Knowing when to replace a water heater is a skill that every homeowner should have. There are times when excessive leaks can be stopped by performing easy and simple repairs. You don't want to replace your unit too soon, especially if you are on a tight budget. To avoid unexpected water heater replacement, look for signs of damage from time to time. This will help problems from escalating, avoiding costly repairs in the future.
Before inspecting your water heater, always make sure you have a safe environment to work with. You can start by shutting down your circuit breaker or gas supply valve before you proceed. If you see water puddles near the base of your unit, wipe it immediately to avoid splashing the electrical conduits. This is very dangerous, especially if your heating source hasn't been turned off properly. Inform everyone in your household not to touch the circuit breaker while you check your water heater. It also helps bringing a friend or two to accompany you just in case something unexpected happens. If you don't have enough experience working with your water heater, it is wise to consult a specialist immediately.
Expect to have insufficient supply of hot-water if you have been using your unit for more than a decade. At this point, it's better to buy a replacement water heater to stop spending too much on frequent repairs. If you have given up on finding the cause of the leak, it is possible that your side-wall seam, welded joint and steel thread have deteriorated. At times like this, water is more likely to leak, causing your heating system to operate inefficiently. Always call a professional to install your new unit to avoid further damage.
First thing to check is your thermostat settings. Once you notice your water having varying temperatures, adjust it to its correct setting. However, having an unstable water temperature is one of the signs that your water heater is running old. If the problem persists, sediments may have been sitting at the bottom of your tank for a long time. Rust can cause your dip tube and electric elements to deteriorate and stop working. Do not let corrosion eat your tank completely to avoid replacing your unit unexpectedly.
You may notice a wire screen attached in your water tap. This screen is called an aerator, responsible for producing a smooth flow of water from your faucet. If your unit is generating water for a short period of time, look for chunks of plastic inside your aerator by unscrewing it. Sometimes, your unit may not be producing enough hot-water as it used to due to a heavy sediment buildup. Again, flush and drain your tank if the problem continues.
To prevent cold water from entering your hot water pipes, always make sure your dip tube is in its perfect condition. This tube is responsible for leading cold water right at the bottom of the tank, making it easy for the burner to heat water. A deteriorated dip tube will only cause cold water to directly hit the hot water pipes without being heated properly.
Heavy sediment and water minerals, if not addressed on time, can create holes at the bottom of your tank. This is a common problem, especially if you have highly corrosive water. Avoid sediment from accumulating by draining and flushing your tank regularly. Sometimes, these sediments can clog your valve, making it difficult to drain your tank empty. Some homeowners try to pump the water from the top of the tank while vacuuming all the remaining filth inside. This will only waste your time and money since your tank's internal components have already rusted.
Always make it a point to inspect all areas of your water heater thoroughly. Doing this spares you from committing the mistake of buying a new unit which is not necessary. You can perform simple repairs to several water heater issues to avoid replacing your unit anytime soon. However, if you've been spending too much on frequent repairs, it is better to look for a new replacement unit instead. A cost-efficient water heater is always a good investment since it can help reduce your energy bill in the long run. To learn more tips on water heater replacement, contact a specialist immediately.
Before inspecting your water heater, always make sure you have a safe environment to work with. You can start by shutting down your circuit breaker or gas supply valve before you proceed. If you see water puddles near the base of your unit, wipe it immediately to avoid splashing the electrical conduits. This is very dangerous, especially if your heating source hasn't been turned off properly. Inform everyone in your household not to touch the circuit breaker while you check your water heater. It also helps bringing a friend or two to accompany you just in case something unexpected happens. If you don't have enough experience working with your water heater, it is wise to consult a specialist immediately.
Expect to have insufficient supply of hot-water if you have been using your unit for more than a decade. At this point, it's better to buy a replacement water heater to stop spending too much on frequent repairs. If you have given up on finding the cause of the leak, it is possible that your side-wall seam, welded joint and steel thread have deteriorated. At times like this, water is more likely to leak, causing your heating system to operate inefficiently. Always call a professional to install your new unit to avoid further damage.
First thing to check is your thermostat settings. Once you notice your water having varying temperatures, adjust it to its correct setting. However, having an unstable water temperature is one of the signs that your water heater is running old. If the problem persists, sediments may have been sitting at the bottom of your tank for a long time. Rust can cause your dip tube and electric elements to deteriorate and stop working. Do not let corrosion eat your tank completely to avoid replacing your unit unexpectedly.
You may notice a wire screen attached in your water tap. This screen is called an aerator, responsible for producing a smooth flow of water from your faucet. If your unit is generating water for a short period of time, look for chunks of plastic inside your aerator by unscrewing it. Sometimes, your unit may not be producing enough hot-water as it used to due to a heavy sediment buildup. Again, flush and drain your tank if the problem continues.
To prevent cold water from entering your hot water pipes, always make sure your dip tube is in its perfect condition. This tube is responsible for leading cold water right at the bottom of the tank, making it easy for the burner to heat water. A deteriorated dip tube will only cause cold water to directly hit the hot water pipes without being heated properly.
Heavy sediment and water minerals, if not addressed on time, can create holes at the bottom of your tank. This is a common problem, especially if you have highly corrosive water. Avoid sediment from accumulating by draining and flushing your tank regularly. Sometimes, these sediments can clog your valve, making it difficult to drain your tank empty. Some homeowners try to pump the water from the top of the tank while vacuuming all the remaining filth inside. This will only waste your time and money since your tank's internal components have already rusted.
Always make it a point to inspect all areas of your water heater thoroughly. Doing this spares you from committing the mistake of buying a new unit which is not necessary. You can perform simple repairs to several water heater issues to avoid replacing your unit anytime soon. However, if you've been spending too much on frequent repairs, it is better to look for a new replacement unit instead. A cost-efficient water heater is always a good investment since it can help reduce your energy bill in the long run. To learn more tips on water heater replacement, contact a specialist immediately.
About the Author:
Learn more about water heater repair tips . Stop by Brian Winters's site where you can find out all about water heater maintenance and how it can benefit you.
No comments:
Post a Comment