Winter is coming, and with it, the coldest temperatures of the year. That means it’s time to bundle up and prepare for those long cold nights by keeping your home warm. But where do you start? One important part of keeping your home warm is having a functional water heater. But what if something goes wrong with it? In this blog post, we will explore some common problems with water heaters and how you can fix them. From freezing pipes to poor insulation, read on to learn everything you need to know about water heater repair.
What are the most common problems with home water heaters?
If your home water heater is not working, it is important to have it serviced as soon as possible. Here are the most common problems with home water heaters:
- A clogged filter or faulty thermostat can prevent your water heater from putting out hot water. Have a professional inspect and clean the filter and/or thermostat if necessary.
- A worn-out heating element can cause your home water heater to overheat and fail. Have a professional replace the heating element if necessary.
- A frozen hose can stop your home water heater from supplying hot water. Make sure all hoses are properly insulated and that they aren’t freezing in cold weather.
- If your home water heater has a gas line, make sure the seal around the gas valve is intact and free of debris. If the valve does not operate properly, have a professional replace it.
- If your home water heater is electric, make sure the circuit breaker is properly turned off and that the power cord is not damaged.
- If your home water heater is gas-fired, make sure the pilot light is lit and the furnace is operating properly.
- If you have a water heater that uses propane, make sure the tank is full and that the valve is closed securely.
How can you troubleshoot and fix common water heater problems?
If you’re noticing water leaking from your home water heater, first try tightening the screws on the cover. If that doesn’t work, turn off the power to the heater, wait five minutes and then turn it back on. If the leak persists, check to see if there’s an obstruction in the water flow. Repairing a clogged water filter or drain can fix a lot of leaks. If none of these solutions work, your home water heater may need to be replaced.
What to do if your water heater fails
If your home water heater fails, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. First, turn off the water supply to the house. This will shut down the water heater and prevent it from starting up again if it malfunctions. If you can’t turn off the water supply, open all the faucets in the house and let the water run until it’s cold. This will create an ice storm that will knock out the power to the water heater. Finally, call a professional to come look at your water heater. They can determine if it’s broken and fix it if necessary.
Conclusion
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably take for granted the hot water that comes streaming out of your faucet each morning. But if your home water heater is going downhill, it may not be able to provide that reliable flow of hot water anymore. In fact, many water heaters are only designed to last 10-15 years before they start to fail. And if your heater isn’t performing up to par, it’s not just a nuisance; it can also lead to costly repairs and even dangerous conditions in your home. So if you think something might be wrong with your home water heater, don’t hesitate to call a Katy plumbing company!
