Gas Hot Water Heater Repair in 4 Steps
- Shut Off Gas & Disconnect Tubes. At the control box (bottom of tank), turn the top know to the “OFF” position,. ...
- Remove Burner. Remove the burner access panel. ...
- Clean & Reinstall Burner. Clean the ports on the burner with brushes or a vacuum cleaner. ...
- Relight Pilot. To reliaght the pilot, turn the control know to the “PILOT” position. ...
How to figure the cost of replacing a water heater?
- The type of fuel the water heater utilizes.
- Its estimated annual operating expense.
- The estimated quantity of energy utilized annual (BTUs or watts).
- If the water heating unit satisfies Energy Star requirements for water heating systems), an Energy Star emblem (.
- Tank size (in gallons).
- First-hour rating (see listed below).
Why is my new water heater not heating?
Why is my new water heater not heating? First, reset any tripped circuit breaker, and replace any blown fuse. Next, check if power is being supplied to the electric water heating element thermostat. When the water's not hot enough, the problem can be an undersized water heater, crossed hot and cold connections, or a faulty heating element or ...
How often should I replace a hot water heater?
You should consider replacing your water heater if:
- The unit is more than 10 years old
- It has not been properly maintained
- It is showing the signs of wear listed above
How to replace and install a water heater?
- Turn off the water supply to the water heater. Also turn the control valve to “off” on the water heater. ...
- Turn on the nearest hot water faucet and allow it to run until the water runs cool. This safely drains the unit without worrying about hot water. ...
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve. ...
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What is the most common problem with water heaters?
Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures.
What would cause a hot water heater to stop working?
If an electric water heater is not producing hot water, it could be a simple problem like a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Additionally, some electric water heaters have a circuit-style safety switch located near or on the thermostat.
How do you fix a water heater that won't heat?
0:122:02Electric Water Heater Not Heating? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you confirm that the water heater is receiving sufficient voltage shut off the power and check toMoreIf you confirm that the water heater is receiving sufficient voltage shut off the power and check to see if the reset button on the high-limit thermostat has tripped.
Can you fix a hot water heater?
A water heater can certainly be repaired, generally depending on what is going on when a plumber is called out for water heater repair. As per the common problems listed above, the general consensus for these tends to be a parts replacement, a reset of the system, or a flush of your water heater.
How do you diagnose a water heater problem?
0:124:54How to Troubleshoot an Electric Water Heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you'll want to locate your circuit breaker box open up the panel. And look for the breaker thatMoreSo you'll want to locate your circuit breaker box open up the panel. And look for the breaker that says hot water heater hwt or tank and flip that to the off position.
What to check if you have no hot water?
6 Things to do When Your House Has no Hot WaterCheck the thermostat settings. Many manufactures set the thermostat to 140 degrees Fahrenheit by default. ... Check the circuit breaker. ... Check the pilot light. ... Check for leaks. ... Flush the tank. ... If all else fails: Upgrade your hot water heater.
Why is my hot water not working but my cold water is?
If you have good water flow ("pressure") at hot water faucets, but it's cold, then the water supply piping is not blocked and the problem is in the water heater itself, or in a mixing valve.
What trips the reset button on a hot water heater?
The high resistance caused by a loose wire produces a substantial amount of heat that can eventually cause fires. If there is a loose electrical connection within your water heater's system, your reset button's thermometer can trip (regardless of the water's temperature) if it picks up the heat from that loose wire.
How long do water heaters last?
Typically a residential hot water heater lasts between 6 and 13 years.
Unusual noise
When your water heater starts making loud or unusual noises you will need to start by checking the heater element. Troubleshooting and repair will be different for gas water heaters and electric water heaters.
Water is too hot
If the water coming out of your water heater is too hot, that indicates there is an issue with the control thermostat. Learn how to inspect this part and more.
Water temperature changes between hot and cold
Find out why the water temperature in your water heater is not consistent, and what parts you need to repair or replace. If you notice fluctuation in water temperature we recommend you inspect the control thermostat and the lower heater element.
Leaking water
Figure out where your water heater is leaking from, and how to repair it. Learn to check parts such as the drain valve, the element gasket, and the temperature pressure relief valve.
Why does my water heater leak?
Water heaters can leak as a result of a failing tank - but also due to poorly fitted or soldered cold water supply pipe / hot water output pipe or a poor seal between tank opening and heating element. If allowed to continue to leak, it will cause internal damage to the controls should water enter them.
What is the upper control on a water heater?
The "upper controls" consist of the High-Temperature Limit Switch and Upper Thermostat. The "lower controls" refers to the Lower Thermostat (there is no High-Temperature Limit Switch for the lower section of most electric water heaters).
What to do if line voltage is not found?
If line voltage not found and the tank is cool, replace lower thermostat. 43. If line voltage is found, wait for water to heat or perform the Ohms (or Resistance) checks on the elements once more with the power off. If line voltage is present on a heating element, it must heat the water unless the element has failed.
How do heating elements work?
The heating elements protrude into the tank and are immersed directly in the water of the tank. For this reason, the water level in the tank must be lowered to a point below the level of the element to be removed (otherwise water will leak out as the element is removed).
How to stop water hammer?
