Water Heater Repair Houston can seem intimidating for homeowners without experience. However, professional plumbers have the expertise to assess problems and provide cost-effective solutions promptly.
Low rumbling or popcorn noises indicate sediment build-up in your water heater tank. Turn off electricity and water supply to the heater. Open the temperature pressure relief valve at the bottom of the tank and drain out all water and sediment. Replace the dip tube after the tank is drained.
A puddle of water around your hot water heater can dampen your day, especially when it seems to appear out of nowhere. Whether it’s a small leak or a major one, these problems should be addressed immediately by a professional. The first thing you need to do is determine where the leak is coming from. This will help you determine if it’s a simple fix or if you may need to replace your water heater.
Start by turning off the power and gas to your water heater. This will prevent any further damage from occurring. Next, drain the tank. This can be done by attaching a long hose to the drain valve on the bottom of your hot water tank and extending it to a safe location, such as a drain gutter or sink.
Once the tank is drained, examine all of the connections and pipes for looseness. This is often a sign of a minor leak and can be fixed by tightening the appropriate fittings with a wrench. Next, look at the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve). If it appears cracked or corroded, it will need to be replaced.
Finally, examine the hot and cold water inlets and outlets on the top of your tank for signs of leaks. These are also easy to spot and can be quickly resolved by tightening the pipe connections with a wrench. Finally, the water heater itself is prone to cracking and leaking from time to time. You can sometimes seal these cracks with epoxy, but it’s best to call a professional. They’ll be able to inspect your unit and discuss your repair or replacement options.
Faulty Thermostat
The water heater is a vital part of our homes and businesses. When it starts leaking or malfunctioning, it can be a huge inconvenience. Some issues may require professional water heater repair, but many can be addressed with common tools and troubleshooting techniques.
If you’ve noticed that your water heater is leaking, you should turn off the power and the water supply to the unit and check the water heater tank for signs of a leak. If you can see a pool of water at the base of the heater, there may be loose connections or a faulty anode rod that needs to be replaced. The water heater itself may also need to be replaced.
Other signs of a water heater problem include:
A thermostat that won’t work might be due to a simple issue like dead batteries. It’s important to replace your thermostat’s batteries, and if that doesn’t fix the problem, try flipping the switch in the service panel to “off” position before switching it back to “on.”
Water that smells bad can be a sign of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water. This can corrode the metal components of your water heater, causing them to malfunction or even break down. A plumber can disinfect the water heater and replace parts to solve this problem.
A plumber can also fix problems with a tripped circuit breaker or faulty heating elements on an electric model. To do this, they’ll first shut off the electricity to the water heater by locating the breaker box and switching it to the “off” position. They’ll then remove any mineral sediment from the bottom of the water heater tank, turn on the power and water to test for a heating element problem or a tripped breaker, and then replace the faulty elements.
Damaged Dip Tube
The dip tube is an essential water heater component that directs cold incoming water toward the bottom of the tank. Without it, cold and hot water might mix at the top of the tank, and this can lead to lukewarm showers and baths. It can also shorten the amount of usable hot water, especially if you’re using your hot water heater a lot to meet your family’s needs.
In some cases, the dip tube will break, which is usually a sign of wear and tear that requires a replacement. Fortunately, this is a fairly easy fix. First, you’ll want to turn off the power to your water heater. This is an important step, as it prevents electrical shock. You’ll also need to disconnect the cold water supply line to the heater, and drain the tank using a hose connected to the drain valve.
To access the dip tube, you’ll need to remove the pipe nipple and connector attached to the dip tube inlet at the top of the water heater. The dip tube itself is usually hidden inside of the nipple, but you should be able to see it easily once you have removed the nipple and connector.
When you’re ready to replace the dip tube, simply insert a new one into the inlet port at the top of the water heater. Be sure to insert it all the way in, and then use a screwdriver or a bendable piece of wood (such as 1 veneer layer off plywood) to push up against the tube and lift upward. You should be able to feel the curve of the tube as you’re doing this, and this can help you ensure that the new dip tube is installed correctly.
Faulty Anode Rod
The anode rod in your water heater tank serves as a “sacrificial” component, designed to experience galvanic corrosion in order to protect the metal lining of the water heater. Unfortunately, the anode rod does get consumed in this process, and you may need to call a plumber several times over your hot water heater’s life to replace it. If you see signs of a failing anode rod, like rust-colored hot water and a foul odor, it’s time to call for a professional repair before it’s too late.
Rust-colored hot water is a clear sign that the anode rod has been completely corroded, and that the rust is now soaking into your water. A bad odor, such as a sulfurous/rotten egg smell, is also indicative that the anode rod is no longer effective in controlling the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria in your hot water.
The anode rod is a steel wire sheathed in a specific metal, usually aluminum, zinc, or magnesium. Each type of anode rod has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the best option for your home depends on your water’s condition and your budget. For example, if you have hard water, you should opt for an aluminum anode rod; if you have soft water, a magnesium anode rod will last much longer than an aluminum one.
The anode rod is screwed into place at the top of your water heater tank. It’s easy to spot, since it’s usually labeled, and is locked in place with a hex nut. To remove it, locate the hex head and loosen it with a wrench or crescent wrench. Once loosened, the anode rod should pull out easily.
Popcorn Noise
Obviously, when you hear sounds that resemble your microwave popcorn popping in your water heater, it’s unnerving and you want to immediately jump to the worst conclusions possible. Luckily, these sounds are actually quite normal and are caused by steam bubbles escaping sediment that has built up in the bottom of your tank. Normally, this is not a major problem but it can cause your water heater to run inefficiently and can lead to damage over time.
Orange County’s hard water is chock full of minerals, and these mineral deposits, sand and other debris often stick to the bottom of your tank. As the hot water flows through your heater, these particles are essentially encrusting the tank, heating element and everything else they touch. The heat only aggravates the problem, causing many tiny explosions every time the hot water hits the sediment.
The good news is, this is a common and simple problem to solve. Simply drain and flush your water heater tank to remove the sediment. This can be done by locating the drain valve on the bottom of your water heater and connecting a garden hose to it. Next, open your pressure relief valve and one of the hot water faucets in your home. Turn on the hot water faucets to start draining out the sediment and hot water.
Once the sediment is removed, you can close the drain valve and reconnect the pressure relief valve. It’s best to get a plumber to do this, but it is a fairly easy process. A professional can also give your entire system a general check-up to ensure it’s running properly. This can help prevent these problems from occurring in the future and keep your water heater running at its best for as long as it can.