Whether you’re taking a hot shower or washing dishes, it’s always annoying when your water heater breaks. It can also be costly, especially if you’re already near the end of its lifespan.
Most water heater problems are simple to fix and can save you money. Follow these tips to perform water heater maintenance. For professional help, contact Water Heater Repair Aurora CO.
Your thermostat is the brains of your heating and cooling systems. It’s important that it works correctly, because it affects your comfort and can increase energy efficiency. However, like any device, your thermostat can experience a number of problems over time.
A thermostat can fail due to old age, misuse, or even just wear and tear. It can also become inaccurate, which will cause the HVAC to work harder to reach your desired temperature. This, in turn, can lead to a higher utility bill than usual.
Mechanical thermostats work on a basic principle: heat makes metal expand, and cold makes it contract. Inside the thermostat, there is a coiled strip of bimetallic wire that is heated by electricity flowing through it. The temperature dial determines when the electrical current passes through the strip, causing it to switch the HVAC on or off. The bimetallic strip bends when hot, and it snaps back into place when the thermostat senses the room has cooled.
Digital thermostats use a sensor called a thermistor, which changes resistance with temperature. A microcontroller then reads the varying resistance to create a reading of temperature. Thermostats that use a thermistor are programmable and more accurate than mechanical ones.
If your water heater has a pool of water around it, or if you find that it is taking longer to get hot water than usual, these are signs that the water heater has a leak. This can be caused by a variety of things, including faulty valves, loose connections and internal tank issues. If this is the case, a professional will need to inspect it to find the source of the problem and fix it.
Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common reasons for water heater repair. They are not only a sign of water damage but can also lead to flooding and serious health risks. Homeowners should take immediate action when they notice a leaky water heater. If it is a small issue, such as a faulty valve or loose connection, they may be able to fix it themselves. However, if the leak is severe or from a faulty part, it is important to seek professional help to ensure proper evaluation and lasting repairs.
The first step is to turn off the water and gas supply. It is dangerous to work on an electric or gas water heater when it is turned on. Next, homeowners should identify the location of the leak. Water leaking from the bottom of the tank is often caused by a rusty drain valve or a damaged temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P). T&P valves are designed to relieve excess water and steam pressure in tanks. Often, they just need to be tightened or replaced. Leaking from the top of the water heater is usually due to corroded or loose inlet and outlet connections. These are not as common as leaks from the bottom or side, but are still fairly easy to repair for most plumbers.
In some cases, water leaking from the bottom of the tank is caused by cracks. These are hard to repair and usually require a new water heater. In other cases, the cracks are a result of old age and deterioration of the insulative materials within the tank. Regardless of the cause, cracks are dangerous and can lead to a catastrophic failure if not repaired or replaced immediately.
It is also possible that the leak is not from a water heater but rather from other systems in your home, such as a faulty HVAC system or a leaking water softener line. It is also important to determine whether the water leaking from the water heater is actually water or condensation. If it is condensation, then the problem is not a water heater issue but a cooling system problem that should be fixed by an HVAC professional.
Stacking
The plumbing stack extends from the area where the top drainpipe attaches to your water heater through the attic to the lowest fixture in your home. Its role is to vent noxious gases outside, but if it stops working properly, you may experience unpleasant smells or even structural damage.
The most common problem with a stack is the formation of leaks. This happens for several reasons, including clogged drain lines or damaged condensation pumps. These issues can affect both the plumbing stack and the drywall in your attic or crawlspace. If left untreated, the leaks can lead to water damage and expensive repairs.
Another common issue with the plumbing stack is a loss of pressure. This occurs because the air in your attic is colder than the ambient temperature, causing it to lose density and force appliances to work harder. Over time, this can cause your utility bill to increase significantly and cause discomfort for you and your family.
Stack maintenance is vital to prevent these problems from occurring. A professional plumber should inspect the plumbing stack and its connections, replacing them when necessary. They should also check the anode rod — sometimes called the sacrificial rod — every three years to ensure it’s still caked with corrosive elements. It’s important to do this because it can save you from paying for a replacement unit later on!
Over the years, the stack can deteriorate due to age, moisture, corrosion, shifting soil and tree roots. It may start to leak or rust and, in some cases, may need to be replaced completely. Before starting this process, a plumber should isolate the affected section by shutting off all water supply to the affected fixture and disconnecting the plumbing from it. They will then remove the old stack and install a new one, taking care to minimize any damage to the surrounding plumbing and building structure.
Internal Issues
Your water heater works hard to heat up your household’s water, and it also uses quite a bit of energy in the process. Unfortunately, there are a number of internal issues that could cause it to function less efficiently or even fail altogether. From sediment buildup to specific mechanical problems in gas and electric models, the following common water heater issues can affect your household’s hot-water supply and lead to a need for a professional repair.
Unusual Water Temperature
If you experience inconsistent water temperature, it’s probably due to a thermostat malfunction or heating element failure. A simple adjustment should correct this issue, but if it doesn’t, there may be a deeper problem that requires further investigation and possibly even a replacement part.
Sediment Buildup
Mineral deposits, such as calcium and magnesium, can accumulate in the bottom of your tank, causing rusty or discolored water. This is usually a sign of deterioration of the anode rod, which helps protect the metal lining of your tank from corrosion. The best way to fix this is by draining and flushing the unit to clear out the sediment and restore efficiency.
Unusual Noises
Rumbling or banging noises coming from your water heater can indicate a dangerous build-up of pressure inside the tank. The pressure could be caused by a malfunctioning T&P valve, which is designed to release the water and prevent overpressure in the tank. A faulty valve can result in overheating, which will damage the lining of the tank and the pipes.
Increased Energy Bills
If your energy bills are starting to climb, it might be because of a sediment buildup in your water heater. Sediment clogs the water heater’s heating element, forcing it to work harder and use more energy to heat your home’s water. This is another reason why regular maintenance and flushing is so important.
Other signs of a sediment buildup include a tripped circuit breaker or a faulty pilot light or burner in gas and electric models, respectively. While these aren’t as serious as a broken thermostat or a leaky water heater, they still require professional inspection and possible repairs to avoid more costly problems in the future.