17. To prevent water hammer, crack open the hot water faucets in the home to allow the pipes to slowly refill. Start with the lowest level faucets and work up to the highest level faucets. Optionally remove shower head (s) and aerators from sink faucets and spray heads to prevent sediment from clogging them.
How long does it take for a blown fuse to warm up?
Reset circuit breaker to "On" or replace any blown fuse (s) and wait 30 - 60 minutes for the water to warm.
How long does it take for water to burn?
When the water is 120 degrees, just 30 degrees cooler; it takes 10 minutes. The skin of children and infants is more sensitive than that of an adult, and will burn more easily.
Should You Repair & Troubleshoot The Problems of An Electric Water Heater?
We recommend that only a professional attempt to repair a water heater!
No Hot Water
No hot water in the house is a common problem has seen with water heaters. A water heater that produces no hot water may not have enough power supply, may have a tripped limit switch or may have bad heating elements.
Insufficient Hot Water Supply
If your water heater is not producing sufficient hot water according to your needs, this could be because it’s either too small of a water tank or the heater is on its way out.
Water Temperature is Too Hot
Another common water heating issue that, your water heater scalding temperature, which can be harmful. It is likely due to the wrong thermostat temperature settings or a malfunctioned thermostat.
Your Water Heater Sprung a Leak
Any water leakage from the water heater needs to be addressed immediately. This is a clear sign of fixing the water heater immediately, or it needs a replacement. Otherwise, it will become a mess in a given time.
Water Discolored or Smells Bad
The least common problem is if water from your water heater is discolored and your faucet water is a yellow, brown, or red type of color or has unusual odors. If the water heater is smelling like rotten eggs, it’s likely due to the bacteria growing in the water heater, which is harmful.
Water Heater Tank Making Noise
Is your water heater making unfamiliar noises? Sometimes the water heater makes disturbing noises which could be due to the sound of boiling water. The calcium and lime are formed in the bottom of the burner in the hot water tank, and as the hot water tank heats up, those calcium build-ups can make a sound like making popcorn.
What happens if a water heater starts to leak?
When a water heater starts to leak, the mere thought of a repair can be scary. A small leak can be a sign that a bigger problem may exist. If left unattended, a small leak can turn into a catastrophic failure which could lead to severe water damage to the living areas inside your house.
How to check if water heater is gas?
If your water heater is a gas unit, set the fuel knob to pilot or a vacation mode. Dry up as much of the water as possible and do a visual inspection of the water heater for oblivious signs of leakage. Allow the water heater to sit for several hours to see if the water returns.
What does it mean when a water heater is leaking from the bottom?
What if my water heater is leaking from the bottom? If your water heater is leaking from the bottom, it may be leaking from the drain valve or the internal tank. Drain valves can usually be repaired. However, if the internal tank is leaking, the only repair is to replace the water heater.
Why does my water heater drain?
Typically if a drain valve begins to leak it’s usually because there is debris or sediment lodged in the drain valve or the drain valve is faulty.
Why do water heaters have expansion tanks?
If you own a water heater, the water inside will expand when heated. An expansion tank helps relieve pressure inside the water heater by providing a space for hot water to expand and release the...
How much does it cost to install a water heater?
If you are planning to buy and install a water heater yourself, you can expect to pay between $350 to $2000 depending on the size and type of water heater you decide to purchase. The average tank-style 50-gallon water heater costs between $600 to $700.
How old is too old to replace a water heater?
If the water returns, consider replacing the water heater if it is over 10 years old or has visible damage to the water heater. If the water heater is new and no damage is visible, consider investing in a water heater blanket to insulate the outside of the water heater.
How do I control the top and bottom of a water heater?
The top and bottom elements are controlled by separate thermostats. When the water on the top of the tank is hot, the top element turns off and the lower one heats. The upper and lower heating elements never come on at the same time.
How long does a water heater last?
Just keep in mind that water heaters have a typical life span of 10 to 15 years. If your heater is approaching old age, replacement may be smarter than repair. Learn how to regulate your water heater here.
How many heating elements does a water heater have?
Most residential electric water heaters have two heating elements: one near the top of the tank and one near the bottom. Power enters the top and runs to the high-temperature cutoff switch, and then to the thermostats and elements. The top and bottom elements are controlled by separate thermostats. When the water on the top ...
What to do if your thermostat trip again?
If they trip again, test the heating elements. If the heating elements are good, the problem could be with the thermostats or cutoff switch. Testing is complicated, but since they’re inexpensive—about $20 for both thermostats and the cutoff switch—you could simply try replacing them.
What happens if your water heater is slow to heat?
Heating elements. If your electric hot water heater is slow to heat, runs out of hot water faster than it used to, or doesn’t deliver any hot water at all, there’s a 90 percent chance that simply replacing one or both of the heating elements will solve the problem. Water heater repairs are straightforward, and replacement elements are inexpensive ...
Can a thermostat tester read voltage?
Note: If the wires are covered by metal conduit, the tester won’t read voltage. You’ll have to remove the metal thermostat cover on the side of the water heater, pull out the insulation and hold the tester near the wires leading into the top of the high-temperature cutoff switch. Hold the tester against the metal water heater shell.
