How To Repair a Hot Water Heater

11/12/24

One of the best ways to handle water heater problems is to keep them from coming up in the first place. Helpful steps in water heater upkeep include:

• Keep the water temperature at 120 degrees or lower.
• Drain the water heater once a year or more (to prevent the accumulation of sediment).
• Insulate your hot water pipes.
• Test the temperature pressure relief valve at least once a year (ideally, twice).
• Replace the anode rod approximately every five years.

While these steps don’t replace your yearly professional water heater service, they are a great complement to your technician’s work and help you make the most of any service you do get.

Even with great maintenance from you or your plumbing service, repair needs do come up sometimes. Read on for simple steps to correct common water heater issues.

Strategies for Common Water Heater Problems

Fixing Temperature Issues

With “hot” in the name, a hot water heater with temperature issues is in clear need of repair. Here are some common temperature issues and how to address them:

• Water not getting hot: If this happens, check the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped. If that’s not the issue, reset the high-temperature limit by turning off power in the service panel and then pushing your water heater’s temperature reset button (usually a red button behind the access panel).
• Water not hot enough or not hot very long: If you’re getting hot enough water but at a low volume, you may have a broken lower heating element and need a technician’s help to repair it. If you have a normal volume of water that isn’t heating enough, try flushing your water heater to clear any sediment.
• Water is too hot: This often means that at least one of your water heater’s thermostats is set too high. Turn off the power in the service panel, remove the water heater’s access panel, and check both thermostats, adjusting as needed till neither is above 120 degrees.

Addressing Leaks and Water Pressure Problems

Another subset of water heater issues involves different leaking and water pressure loss forms. Common issues include:

• Hot water leaking: If you notice a leak that is warm or hot to the touch, it’s probably caused by leaking outlet pipe. Once you find the loose pipe, tighten its connections with a wrench.
• Inlet leaking: The cold water inlet at the top of your heater, if leaking, leads to a pool of water. This connection can be tightened with a wrench, but the water supply should be turned off first.
• Side leaking: Corrosion or damage to your water heater tank can lead to leaking on its sides. This is not a DIY fix, and likely warrant replacement.
• Pressure relief valve leaking: Leaks in your water heater’s temperature pressure relief valve can often be fixed with a simple valve replacement.

Dealing With Noisy Operation

A noisy water heater, characterized by popping sounds, high-pitched whines, or low rumblings, can sometimes mean the tank’s water is boiling. This is often caused by the accumulation of sediment in your water heater. The best remedy, and one you can perform yourself, is to flush the tank of your water heater to clear it of sediment.

When To Call a Professional

Taking care of your home means being proactive about performing maintenance and simple repairs, but it also means knowing when it’s time to put expertise on your side by bringing in a professional. Tank corrosion or damage, discolored water, bacterial signs, and foul odors are all reasons to seek help. The skilled team at Caffi Services has over 50 years of experience keeping your home running comfortably and safely.

Our water heater services include prompt and lasting repairs, thorough replacements, and preventative maintenance for traditional and tankless models. When DIY is applied to more complex water heater problems, the result can be disastrous and expensive. Putting your water heater into trusted hands can give you the peace of mind of a job done safely and well.

Home repairs not cutting it? Contact us today to schedule service!