Water heaters are out of sight and out of mind for most homeowners until they stop working. When this happens, daily household chores like showering and laundry take a hit.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to extend the life of your water heater and prevent it from needing replacement. These include checking your thermostat settings, draining the tank, and replacing your anode rod. Contact Water Heater Replacement Denver now!
Leaks are one of the biggest water heater problems homeowners face. They can lead to expensive water damage, and it’s not always easy to find the source. Knowing where and why leaks happen can help you decide whether to call a plumber for a repair or invest in an entirely new unit.
Leaking water heaters often result from the sediment that builds up inside of the tank over time. This buildup leads to rust and corrosion, which can cause the unit to leak. It’s important to clean the water heater tank on a regular basis to avoid this problem.
The inlet and outlet connections are another common spot for leaks to occur. Over time, the connectors can loosen and start to leak. Luckily, this is usually an easy fix and just requires tightening the connection. However, if the leak continues to happen, the connectors may need to be replaced.
Another common reason for water heater leaks is a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve, also known as the T&P valve. This valve helps reduce the amount of pressure in the water heater’s tank, and it can wear out over time. If you notice the water heater leaking from this area, it’s time to replace the T&P valve.
A faulty pressure switch can also cause water heater leaks. This is a safety feature that prevents the unit from overheating, and it can get stuck in the “on” position. If the switch is faulty, it can cause water to flow through the tank, resulting in a leak.
Older tanks can also develop leaks from age. As the water heater ages, it loses its ability to keep the water warm and causes rust and corrosion. This can lead to leaks from the tank, which is typically irreparable and means it’s time for a replacement.
In some cases, the water coming out of your water heater can have a foul odor or be discolored. This can be a sign of bacteria in the water, which is dangerous for you and your family to drink. If you notice this, call a plumber immediately.
Not getting enough hot water
Sometimes water heaters just decide to stop working, and when this happens it’s usually when you need hot water the most. Whether you’re taking a shower or washing dishes, not having enough hot water can be frustrating and inconvenient.
If you’re getting lukewarm or cold water when you turn on the faucet, it could be that the thermostat is defective. If this is the case, you’ll need to contact a licensed plumber.
Mineral build-up can also reduce the amount of hot water that your tank produces. If sediment accumulates in the bottom of your tank near the burner, it can prevent heat from reaching the water, reducing energy efficiency and making it difficult to get enough hot water. Flushing your water heater annually can prevent this problem.
Another possibility is that your household’s demand for hot water outstrips the capacity of your water heater. This can be caused by multiple people showering or using water-intensive appliances at the same time. Having separate hot water lines for different outlets can help alleviate this issue by ensuring that each appliance gets the hot water it needs without competing with one another.
Your water heater may be overdue for replacement. If your unit is more than 10 years old, it’s probably best to consider a new model that will offer greater efficiency and lower utility bills. Contact a qualified professional to assist you in finding and installing the perfect water heater for your home.
It’s important to make sure that the power and gas supply is turned off before attempting any repairs or replacing parts on your water heater. If the water heater is gas-powered, a leak from the pressure relief valve or other components can be dangerous and should only be repaired or replaced by a licensed professional. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the water flow to the tank and feel around the base of the unit for wetness or rust. It’s also a good idea to disconnect any hoses that lead from the tank, as these can be a fire hazard.
Smelly or discolored water
If your water smells like rotten eggs, it’s often caused by bacteria that grows in the tank or in the corroded iron piping if your home is on a well system. This problem may also occur in homes with chlorinated city water if the chlorine residual is low or if a large amount of sulfates is present in the water.
The odors may also be caused by metals in the water. Metallic or rusty smells are generally associated with red or brown stains in your fixtures, tubs, sinks and clothes, and come with a metallic taste. This is often a sign that the piping or the water heater needs to be replaced.
Typically, the first step to solving the problem is changing out the sacrificial anode rod in your water heater. This rod is made of magnesium that’s used to attract and neutralize corrosive elements in the water supply. Over time this rod will be corroded and need to be replaced.
If you have a well system and the smell still persists, it’s probably best to have the entire plumbing and well system flushed by a professional. Bacteria can often build up in the well pump and the water line leading to it from the house, so a complete flush is necessary to restore clean, healthy water.
Smelly or discolored water can also be caused by a water softener malfunction. When the microbeads in a water softener break down and are released into the water, they can turn the water a dark orange or brown color. These particles are usually the size of fish eggs and feel spherical when rubbed between your fingers.
If you’re experiencing these problems, you should shut off the power source to the water heater and drain it by attaching a garden hose to the valve at the bottom of the tank and placing the other end over a floor drain or running outdoors. Next, you’ll need to disconnect the hot and cold water lines from the tank using a pipe wrench for compression or union fittings and a pipe cutter for soldered connections.
Undersized unit
Suppose your family is growing and you are in the market for a new water heater. In that case, it is important that you have a professional calculate how many gallons per hour your household uses to ensure that you choose an appropriately-sized unit. If you purchase a bigger unit than you need, you will end up with expensive utility bills.
If you are replacing your old electric water heater with a gas model, it is possible that your home will need to have the gas line modified or extended to accommodate the new unit. This can add significantly to your overall installation costs.
If you are switching to a tankless unit, it is also possible that you will need to have your plumbing pipes upgraded or extended to accommodate the new system. This can also add to your total installation cost. Once the new water heater is in place, you will need to flush the new system and test for leaks by turning on the gas supply valve and spraying a soapy solution onto all of the connections. If you see bubbles, this indicates that the connections need to be tightened. If you notice any other signs of problems, be sure to call your service provider immediately.