Some household appliances sometimes experience damage that disrupts activities, for example, the water heater in your home. When you experience a problem, it may occur to you to fix it yourself. But, it takes into consideration what type of damage. You need to make sure you are safe for water heater repair. Some cases may be complex and require the involvement of trained professionals. The following is a list of possible types of damage and steps to repair them.
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Problems and How to Solve It
You might solve simple and common problems with your water heater yourself. However, sometimes the cases that occur are quite complicated to diagnose so, you shouldn’t fix them yourself. When you want to handle it yourself, you have to apply several things. You have to be careful when repairing the water heater.
Water heaters are equipment that can be very dangerous if you don’t treat them properly. There is a potential threat of explosion due to natural gas in the water heater. Water heaters are also devices with high voltage electricity so, they are very dangerous if you don’t handle them properly, so leave this job to professionals.
There are some cases that you might fix yourself, for example, inadequate hot water or a simple leak. Why can you fix it yourself? Because maybe this is related to settings and you just need to press the reset button. Before starting, you should check the warranty of the device which may contain the type of damage it covers. Here are more problems and how to deal with them.
Hot Water Does Not Flow
It may be a frequently occurring problem. Water that doesn’t flow could come from a cut in the electricity supply. A broken element can also cause the water heater to not be able to drain water. The way to fix this is by first checking the circuit breaker in the service panel. If it points to the OFF button, move it to the ON position. You can also reset the heater temperature when the circuit breaker has not tripped by turning off the power and then resetting it.
The Water Flow is Not Strong Enough
Do you feel like the water is flowing too little? Indeed, there may be one or more elements that are damaged and are producing less hot water than before. Consequently, you can contact experienced personnel to check and replace the elements so that they function again. Furthermore, it is not advisable for non-professionals to attempt these repairs. Additionally, check the circuit breaker in the service panel and switch it to ON if tripped. If the breaker has not tripped, turn off the power at the main switch before attempting any reset or repair on the heating element. Lastly, if you are unsure about any steps, consult a professional.
The Temperature is Too Hot
Hot water with the right temperature for your body will make you comfortable. But what if the temperature becomes too hot? It can happen if one or both water heater thermostats are set too high. The first step is to turn off the water heater power. On the access panel, check that the heat setting is appropriate (no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit).
Leaks
Leaking valves and pipe connections are the main causes of water leaks in water heaters. Water heater repair for leaks like this can be handled by checking for loose inlet or outlet pipes in the water heater. Tighten with appropriate tools. Always be careful when doing this work. For water heater valve issues or if the problem persists, seek professional help to avoid water damage or further complications.
Noisy Tank
If you hear a roaring, whining, or popping sound, it indicates that your water heater is not in good condition and needs repair. Accumulated sediment can be the cause of this problem. Water heater repair for noise in the tank, you can start by turning off the electricity and water flowing to the water heater. Clean and drain the water and sediment in the tank. After making sure it is clean, you can refill it and turn on the electric current.
There are many other problems and damage that may arise in your water heater. In crucial situations that require advanced knowledge and experience, you should not handle them yourself. You can ask for help from professionals. Mishandling will create a dangerous situation that risks the safety of you and all the residents of the house.
Maintain the Water Heater After Repair
Overcoming damage will be very good if afterward it is balanced with ways to care for it so that it does not experience frequent damage. These simple tips will have an impact on the lifespan of your water heater.
- Once a year, drain the water heater. It can remove deposits on the base or sides of the heater. Do it regularly so that product efficiency increases.
- Maintain the temperature of the water heater. Some sources say to set the water heater thermostat at 120F°, but no higher than 140F°.
- Check the anode rod every three to five years and replace it if corroded. This task can be complex, so professional assistance is recommended.
- Clean the air seal under the water heater. You can re-read the available product manual.
The cost of water heater repair using professional personnel may vary depending on location, spare parts, and other related factors. Likewise, when trying to DIY damage to your water heater; owners need various tools. You can prevent damage to your water heater by maintaining it regularly. It is certainly more cost-effective.