Here’s some straight talk and practical advice on how to repair water heater problems. No hot water coming from the faucet, puddles of discolored water close to the water heater and banging, popping, gurgling, boiling or other strange sounds coming from the tank are all signs that problems with your water heater have crept up on you. Because there are many things that can cause problems with your water heater, it is a good idea to call on a professional to diagnose and repair your tank.

Learning how to repair water heater problems is the way to avoid expensive mistakes. Diagnosing a problem early is important but remember that gas can be very dangerous, so if you smell any around your water heater, immediately turn off the pilot light and gas shutoff valve. For help with this problem you should call an experienced and licensed plumber.

Water not being heated is one of the most common issues homeowners face. You should know that electric and gas water heaters work much differently and therefore the ways to repair problems will be much different. A water heaters efficiency can be brought down by the buildup of mineral deposits which you usually notice when you stop receiving enough hot water and may be repaired by draining and flushing the tank.

A plumber can find out exactly what is causing the problem and repair water heater if your water is too hot and it may mean replacing the heater’s thermostat. By the same token, water heater leaks should be diagnosed by professional plumbers because there is no one cause. The accumulation of minerals due to hard water will usually cause noisy water heaters.

A plumber may be able to repair the problem by flushing the sediment from the tank. But be prepared because by this time it is usually too late and the unit must be replaced. You may find that a plumber needs to replace your anode rod if your hot water has a strong sulfur smell.

If you find that the water is discolored, in most instances, it is often the result of iron, copper and other minerals being dispersed into the water in your hot water tank. Installing a whole house water filter and flushing the tank will help with this problem. Having a water softener installed is also a good idea to help with hard water.

Hiring a professional plumber to repair water heater problems may be the most cost efficient when faced with all the possible issues. Check that the plumber’s Certificate of Insurance and license are current at the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners website. With proper maintenance and care your water heater can provide you with at least 10 years of good service. However, when there is a problem, let an expert plumber be your first line of defense.

© 2011 Click’s Plumbing. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Click’s Plumbing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Bookmark to: