Water heaters are arguably the most silent workhorses of all household appliances. They work tirelessly around the clock, to supply hot water to your every need. As with any other machine or appliance with moving parts, water heaters may occasionally break down. Whether you have an electrical, gas, or solar model, there are certain steps you can take in order to make sure your water heater is working properly once again. Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot common water heater problems, no matter what type of water heater you have.
The most common symptom of a defective heating element is an extremely smelly odor. If the water heater tank becomes clogged, the smell will usually build up inside, especially if the tank is leaking. If you notice that the smell is not building up inside but rather just seeping out, the most likely cause is a buildup of foul-smelling materials inside the tank. Leaking pipes or faucets may be to blame, as can clog drains or tubs or even sewage pipes. If you can’t see any water leaking, check the pipes near the heating element to see if you have a problem.
Other less common water heater problems include excessive hot or cold water and strange noise. If you are getting unusually hot water, or if you notice that the water is skipping or too slow in running, this could be an indication that the hot water switch is defective. A hot water switch is usually located near the hot water tank and requires a turn of the hand crank to switch it on or off. If this is the problem, you should call a professional water heater repair Sun City, AZ to check it out. There are plenty of hot water heater repair shops in virtually every city and town, and many of them have qualified plumbing professionals on staff.
Another less common reason for problems is a lack of adequate hot water. If the water heater has a lower capacity than your machine can handle, it may not be able to keep up with the demand and fill the tank to the correct temperature. In some cases, the tank may simply become too full and burst, causing water temperature issues in the home. If you are having these problems, it’s best to have a professional repair the heater before the water gets too hot.
If you experience that your water heater fails to heat the water close to the proper temperature, the tank might be too small or the drainpipe might be clogged, causing the heater to become under-heated. As a result, you may not be getting enough hot water, even though you have a heating system that is working properly. In this case, you should have a professional check out your system.
Water heater problems aren’t always easy to diagnose, but there are some signs that can help you determine whether or not your system needs attention. If your water heater seems to be functioning at a lower temperature than normal, this could mean that the thermostat isn’t working properly. It’s generally better to replace a faulty heating element than to risk having the entire system fail. If you suspect that your system needs to be repaired, have a professional come look at the issue. They’ll be able to give you an accurate cost estimate on what it will cost to fix your water heater.
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