It can be unpleasant when the water heater does not operate as it ought to. The first thing to do to fix it is to figure out what caused the malfunction in the first place. Some problems include no hot water at all, not enough hot water, weird sounds, or leaking.
Checking the Power Source
One of the first practices that mostly solves the problem is confirming that there is power. For electric water heaters, make sure that the circuit breaker is operational. In case it is not, reset it and check if the hot water returns. For gas water heaters, ensure that the pilot light is on. If the pilot light is not lit, one should light it by following the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. If the breaker continues tripping or the pilot won’t stay lit, one of the appliance’s components may require diagnosis or repair from a service professional like https://www.plumbersingapore.org/water-heater/. Making sure your water heater has some power is a basic but essential aspect of the repair process.
Fixing Heating Elements
If there is no hot water coming from your water heater, then most probably the heating element is defective. Usually, there are two heating elements within an electric water heater tank, one placed on the top part and the other one below it. After certain periods of usage, these elements may invariably age or, even more so, burn out. To confirm this assertion, switch off the power and remove the heater cover. Using a multimeter, do a test for continuity on the elements. Where one or both elements are found faulty, repairs by replacing them will be needed. This is a rather easy repair that will return your supply of hot water in no time.
Addressing Temperature Issues
Usually, turning up or down the thermostat of the heater solves the hot water issues. The water heater has a thermostat that can be adjusted for the regulation of heat. The most common and recommended setting would be said to be around 49 degrees centigrade (120 degrees Fahrenheit) for safety and power-saving reasons. Increase the water temperature a bit and check again a little while later if the problem persists.
Decrease the thermostat setting when the water is too hot. But dialing too high or above the prescribed temperature should be done with much consideration because it could lead to burn injuries. Assuming for a moment that the thermostat indicator is malfunctioning, in this case it should be possible to correct it by changing the heating element.
Dealing with Sediment Build-up
The problem of sediment gracefully forms at the bottom of water heaters’ tanks, especially where hard water is used. Over time, calcium and magnesium, among other minerals, get deposited in the lowermost regions of the tank. To deal with this, the following procedure is recommended – drain the tank to remove the sludges. First, radios work by turning the power off or switching off the gas supply, then fixing a hose on the drain valve: measure twice cut once we call it. People should make it a routine practice to flush the tank to eliminate silt build-up and prolong the useful life of the water heater.
Leaking
Of all the problems, leaks stand out as needing urgent resolution. Where there is water collecting around your heater, the first thing you should do is look for the cause of the leakage. It may be a result of a loose valve, a leaky or rusted tank, or bad joints. If this leakage is from the pressure relief valve, it may be doing its job of exhausting excessive pressure, and this is ok. But in most cases if it is the tank that has developed a leak, it’s an indication that the tank must be changed. Leaking from hoses or taps may be overcome by tightening screws or replacing any damaged pipes or nuts.
When to Call a Professional
Regardless of their simplicity, almost all water heater repairs can be attempted, although there are tasks that are best left to the specialists. If you have a leaking gas pipe, an electric current problem, or a structural issue with your water tank, you need to make a call. There are tools and techniques that a plumber or technician from https://www.plumbersingapore.org/ is trained to handle that you do not want to try. Also, if your water heater is more than ten years old and has developed numerous faults, it may be worth considering buying a new one. A qualified person will help determine the repair versus replacement option.
