Hot Water Heater Repair Tips

There are multiple things that can wrong with a hot water heater. In most cases minor repairs can help you extend the life of these expensive appliances. They are simple to diagnose too. If something isn't working properly and you don't want to pay for a repair professional there are some things you can do first.

There are a handful of common problems associated with water heaters that you can diagnose and correct on your own. There are some simple tips you should follow to make the repair minimal and to remain safe.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting a water heater is actually pretty easy. If you aren't getting hot water out of a tap then there is usually something wrong with the thermostat. If your water pressure is weak when you turn on the hot water you may have a leak in a pipe. Water that has a discoloration or a strange flavor can be a result of rusted tubes and pipes. First figure out exactly what the issue is and then you can start looking at repairs.

Dealing with Leaks

There are several areas on a hot water heater that can end up leaking. Most leaks are easy to spot with a flashlight. The connections and valves tend to leak more often than anything else. Depending on the model and age of your water heater these can be simple to repair or replace. You'll want to turn the power to the water heater off entirely. If you have a gas water heater then you need to shut the gas off. Check online for your owner's manual to find the repair guide for the valves or connections.

Dealing with Loss of Heat

If your water heater isn't heating the water it can be a couple of problems. First check to make sure the breaker is working. When a breaker trips on a water heater it usually goes unnoticed until you need the hot water. If this isn't the problem you want to check the thermostat. Thermostats in hot water heaters rarely last as long as the heater itself. The heating elements could be wearing out as well. These are all easy to repair on your own with a repair guide a few simple tools.