It’s the last thing you want to think about on a cold winter night, but if your water heater isn’t working – you’re in trouble and you need to act. Water heaters are one of those appliances that we often take for granted until they stop working. And when they do stop working, it can be a major inconvenience (not to mention a waste of money) that needs to be addressed immediately. We will discuss some basics of understanding your water heater as well as common repairs you may even be able to perform yourself. It is important that you can troubleshoot problems that may arise and possibly fix them yourself, if not at least know what is within scope and out of scope for your abilities.
The first step in troubleshooting any problem with your water heater is to understand what type of water heater you have. There are different types: electric, gas, and with and without storage tanks. Once you know which type you have, you can begin troubleshooting the specific problems that may occur. Storage tank heaters are more common and may be either gas or electric depending on the building and the neighborhood grid.
If your water heater is making strange noises, it may be a sign that something is wrong. If it’s making a loud noise, it could mean that the water heater is trying to start up but can’t – which could be due to a number of reasons such as sediment build-up or a faulty thermostat. If you’re hearing a rattling noise, it could be caused by loose parts or a broken heating element.
If your water heater is leaking, it’s definitely time for repair, or more likely replacement, of at least some of its parts. A leak can be caused by a number of things such as a cracked tank, a corroded pipe, or a faulty valve. Look around the tank to see if you can identify the origin of the leak. If you can, you may be able to purchase a replacement part and switch that out to get some more life out of your appliance. If it is not apparent where the leak is coming from, turn off the water supply to the water heater and call a professional.
Water heaters are fairly simple appliances but they can be complex to troubleshoot. If you’re having problems with yours or the problem seems beyond your skill level – it’s always best to call a professional. Trying to fix a water heater yourself can be dangerous and may void your warranty.
When you are shopping around or replacing your appliance, you want to consider its size relative to the number of people in the household, the type of energy used, and how energy efficient and affordable it is. If you can find something that works in each of these ways for you, it is worth it to keep your water heater upgraded as the years pass.
So there you have the basics of troubleshooting water heater problems. If you’re having any issues with your water heater, hopefully, this post has helped you understand how to identify the issue, if not fix it. But if not, don’t hesitate to call a professional with the information you do have – with that, they can help get your water heater up and running again in no time. Stay warm!