5 Ways to Fix a Water Heater

Fix a Water Heater

A water heater is a key part of your home’s plumbing. It’s a big investment, and you want to keep it working efficiently for as long as possible. So when it doesn’t work right, it can be frustrating.

The good news is that there are many different ways you can fix your water heater repair if it’s not working correctly. The 5 Ways to Fix a Water Heater are below, and they can help you solve a variety of problems that might be occurring with your unit. Often this is caused by a lack of power to the unit. Start by checking that the circuit breaker isn’t tripped and the fuse isn’t blown. If that’s not the case, try resetting the breaker and replacing the fuse. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, call a plumber.

If you’re experiencing a lot of sediment in your water, it may be time to drain your tank. This will clear out the sediment and allow your water to flow more freely. Just remember to turn off the gas to your tank before you begin. To do so, find the drain valve on your water heater (there is likely a label with a picture showing you where it is), and attach a hose to the drain valve. Connect the other end of the hose to a drainage point, like a bucket. Open the valve and allow the tank to drain completely. Once you’re done, turn the power back on and test your water to see if the sediment and smell are gone.

5 Ways to Fix a Water Heater

If the temperature of your water has gotten low, it’s likely a thermostat issue. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to adjust the thermostat. Typically, this can be done without any major disassembly of your water heater.

If your water is warm but not hot, you might need to relight the pilot light on your unit. To do so, you should first check for loose plumbing connections and tighten any that are leaking to reduce the amount of gas being wasted. You should also check the thermocouple to ensure it isn’t broken or discolored. If it is, then you will need to replace the thermocouple.

If a hot water heater is close to its 15 year mark, it’s likely time to replace the element. This is an easy job for a plumber, and will only cost you their typical hourly rate. It’s also a great way to improve your water heater’s efficiency and performance.

While it is recommended that you flush your water heater annually, if you have a hard water system, you might need to do this more frequently. You can do this yourself by following the steps above, or you can hire a plumber to do it for you. Just be sure you’ve turned off the gas and electricity to your unit before beginning any of these tasks.