When it comes to keeping your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter, nothing comes close to a quality water heater (also called a tank or an appliance). After all, you need hot water not just for bathing and cooking but also for cleaning and laundry. However, it is not uncommon for even the best appliances to break on occasion. If your water heater is having any issues, it can lead to a variety of problems for you and your household, such as interrupted hot water, scalding water, or even no hot water. Thankfully, water heater issues are generally fairly simple to resolve thanks to their straightforward design. Here is what you should know about troubleshooting water heater problems so that you can get your hot water working again as quickly and easily as possible.
The first thing to check when troubleshooting a water heater problem is to make sure the pilot light is burning. If it isn’t, the main burner won’t be able to come on unless it is manually triggered. Make sure to check the pilot light on and off throughout the day, and also before and after every use to be sure it is always burning. You can usually see the pilot light glowing orange or red, so keep your eyes peeled for it if you want to make sure it is always burning. If the pilot light is out, it will be necessary to replace the burner as well.
A common problem with water heaters is that they develop leaks. Fortunately, this is a fairly easy problem to resolve, but it is something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The best way to check for leaks is to look for condensation on the outside of the tank. If you can see water droplets on the outside of the tank, it could mean that there is a leak somewhere in the system. A leaking water heater can be a serious problem, so it is important to address this issue as soon as possible. Once you have identified the source of the leak, you will need to get it fixed. Many water heater problems are as simple as a loose connection or a faulty component.
Another common problem with water heaters is that they overheat. This can be caused by a variety of issues, but the best way to fix it is to check the pressure relief valve. This valve allows excess pressure to escape before it becomes unsafe for the tank to contain. If the pressure relief valve is faulty, it can cause the water inside the tank to become superheated, which can lead to a host of problems. It will be necessary to replace the pressure relief valve in order to fix the problem and prevent further damage.
Another way that a water heater can overheat is if the thermostat isn’t keeping the water at the correct temperature. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as clogged pipes, a faulty component, or even a broken thermostat. The best way to check for a faulty thermostat is to use a multimeter. This device will allow you to test the water flow through the system as well as the voltage of the system. If the voltage doesn’t correspond to the flow rate, the thermostat is likely not functioning properly. If this is the case, you will need to replace the thermostat to fix the issue.
Another issue that can occur with water heaters is scalding water. This can be caused by a faulty component or an issue with the pressure relief valve, but the best way to fix it is to turn off the water supply. Once you have done this, you can inspect the system and make adjustments as needed. If the pressure relief valve is the source of the issue, you will need to replace it.
If you want to be absolutely certain that you get rid of any contaminants in the water, you can use a bleach solution to flush the system. While this approach isn’t necessary, it can be helpful if your water tastes or smells funny. It will be necessary to change the filter after you have run a bleach solution through the system to remove any chemicals that have made their way into the water. Once you have changed the filter, you can turn the system back on and let it run for a few hours to get the water back to its normal temperature.
A water heater is an essential part of any home, but it can break down at any time. Thankfully, many of these problems are easily resolved, so you never have to go without hot water. If your water heater is broken, you will need to repair it as soon as possible in order to avoid any further complications. Fortunately, with the tips outlined above, you will be able to fix most problems with a water heater quickly and easily.