How to fix a hot water system

Hot Water System Repairs

A severe hot water system problem can be very costly to fix. As a result, it may be worth looking into hiring a professional repair company to fix your broken heating unit. This article will help you decide whether or not it's necessary and how to choose the right plumbing company to help.

Many people are willing to invest in their home heating system by installing a boiler or electric water heater. This is because they can sometimes save up to 50% on their electricity bill versus renting commercial heaters that keep you warm year-round.

Because these models are often cheaper than their rental counterparts, the return on investment may be significant if you're a frequent hot water user. But this is not much of a factor if you're planning to lease your home. In this case, your landlord will probably be responsible for paying to get your hot water tank fixed. If not, you'll have to pay the cost yourself.

Tips On How To Fix A Hot Water System

You can encounter many problems with hot water systems. If you have not maintained your system well, this could be one of the main reasons it is not working effectively. Here is a guide on how to fix a hot water system:

Check the thermostat settings

If you set the thermostat too high, your boiler will use more fuel, thus causing it to overheat and possibly break down. You must check your thermostat as frequently as you study other safety mechanisms in your house – every month or so – to prevent this from happening.

Check the pressure valve

A pressure valve is usually located between your tank and the water pump. The pressure valve opens when the pressure in the tank rises above a set level. If it does not close when the water flow slows, this will cause your boiler to overheat and possibly break down.

The obvious solution for this problem would be to check your pressure valve often, thus preventing it from being stuck open or closed. If you do not believe you will remember to check on it, hire a professional maintenance specialist to do it for you regularly – once every two weeks or so.

Replace the damaged parts

If you notice rust build-up in connection with your tank, this could be why it is not working correctly. To prevent this from happening, replace the parts as soon as possible. This may involve replacing your old tank with a new one – either an indoor or outdoor model – or simply cleaning and inspecting them professionally before putting them back in place.

Change your water pressure regulator

Your water pressure regulator can sometimes be inside the boiler room of your home; thus, it cannot be visible to the naked eye. You must check it at least once a month so that it does not overheat and break down.

Keep the inside clean

As mentioned previously, your water supply can become clogged with sediment if you don't clean it every now and then. If there is also a specific mineral build-up in your pipes, this will be the reason why it is not working correctly. You will have to inspect the inside of your pipes at least once a year to remove them. Otherwise, you will spend more money replacing them faster than expected.

Check that the drain valve is open

If you notice a problem with opening and closing this particular valve, this is likely one of the reasons your water heater doesn't work properly. You will have to check if it has been installed correctly or if there is a blocked drain. If you cannot repair it yourself, hire a professional for this task.

Keep your water tank clean and full

Your water tank should be about 25% full, just like your car's petrol tank must be kept full for the vehicle to run smoothly. If it is not, this could cause your water heater to overheat and possibly break down. So, if you're using a tankless heater, ensure you fill up the water tank between uses.

Whether your home's heating system is old and slow or new and efficient, problems happen. When these problems do occur, there are several things that you can do to determine how to fix them quickly; however, in many cases, the repair will cost more than replacing the unit entirely.

Common Problems With Hot Water Systems

Clogged or evaporative activated faucet

This is a common problem with old water heaters. To clean it, you must shut off the cold water and then turn on the hot water in the sink. Once this happens, the faucet will drain itself out while removing any excess soap or debris that may be causing problems in the first place (such as soap scum or mineral deposits). If there is no debris, remove and replace your faucet and then run cold water through it to determine whether it is working correctly.

Sporadic water heating

Before determining how to fix it, you must first turn off the electricity and gas to avoid dangerous situations. If the water heater is only sporadically heating up, this could be caused by a faulty valve that has not been correctly installed or closed all the way. This step applies to those using electric water heaters: power off the electricity and check for leaks around your pipes and fittings.

Black or sluggish water

First, inspect for any signs of leaks. If you find any, fix them immediately. After that, check for sediment and debris in the bottom of your tank. If the tank is messy, you'll have to flush it.

Freezing water

It is normal for old water heaters to freeze in areas with extreme weather conditions, so if yours has started to melt or crack, replace it as soon as possible with a new model before it affects your safety (or hot water supply).

Tank leaks

If you notice that the tank is leaking, this may be caused by rust and corrosion. Rust happens when water with high oxygen flows through metal pipes. To prevent it from happening, always clean your water heater regularly (every four-six months) to remove any sediment that may have formed on the sides of your tank (this includes the bottom too).

