If your water heater isn’t providing hot water, turn off the power supply and close the gas valve. This will stop the problem from worsening until your plumber can take a look. Before calling a pro, you can try relighting the pilot light or adjusting the thermostat. However, it’s best to leave more advanced troubleshooting to experts who are familiar with the potential hazards of working on gas Denver Water Heaters.
Leaking
When water heaters leak, it can be an emergency. Puddles of water around a water heater can lead to flooding and serious property damage, so it’s essential to call a plumber at the first sign of a leak. Homeowners often assume that a tank replacement is the only option, but many of these issues are repairable. The location of the leak plays a major role in whether a water heater replacement is necessary, so a qualified plumber can inspect the device and help homeowners decide on a repair or replace option.
Leaks around a water heater are incredibly common and can happen for a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is a damaged drain valve, which can loosen over time and allow water to leak from the bottom of the unit. This can be easily fixed by a professional, but in some cases, the valve will need to be replaced altogether.
Another common source of water heater leaks is the inlet and outlet connections, which can become loose over time due to rust or corrosion. This is a fairly easy fix, though it will likely require a wrench to tighten the connection. It’s also important to check the hose and tube connections at the top of the tank, as these are often prone to leakage.
If the leak is located inside the tank, the situation may be more severe. This can be due to sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, a crack in the internal tank wall, or a number of other issues. This issue usually requires a new water heater, but sometimes it’s possible to patch the leak with a repair kit.
The best way to prevent these issues is by performing regular maintenance on a water heater, including flushing the tank and cleaning the sediment filter. It’s also important to respond quickly when you notice a leak, as this will reduce the damage and ensure that the problem is repaired before it gets worse. Taking these steps will allow you to get the most use out of your water heater before needing to replace it.
Overheating
Overheating is a serious problem that can lead to a lot of expensive damage in a short amount of time. It also presents a real danger to anyone using your water. Young children, in particular, can suffer severe scald burns within seconds of coming into contact with hot water. If you notice a sudden change in the temperature of your water, it’s important to turn off the power to your heater as soon as possible and call a professional for repairs.
A common reason for your water heater to overheat is mineral sediment buildup on the heating elements. Sediment makes the element work harder than necessary to heat the water. It can eventually burn out completely, causing overheating. Having your tank flushed and cleaned once a year can prevent this problem from occurring.
Another cause for overheating is a faulty temperature and pressure relief valve. This small opening on the side of your water heater is a key safety feature. When water temperatures and pressure rise to unsafe levels, the TPR opens and releases a small amount of steam and water as regulation. If the valve is faulty, it can keep opening and overheating the water heater until it bursts. Thankfully, this is an easy fix that most plumbers can handle.
Lastly, a faulty thermostat can also be the culprit of overheating. The thermostat is responsible for turning the power to the water heater elements on and off as needed. If the thermostat malfunctions, it will fail to turn off the power and allow the elements to overheat. If you suspect this is the issue, turn off the power to your water heater, then remove the access panel, insulation and plastic safety guard from each of the two heating elements. Use a screwdriver to check the current setting of each thermostat and lower it if it’s above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the factory recommended setting.
If you’ve ruled out these issues and are still experiencing excessively hot water, it’s likely time to replace your water heater. It may be able to be repaired, but it will probably cost more in the long run than replacing it early.
Noise
When a water heater makes a noise that is different from its normal function, it could indicate that there is a problem. Often, it’s best to call in a professional to look at the unit and determine if there is a need for repair or replacement.
Typically, a screeching sound can be heard when there is an issue with your hot water tank. This sound is caused by water being pushed through a small opening under great pressure. This can be caused by a valve that is not fully opened, or it could mean the dip tube is broken. Listen carefully to hear where the sound is coming from and call in a plumber to fix it.
Crackling and sizzling sounds can also be a sign of a water heater issue. This is often caused by sediments and minerals collecting on the elements inside of your water heater. This can be a big problem and will likely require the element to be replaced.
Another common noise is humming. This sound is usually a result of the hot water heater cycling on and off as it is heating or cooling the water. The humming sound can be a nuisance for some people, so if you’re experiencing this noise, it’s best to call in
Other sounds that can be heard from your water heater include rumbling and popping. The rumbling sound is usually an indication of sediment buildup. This can be a big issue and should not be ignored. A plumber can drain the water tank and flush the sediment out of it. This should be done after shutting off the gas, water and power to your tank, and removing the water lines and power wires from it. This can be a difficult process and is best left to a professional.
Damage
Water damage is one of the most common and costly home repairs, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Accidental water damage is second on the list, and the leading cause is a burst or leaky water heater. If you find a puddle of water around your hot water heater, or spots on your ceiling, it’s time to call for emergency water heater repair.
A leaking water heater isn’t just a nuisance; it can also be an environmental hazard for wildlife that lives in the area and encourages mold and mildew growth. A leaking water heater can also flood your basement, or create soggy drywall in your utility room.
If you find a puddle of hot water under your water heater, first check to make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Then turn off the power to your water heater. If the puddle is still there, it’s likely caused by rust or sediment in your tank that needs to be flushed out. A professional plumber can flush the tank to restore proper function.
Another sign of water heater problems is a sagging or bulging tank. These types of tanks are prone to rusting and corrosion, which can lead to leaks and other serious issues. You’ll want to replace the existing water heater with a newer model before the internal parts begin leaking or breaking down.
Leaks in a water heater usually begin at the cold water inlet or outlet pipes, which supply water into the tank and carry hot water out to your faucets. These connections can loosen and leak over time, so you should check them frequently to make sure they’re tight. You can usually tighten these connections using a pipe wrench, but if the leak is more serious you may need to replace the pipe or valve.
A leaking water heater can also be caused by a damaged temperature and pressure relief valve, or T&P. This valve helps to reduce the pressure in your tank, and if it’s damaged it can release high levels of water into your home. If you see that your water heater’s T&P valve is leaking, or if it has a broken handle, you’ll need to replace it immediately to avoid a dangerous and messy disaster.