Solving Common Problems of Water Heaters

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Having problems with our water heater? Here are some simple remedies to the most common problems homeowners experience with theirWater heaters.

You no longer get hot water?

There is a simple answer to this problem. You may check the pilot is still functioning, or see if it is still on. If it has gone out, you have to light it again. You can do it yourself by consulting the manufacturer’s directions strictly and carefully. If you are not sure that you can do it, or perhaps want to be in the safe side, you can call the gas supply company and ask them to do it.

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You may also check the thermostat of your water heater. Do this by opening a hot water faucet somewhere in the house. Wait for the water to heat. But if it doesn’t heat up after a few minutes, your thermostat is probably faulty and needs to be replaced. Please do not attempt to replace the defective thermostat; that is a job for professionals..

Having a hot water shortage?

The first thing you need to check is the thermostat. Make sure it is set correctly. If it is, it possible that the sediment build up has reduced your water heater efficiency. Always remember to flush your water heater at a regular basis. This will prevent too much sediment build up, which can lessen that hot water it supplies.
If you are certain that you have flushed your water heater before this happened, the source of the problem might be the dip tube.

The dip tube directs the input of cold water to the bottom of the tank. If this dip tube is broken, the cold water may be mixing with the hot water on the top of the tank. If the cold and hot water mix, it can lower the temperature of the water supplied to the house. To get to the dip tube, remove the input plumbing for the cold water. Lift the dip tube carefully and gently out of the tank. Dip tube replacements are available in hardware stores.

Does your water smell bad?

This horrible smell is most likely caused by bacteria inside the tank. To remove these bacteria, drain some water from the tank and put some hydrogen peroxide through the cold water input. Close the tank and open some outlets in the house.

The hydrogen peroxide will kill the bacteria and eliminate the horrid smell.
You can set the temperature of the water above 150 degrees to make sure that no bacteria can survive in your water tank. This is not advisable if you have small children or elderly people at home, because it can cause scalding.

You can do these solutions as maintenance to keep your water heater working efficiently. These simple procedures are well within the skills of average homeowners. But if you do not feel at ease with doing the repairs yourself, call a professional.

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