Leaking drain valve

Stop leaks before they occur by ensuring that the drain valve is open or closed adequately and free of debris and mineral deposits. You must check it whenever you turn off your hot water heater to determine whether it has been installed correctly with no kinks and bends.

Hot Water System Repair Mistakes To Avoid

Repairing a hot water system can be confusing and quite stressful for many people. This is especially true if you're working on a gas water heater, as this will require you to turn off the gas first to prevent serious accidents. The following list of mistakes you should avoid will help guide you along the way, so read carefully and start your project as soon as possible.

Leaving the hot water tank open

Always check if the hot water tank has been properly vented and sealed when you've completed your repairs, as an open tank could lead to leaks and moisture build-up. This build-up can have many adverse effects on your hot water heater, so always ensure it is properly sealed to avoid a disaster.

Not checking for leaks

Always check for leaks when all of the repairs are completed. This is especially true for gas water heaters as it will require you to turn off the gas first before doing any work. Ensure everything works properly before turning the gas back on again; otherwise, this could be extremely dangerous and cause a fire or explosion.

Using oil or grease to clean it

Use a mild dishwashing soap instead of oil or grease if you want a clean and shiny tank. If you use oil or grease, this could cause holes in the bottom of your tank and make it fail when you turn on your water heater again.

Cutting the water heater cord

This mistake is especially dangerous because you may not be able to turn it back on again in the future when you replace your hot water heater. If you do cut the cord, do not use a power drill or scissors to do this. The water heater cord is made of high-quality PVC, so you can cut it easily with a good pair of wire cutters.

Choosing the wrong heater

To get the most accurate service information and repair estimates for your hot water system, choose only heating models manufactured by trusted brands. These companies have been in business for a long time and have proven themselves to be reliable manufacturers that will stand behind their products.

Not screwing it together properly

For your water heater to work correctly, you must have it tightly screwed together so that there are no gaps inside the tank. Otherwise, it will leak and cause problems with adequately heating your water. So, leaving more than one screw loose in the bottom of your tank will allow water to escape while also causing chemical damage internally.

Using Teflon tape instead of metal bands

If you want to use a metal band on your hot water tank, use one that is an appropriate size for this job and not the small ones you may have hanging around your house. These are not meant to be installed on water heaters and can cause them to leak and overheat when used. If you want to use tape, make sure it is made of metal, not plastic.

Using your hands to remove bubbles

For homeowners using hot water heaters, you must NOT use your hands to remove any foggy streaks from the inside of the tanks. Bubbles may eventually appear again in the future (this is especially true for older heat pump models).

As such, it's best to leave them on the inside of your tank as there will be no visible signs of them when used next time. Instead, you should use a power drill with a stainless-steel blade to clean any bubbles without spilling any water out of your tank when it's turned on next time.

Finding The Right Hot Water System Professional

Ask around for references

When unsure how to approach it, ask a few friends or co-workers who have good recommendations. You will be surprised by the information people will share about their experiences and the companies they are happy with. It is not a bad idea to inquire from your local utility company since they will also have plenty of advice and experience to share.

Check reviews online

Checking reviews online for a professional company is a great way to start your search. Most sites offer helpful information on their credentials, services, pricing, and repair rates. This private search also allows you to see if the company has positive reviews submitted by clients who have had positive experiences, which can help you learn more about their qualifications and experience level.

Call for a quote

Many local companies offer the same services as national hot water system contractors, but each will charge differently. By calling for a quote from a local company, you can get to know the cost estimate in advance and see if it is within your budget. Most of these companies offer online quotes without having to pay for an appointment first, so you can schedule an appointment with them at a time that suits you.

Inquire from your local plumbers

Call up your local plumbing company and ask for services such as Sydney hot water repairs. Don't forget to ask what their pricing is like, the quality of their work, and how long it takes them to complete such jobs. If possible, you should also look at some of their previous similar projects.

Ask your house repairer

Another great source of assistance is your local home improvement store specializing in heating systems. They will often have customers who have also used hot water system repair services before and be able to share their experience and the quality of the work with you. This way, you can quickly find a company that will give you the desired results.

Professional Hot Water System Repairs

If you have tried everything suggested to no avail, and your hot water system still isn't working effectively, it is time to contact a hot water service professional for help. Do not waste any more time trying to fix it by yourself.

Always call a professional for help when you are not confident about dealing with a heavy-duty project or if you do not have the necessary materials required to complete the repair on your own. A professional will know how to inspect your hot water system and detect potential issues with any of its parts.