Water Heater Problems
Water heater problems can be very annoying, especially if they occur at a moment you need hot water the most, like when taking a hot shower after a long and tiring day. Although it is true that the exact cause and symptoms of a water heater problem will depend on the type and model of the water heater you are using like an electric water heater or a gas water heater (or a tankless water heater vs. a tank-type heater), most of the time these problems have more or less common causes and can be fixed by taking some simple steps. However, you should make sure that you take the necessary precautions not to injure yourself or damage the water heater, and should definitely seek help from a professional service provider if the problem is beyond the basic stuff we will mention here.
Water Heater Problems: Electric Water Heaters
There are some simple problems with electric heaters that could be solved with a few simple steps. But before you attempt to solve the problem, it is crucial to make sure you shut off the main switch of the heater since the electrical current running inside the heater is deadly. If you are a do it yourself kind of person and like to solve such problems yourself, you can attempt to rectify the hot water problem yourself (but only after taking the necessary safety precautions); otherwise contact an authorized service and let them handle the problem.
The most common problems with electric water heaters that may require water heater repair are:
The build-up of sediments inside the water tank which are caused by the contaminating substances found in hard water. You can counter this problem with two steps; you can try and soften the water to decrease the amount of such substances inside the tank and you can try and lower the water temperature. While lowering the water temperature can be easier, it may not always be possible to soften the water by yourself, and you may need the help of a plumber or an authorized service.
Not enough water (or hot water) coming from the taps or the water coming from the faucets is extremely hot. Both these problems may indicate a problem with the thermostat. You can try and reset the heater by pushing the reset button and adjust the thermostat settings to reach the desired amount or temperature. Unluckily, most of the time there can be a serious problem with the thermostat and it may need to be replaced with a new one. Although you may attempt to do it yourself, it would be a better idea to call the service for this since modifying the heater yourself may render the warranty void.
Water heater leaking; a leaking heater is definitely a symptom of a problem with the pressure relief valve. You can try simple steps like tightening the bolts or replacing the gasket of the valve to solve this problem, but do not be surprised if you have to replace the valve. Once again, replacing the pressure relief valve yourself may be compromising the warranty.
Water Heater Problems: Gas Water Heaters
Problems with gas water heaters are somewhat similar to electric water heaters; the water may be too cold or too hot due to a problem with the thermostat, the heater may be leaking because of a problem with the relief valve, etc. One difference can be that the tank is not big enough to support the whole family; as opposed to tankless water heaters, a tank-type gas heater will have to fill in its’ tank first and then heat and supply the water to the taps. The general rule of thumb is 15 gallons per person minimum. Anything lower than this may not allow your family members to use hot water at the same time.
As is the case with electric water heaters, gas water heaters are very delicate and potentially very dangerous devices that require utmost care during both water heater installation and repair. If you really don’t know what you’re doing, it’s best to let professionals handle any water heater problems you encounter. Just as in water heater installation, solving a serious problem with your water heater should be handled by professionals who are trained for the job.