water inlet valve and drain the water from the tank into an empty bucket

Turn on the drain valve at the tanks base and open the hot water faucet to allow air circulation. When all the water has drained from the reactor, turn the cold water valve on and off until the water coming out of the drain is clear.

Close the units drain valve and turn the water on to fill the tank. In addition, turn the gas or electricity on as well.

This is also a good time to find out if the units temperature-pressure valve is working.

If these measures fail to do give the desired result, then it could be the dip tube that supplies cold water to the tank that is faulty. This plastic tube should direct cold water to the bottom of the tank. However, if this tube is broken, then cold water will come in at the top of the tank to mix with hot water that is coming out of the water pipes. When this happens, either replace the deep tube, or, if your units warranty period is over, and it is showing signs of wear and tear, consider replacing the entire unit altogether.

Hot Water Heater Problems - When the water coming out of your unit is too hot

If your units faucets are producing steam or very hot water, or if you hear boiling sounds coming from the heaters tank, this could be a sign that your system is not switching off at the set temperature. The function of the heaters temperature-pressure (TP) relief valve is to release excess pressure from steam build up. However, this valve may also be faulty or inappropriately installed. Either way, this can be a very dangerous condition as the hot water can scald you or burst the heaters tank and pipes. When this happens, turn down your units temperature, let the water cool and replace the units pressure relief valve.

Hot Water Heater Problems - When your water heater is producing strange noises

Water originating from your unit can produce strange noises as a result of expansion or contraction of the metallic parts, drips, or minerals and hard water scales that accumulate inside the tank or the heating elements. Due to heating, the minerals in hard water crystallize forming scales that cake on the interior surfaces of the unit. This reduces the efficiency of the unit making it prone to failure.

To reduce the effect of corrosion through ionization, hot water heaters come with a aluminum or magnesium anode rod that is fitted through the top of the tank. To avoid scale accumulation, ensure that you open the drain valve at the bottom of the tank for cleaning after every few months.

Hot Water Heater Problems - When your heater is producing discolored or smelling water

If the water coming out of your unit has a strange odor, then you need to start by determining whether the odor is originating from the water source or the heating unit. If you notice the smell of gas near your unit, you need to switch off the pilot light, close the gas switch-off valve and call your utility company for appropriate repairs.

If the odor is originating from a reaction between the heating units anode and water with high sulfate concentrations, consider replacing the anode rod. However, if it is the cold water producing the odor, it is likely that the odor is coming from the water source.

Discoloration of water can be a result of reactions with iron, copper or other minerals present in the water. Consider installing a new water filter and/or water softener if the discoloration is caused from both the hot and cold water.

Hot water heater repair is crucial to maintaining the functioning and condition of your unit. While it is always necessary to call a professional to help you out, there are some simple maintenance procedures that you can undertake to save time and money. With foresight and dedication, you can solve most hot water heater problems that may pop up when you least expect them.

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