A water heater typically uses electricity, gas, or oil to keep hot water flowing throughout a home. When the unit stops working, it is often a sign of an appliance problem that requires professional appliance repair service. For professional assistance, contact Water Heater Repair Denver now!
Start by resetting tripped breakers and replacing blown fuses. You can also try relighting the pilot light by holding down the ignitor button and clicking it repeatedly until it ignites.
Regardless of whether your water heater is electric or gas, there are several signs that you may need to call for service. These include:
A tripped circuit breaker. This shuts off the water heater because it detects a problem that could be dangerous, like overheating. It can be easily reset, but if multiple appliances in the house aren’t working, it may be time to have a plumber check your water heater.
The pilot light isn’t lighting. This is a common problem, especially for older units. If you’re comfortable trying to relight it yourself, this might be an easy DIY project, but it is also possible to hire a professional plumber for around $100 or less.
An anode rod needs replacing. This is an inexpensive part that prevents corrosion in your tank. However, if it’s been years since you last replaced it, it might need to be professionally installed by a plumbing company.
If your hot water isn’t hot enough, a professional plumber can test your unit’s thermostat and heating element to find the cause of the problem. You may also need a new thermocouple or gas valve.
A leaky water heater can lead to expensive repair bills or water damage in the home, so it’s important to call a professional right away. A tune-up includes a professional checking for problems with the anode rod, temperature pressure relief valve and gas control valve; draining and flushing the tank; cleaning the burner assembly and intake filters; testing the water temperatures, pressure and flow; and more. You can also take steps to help extend the life of your water heater, including wrapping it in an insulating blanket and installing low-flow fixtures throughout the home. It’s also worth considering a replacement over repair, especially for old models that are nearing the end of their useful life. Newer units help reduce energy costs, so the upfront cost might quickly be offset by reduced utility bills.
Thermostat Repair
When a water heater is not producing hot water, it may be time to replace the thermostat. The thermostat regulates the temperature of the water to ensure that it is heated to the correct level prior to distributing it throughout the home. When a thermostat fails, it can cause the water to cool too quickly, or produce scalding water when it is turned on.
If your water heater has a gas leak, it’s likely due to a broken thermocouple. It is possible to repair or replace a thermocouple yourself, but you’ll need to turn off the power and gas supply to the tank before working on it.
Thermostat problems can also be caused by a faulty heating element. Mineral deposits in the water can hasten an element’s demise, causing it to overheat and burn out. Over time, these minerals can also harden onto the element and create an insulating layer that prevents it from efficiently heating the water.
To solve this problem, first locate the upper and lower thermostats on your water heater. Check each one for power, and press the button to reset it if necessary. If the upper system still does not have power, it may be time to replace the thermostat.
Next, remove the access panels from both sides of your water heater and carefully disconnect the wires from the thermostats. If you have difficulty removing the wires, use a pair of pliers or tweezers to get them loose. Once you’ve removed the old thermostat, take it to a hardware store, home center, or plumber’s wholesaler to buy a replacement. When you’re ready to reinstall it, make sure that the new thermostat is the same wattage as your current one and has the same mount and gasket style.
Thermostat Replacement
Homeowners often put little thought into their water heater, but it becomes a major issue when it starts to go wrong. From a cold shower to unwashed dishes, a faulty water heater can drastically impact the quality of household life. Fortunately, most problems are easy to diagnose and fix with the help of a professional water heater repair service.
For example, if your family is suffering from low water pressure, it could be due to a worn out element or a problem with the temperature sensor. If you suspect your water heater is faulty, it’s important to get free, no-commitment project estimates from professional plumbers near you on Thumbtack.
To begin, you’ll need a new thermostat for your water heater. If your old thermostat has corroded terminals, carefully strip the ends with a utility knife and use a scraper to remove the corrosion. Next, place a bucket below where you’ll be working because some coolant may leak during this process. It’s best to wear rubber gloves for this step as well.
Once the old thermostat is removed, carefully follow your manual’s instructions to install the new one. Connect the wires as indicated, and remember to mark or label the new wires with a piece of tape so you can easily identify them. Once the wires are connected, screw the new base plate onto the wall and tighten any loose screws.
It’s also a good idea to test your water heater’s dip tube for any signs of cracking or breaking. A cracked dip tube can cause cold water to mix with hot water, a condition that should be addressed immediately by a Carter professional. Finally, test the temperature pressure relief valve for any sign of overheating. A faulty pressure relief valve can lead to a bursting tank, which is a safety risk and a job for a professional.
Electric Water Heater Repair
Electric water heaters tend to be less complicated in operation than gas models, and problems with them are often fairly easy to figure out. However, the components that make them work—namely heating elements and thermostats—can break down, and the safety valve may trip or fail. There are also issues with the high-temperature cutoff switch and sediment that settles in the tank.
First, make sure that electricity is reaching the water heater by flipping the breaker marked “water heater” off and then back on. If it keeps tripping, then the electrical supply is likely having trouble and should be checked by a qualified electrician.
Next, look for a reset button on the high-temperature cutoff switch (typically located just above the upper thermostat) and press it. If it’s not there or doesn’t work, then you likely have a broken or shorted heating element that should be replaced.
Check the power supply wires on top of each heating element, then use a multimeter to measure resistance and see whether there is a short circuit. If you see a reading that indicates low resistance, then one or more of the heating elements are bad and should be replaced by a professional plumber.
Another common problem is that the anode rod, which helps to extend the life of your water heater by attracting corrosive elements, will wear out and need to be replaced. Homeowners can usually buy and install these themselves, but it’s a good idea to have an experienced plumber inspect the unit before you begin. If the anode rod is rusting out, you can expect to pay between $200 and $300 for a replacement. This is a cost that can be avoided by periodically draining the water heater and replacing the anode rod.
Gas Water Heater Repair
As a rule, most homeowners don’t give much thought to their water heater until it goes on the fritz. When the unit stops working, it can interfere with daily routines. The lack of hot water can mean that family members must forego showering or washing dishes. Laundry may be impacted as well. If your water heater is on the fritz, it’s important to hire a plumber as soon as possible to get your water back in service.
If you think your water heater is in trouble, start by making sure electricity is still running to the unit. Next, check the circuit breaker or fuse for the appliance to see if it’s tripped. Resetting the switch or replacing a fuse could be a simple fix, but you should never play around with a gas water heater without first consulting a qualified professional.
Another common problem with water heaters is low or no hot water. This usually means that the unit is reaching the end of its lifespan and it’s time to invest in a new one. Getting the best water heater for your home can help you reduce energy consumption and save money in the long run.
You should also consider whether your household’s usage of hot water has surpassed the tank’s capacity. If so, a plumber can help you determine an appropriately sized water heater to meet your needs and provide energy savings.
If you’re unable to reignite your pilot light, you may be dealing with a defective thermocouple or gas control valve. In either case, you’ll need to have a skilled plumber fix the issue. Attempting these repairs on your own can be dangerous.
