Water Heater – Service, Repair or Replace

Common Water Heater Problems

It never fails – during your morning shower will be the time you find out that you have water heater problems. Sorry, maybe it’s just Murphy’s law. It’s a good thing that most water heater problems are not as difficult to fix as you may think. Whether your water heater is gas or electric, there are many common problems that the average homeowner can repair themselves.

ELECTRIC HOT WATER HEATERS: Electric hot water heaters use 240 watts of electrical power. A shock from this can be fatal, so be sure to turn off the electrical power to the unit before you proceed with any repairs.

One of the most common problems with an electric hot water heater is that hard water contains contaminants that can build up over time. This sediment settles in the bottom of the water tank and can hinder the water heater’s performance and shorten its lifespan. You can slow down this process by simply lowering the temperature of your heater to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and adding a water softener.

Another common problem is that there is not enough hot water or the water is too hot. This can easily be solved by adjusting the thermostat or heating element of the water heater.

If your water heater is leaking around the valve, you may need to tighten the valve up. If there is still a leak, replace the valve completely.

Checking your water heater for any signs of rust or corrosion is also important. If your water heater is becoming rusty you will need to replace the whole water heater unit.

You will also need to drain and flush the water heater if your water appears dirty or the heater runs noisily. All of these problems can easily be fixed yourself with a bit of care and knowledge.

GAS HOT WATER HEATER PROBLEMS: If you smell a gas odor for a few minutes coming from your gas water heater, you will need to turn off the gas valve that supplies the water to the heater and call your gas company immediately. If this is not one of your problems, you may be able to fix your gas water heater yourself.

Most gas water heaters are small, however, if you have a larger family, you may wish to purchase a bigger gas water heater. The appropriate size should hold 15 gallons of hot water per member of the household.

One of the most common problems of a gas hot water heater is that there is no hot water. If this is the case, check the pilot light. Chances are it just needs to be re-lit. If the pilot light does not seem to want to stay lit, you will need to clean the pilot orifice, tighten the thermo-couple connections or replace the thermocouple. This usually takes care of the problem.

If the water is too hot, or there is not enough hot water, you will probably need to check the thermostat and reset it to a more comfortable level.

Other problems can be fixed by flushing and cleaning the water heater.

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Water Heater Sediment – Warning Signs

The boiling bubbling sound you hear coming from the water heater is mineral build up. The symptoms are rumbling, crackling or popping sound from your water heater. Lime ( CaCo3 ) is the most common element in ” Hard ” water. The more heat applied to the water, the more lime leaches out. High usage, hard water and time can lead to a limed-up water heater tank. By flush out the water heater tank once a year you will prevent lime buildup.

Water Circulation Pumps “Circ Pumps” Save Time Getting Hot Water to Tap

Circulating pumps are often used to circulate domestic hot water so that a faucet will provide hot water almost instantly upon demand, or (more conserving of energy) or a short time after a user’s turns on the faucet for hot water. In regions where water conservation issues are rising in importance, (Yes we’re living in one of those regions), with rapidly expanding and urbanizing populations local water authorities offer rebates to homeowners and builders that install a circulator pump to save water. Note: Rebates with local Utility Companies come and go depending on funds available for rebates. For possible Water Rebates Check the Eastern Municipal Water District’s “Rebate Program Page”. For Gas Utilities check SoCalGas.com’s “Rebates and Energy Efficiency Page“.

In typical one-way plumbing without a circulation pump, water is simply piped from the water heater through the pipes to the tap. Once the tap is shut off, the water remaining in the pipes cools producing the familiar wait for hot water the next time the tap is opened. By adding a circulator pump and constantly circulating a small amount of hot water through the pipes from the heater to the furthest fixture and back to the heater, the water in the pipes is always hot, and no water is wasted during the wait.

If you want immediate hot water for convenience sake or need it for a medical condition, I.E. Plumbing installs and services “Circ Pumps”. Ask about out our Circ Pump installation service.

For all your Water Heater service needs I.E. Plumbing Services is your Menifee CA, Plumber. Call and schedule plumbing service for any day of the week for a free estimate. We highly recommend Bradford White Water Heaters and can deliver and install one of their premier commercial water heaters at residential prices.
Call: (951) 375-9599 Now!