Written by: Corey P.
Plumbing Contractor
November 20, 2023
A water heater is an important staple in any home. It is often overlooked and forgotten about until you turn on the faucet, only to find that the water never gets hot. Or, you find water all around the water heater, prompting you into action to prevent any water damage.
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The most common problems with water heaters include:​​
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water heater will not heat
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water leaking from water heater
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water leaking from pipes
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hot water doesn't last very long
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low water pressure
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noisy operation
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If taken care of swiftly, most water heater trouble can be relegated to a minor inconvenience. But if left unchecked, a water heater can become the stuff of nightmares in your quest to get back to normal. A yearly inspection and maintenance routine can extend the life of your unit, and save you from a water heater replacement.
Common Problems with Water Heaters include...
Leaking Water Heater
Low Water Pressure
Leaking Water Pipes
Types of Water Heaters and Their Repairs
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Tank Water Heaters:​​​​
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Over time, sediment can build in the bottom of your water heater. This can lead to inefficiency, clogged drain ports, and increased energy bills as your water heater works harder to maintain the water temperature. Having a water softener can help prevent this sediment from building... this will help keep things flowing consistently. Most water heaters come with an inexpensive drain valve that has an opening smaller than your pinky finger. Having a "full port" drain valve installed will make draining the water heater easier.
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Gas water heaters and electric water heaters have a different fuel source, but can both suffer from sediment causing inefficient heating of the water. Elements can burn out, or short if sediment lands on the element. And gas water heaters can have sediment block the thermostat from getting an accurate read of the water temperature, leading to overheating and possible scalding.
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If left untreated, these problems can also lead to the pressure relief valve being triggered to relieve the excess pressure (this is a safety device on all water heaters to prevent pressure build-up or possible explosion.) Often times, this pressure relief valve is piped to dump onto the floor. This is so you can understand there is a potential problem with your plumbing system.
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Tankless Water Heaters:
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Tankless water heaters are engineering marvels, allowing for heating water at an almost instant rate, but with this added convenience comes a more complex water heater. Tankless units have sensors throughout that can get scale build-up. If these sensors struggle to do their job, you may find your water has inconsistent temperature or flow rate.
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Tankless units have extreme energy costs needed to heat water so quickly, often times leading to gas line or electrical work prior to installation. Proper balancing of your gas system or electrical system is required to ensure other appliances are not starved for gas or electricity when the tankless water heater fires up.
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The maintenance routine for tankless is usually a proper descale of the heat exchanger, cleaning of air intake (gas unit), and checks for leaks.
Average Water Heater Replacement Cost
40-gallon tank (gas)
50-gallon tank (gas)
75-gallon tank (gas)
Tankless (gas)
40-gallon tank (electric)
50-gallon tank (electric)
75-gallon tank (electric)
Tankless (electric)
Type
Cost (USD)
1500
1650
2200
2000
1300
1500
1850
1600
General Water Heater Repair Procedures
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Safety Precautions:
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When making any repairs or doing maintenance, it is important to remember to turn off the gas or electricity to the unit first.
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If unfamiliar with the potential risks of hot water, gas vapor, exhaust fumes, or electrical shock, perhaps you should call a professional. Remember to wear proper protective equipment (PPE) when doing any maintenance or repairs.
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Removal of electrical components may be necessary depending on the task you're performing, and proper electrical voltage detectors can ensure the unit is not energized when making any repairs.
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Common Repair Tasks:​
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Replacing a faulty thermostat on an electric water heater is more straightforward then on a gas water heater. Knowing what to expect is important and can lead to a successful repair. Using the owner's manual as a guide or reference will give you the best chance for success.
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If you are attempting to repair a leak with your water heater, having PTFE tape (commonly referred to as Teflon tape) and thread sealant can help ensure a first-time success. Also, having the right tool for the job will make your life a lot easier. In example, pipe wrench, channel locks, or adjustable wrench.
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Remember, flushing the tank will help remove sediment, but most drain valves are small and will not accommodate for larger sediment pieces. It is possible to get all the sediment out, but some water heaters will require advanced tactics and tools to get the job done.
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Specialized Repair Services:​
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Many water heaters have circuit boards installed somewhere on them, allowing for advanced safety features and controls. However, if these parts fail, you may find yourself struggling to find replacement parts. Many supply houses only sell to licensed plumbers.
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You can call the manufacturer and talk to their technical department for help, but they may not help you any further than diagnosing. If you're unit is out of warranty, you may be left with few options.
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Tankless units need descaled AT LEAST once a year, sometimes more depending on your water usage. This requires disconnecting the water lines and hooking up a pump to flush the unit with an acidic solution to breakdown the sediment.
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Preventive Maintenance for Optimal Water Heater Performance
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Regular Flushing:​
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Drain your TANK water heater every 6-12 months to remove sediment at the bottom.
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Descale your TANKLESS water heater every 6-12 months to ensure proper water heating and flow rate.
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Annual Inspection:
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​Remembering to check your water heater annually or semi-annually and performing the basic maintenance procedures will give you peace of mind and longer water heater lifespan, which equates to dollars saved.
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Having a licensed plumber perform these procedures will ensure a qualified expert has given your water heater it's best chance at a long life.
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Conclusion
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Keep your water heater on the list of annual maintenance checks, just like your gutters and HVAC filters.
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If you have the knowledge and confidence to perform the preventive maintenance and repairs on your unit, it can help keep your hot water flowing for years to come.
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If you want a qualified expert to come give your unit a tune-up and give you the peace of mind you want. Give us a call.
