When you need to repair your water heater and you have forgotten where you put your warranty or manual, it helps to have some tips to guide you along the way. This guide assumes that the hot water heaters were properly installed and were operating correctly before any problems developed. It will be applicable to most brands of water heater troubleshooting like Takagi, Rudd, Bosch, RV, Rinnai or GE water heaters. Katy Plumber
Common electric hot waters heater problems and repairs
Warning: Your electric water heater is a 240 volt appliance. The shock it can produce can be fatal. Turn off the power at the service panel before beginning work. Be sure to label the service panel with tape that will alert family members you are working on the electricity.
Problem: Not enough hot water
Thermostat may be set too low, increase temperature. Or there is sediment in the tank, try draining it. The thermostat or heating element may have failed and requires replacement or the dip tube may be damaged.
Problem: No hot water
Check the circuit breaker or fuse box. High temperature limit switch (ECO – Energy Cut Off) may have tripped. Determine if a problem exists and reset the switch. Upper thermostat may have failed and requires replacement or heating element may have failed and requires replacement.
Problem: Tank is leaking
Determine if the leak is from pipes or relief valves. Many water heaters use a low quality valve which can be difficult to close tightly. Use slip joint pliers to turn the valve all the way closed. Caution: Too much force may snap the valve off. If the valve has failed, replacement is required.
Problem: Hot Water Heater is noisy
Scale can build up on the heating elements causing all sorts of noises to occur while heating. Try removing the heating elements and either clean or replace them. Low water pressure can also results in spot boiling or voltage exceeds heating element’s rating.
Problem: Dirty water
Drain and flush the tank. Doing this regularly will extend the life of your electric water heater. If the drain valve leaks, tighten or replace. Houston Water Heater Repair
Common gas hot water heaters problems and repairs:
Warning: If you smell a gas odour, close the gas-shutoff value that supplies water to the heater. Open your door or windows to ventilate the room and call the gas company immediately.
Problem: Not enough hot water
Thermostat may be set too low, increase temperature. Or if there is sediment in the tank, try draining it. Water heater is too small, and needed to be replaced with larger capacity model. Or it could be due to low gas pressure, so check with utility company.
Problem: Water leaks
Operate the pressure relief value. Many water heaters use a low quality valve which can be difficult to close tightly. Use slip joint pliers to turn the valve all the way closed. Caution: Too much force may snap the valve off. If leak continues and the temperature is okay, replace the value.
Problem: Pilot light will not stay lit
Check that the thermocouple is securely screwed into the thermostat assembly. The thermocouple may have failed and requires replacement. There may be air or dirt in the gas line or pilot line or clean the orifice which may be clogged. Inadequate combustion air may cause a water heater to shut down for safety reasons.
Problem: Water is too hot
Check and reset temperature control. If too high, have the thermostat professionally serviced.
Problem: Condensation on tank
Cold water entering the tank can result in external condensation. Ventilation may be inadequate. Replacement with a larger tank may help.
Trained & Certified Water Heater Specialist
Mammoth Plumbing has 25 years of experience repair every kind of water heater problem on all types of water heaters. For the leading Houston water heater repair professional, check Mammoth Plumbing.
via Plumbing Houston.