Repairing Guides

how to repair hot water heater

by Jacques Emmerich Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Gas Hot Water Heater Repair in 4 Steps

  1. Shut Off Gas & Disconnect Tubes. At the control box (bottom of tank), turn the top know to the “OFF” position,. ...
  2. Remove Burner. Remove the burner access panel. ...
  3. Clean & Reinstall Burner. Clean the ports on the burner with brushes or a vacuum cleaner. ...
  4. Relight Pilot. To reliaght the pilot, turn the control know to the “PILOT” position. ...

Full Answer

How do you dispose of hot water heater?

To quickly review, there are several options available to dispose your old hot water heater:

  • If a professional plumber or company is doing the installation, they often can pickup your old at the same time.
  • If you want to make some easy cash you can scrap your old water heater as a whole or taken apart to increase your payout potential.
  • You can potentially donate the hot water heater if it is still in good working condition.

More items...

How do you reset a hot water heater?

  • Turn the hot water tap off
  • Turn the remote control off
  • Now wait for about 5 minutes
  • Turn the tankless water heater on
  • Turn the hot water tap on and see the results

Who do I call to repair a hot water heater?

The following are things to consider when looking at if a plumber should be your person to call :

  • Is there leaking water visible?
  • Is the amount of water coming out of the tap less than usual?
  • Is there no water coming out of the tap at all?
  • Can you see rust on the bottom of your hot water system?

How to diagnose and fix your hot water heater?

  • Reply:
  • Upper element failure in an electric water heater. ...
  • Lower element failure in an electric water heater. ...
  • Bad Dip Tube Can Mean Water Is Not Hot Enough. ...
  • Reader clarification: here is the usual sequence of operation of residential electric water heater elements. ...

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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.

Is it worth it to repair a hot water heater?

The 50% rule states that if any repair costs 50% of what it would cost to replace, then you should replace it, rather than repair it. However, even if your current repair does not add up to 50% of a new water heater you to want keep in mind the frequency of repairs and your water heater's age.

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 I get my water heater to work again?

2:334:16No Hot Water: Water Heater Troubleshooting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure that the water heater is off and has had time to cool as the exhaust system can getMoreMake sure that the water heater is off and has had time to cool as the exhaust system can get extremely. Hot if the pilot didn't stay lit after resetting the thermal switch inspect the wiring.

How do I know if my hot water heater element is bad?

Touch a probe on the multitester to each screw on the element. If you get no reading, or a maximum reading, the element is bad. Elements do have some resistance, so a reading of 10-16 ohms is normal, with higher ohm readings for 3,500 watt elements and lower readings for 5,500 watt elements.

How do you know a water heater is going bad?

5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Water HeaterYour Water Heater is too Old.Rusty Water or Heater Inlet Valve.Water Heater Noise.Water Heater Leaking.Water Heater Not Heating.

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.

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.

Is there a reset button on a hot water heater?

Somewhere on your electric water heater, you'll find a reset button. It's usually red and often located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit—and then behind some insulation. Once you find the button, push and release it.

How long should a water heater last?

between 6 and 13 yearsIt would be nice to know when the time is right to replace your water before it springs a leak and causes an inconvenience or worse yet, damage to your home. Typically a residential hot water heater lasts between 6 and 13 years. Beyond 12 years, you are on borrowed time!

What does it mean when you have no hot water?

If you have an electric unit and no hot water, then the first place you will want to check is your breaker for a tripped circuit. Learn how to locate your electrical panel here. When a breaker is tripped, it won't necessarily be in the off position, but resetting it should correct the problem.

1. Hot water heater temperature is too hot or too low

This is a common problem with hot water heaters, and luckily for the homeowner, it’s an easy problem to fix.

2. The pilot light goes out

If you have a gas water heater the pilot light may go out. There are several reasons why a pilot light might go out.

3. Draining The Hot Water Heater

There are several reasons you might need to drain your hot water heater. Many times, sediment builds up because of hard water, causing your water heater to become less efficient or even clog the water lines. Draining the heater’s tank will allow you to flush the sediment out before it becomes a problem.

Got hot water issues? We provide free hot water heater repair and replacement quotes

Don’t wait until you’re not in hot water, get your hot water heater repaired at the first sign of trouble. Call Pikes Peak Mechanical for a free phone estimate for your plumbing needs in Colorado Springs. Or click here to contact us by email for a fast response.

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.

Where to Start on a Gas Hot Water Heater Repair

Begin by removing the access panel at the bottom of your water heater tank and checking the pilot light. If it’s not burning, relight it according to the directions printed on the unit. Below, we also have a link to directions for every major model of a water heater.

Gas Hot Water Heater Repair in 4 Steps

You will need 1 to 2 hours for any of the solutions below. You’ll also need some experience handling compression fittings on gas pipes, so this isn’t a job for first-timers. But if you have intermediate experience, you can get this done. Make sure you have these tools:

How to Prevent Gas Hot Water Heater Repair

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your gas hot water heater from needing repairs. It will also extend the life of your unit. Here are some things you can do.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make a gas hot water heater repair can take time. But it’s not complicated. The difficulty is in understanding the different parts and how they work together. It can also be scary because, let’s face it, working with gas and flame are intimidating.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help repairing or replacing your water heater.

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