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Only when you discover that you have no hot water, or that the hot water is insufficient, do you pay attention to your water heater. Many homeowners neglect to get these issues checked on time, and that can be folly. Deferring any plumbing issues, including hot water system repairs, can also result in more complications and expensive repairs down the track.
The best way to make sure that the problem doesn’t get out of control is to contact licensed gas fitters to come and inspect the system. While it’s best to leave this job to experienced professionals, there are some necessary troubleshooting steps you can follow to address your water heater problems. Here we take a look at what they are and how you can tackle them.
Common Water Heater Problems
- Thermostat Setting- This is quite a common problem that seems like a major one but is easy to fix. If you find that the water in your home isn’t sufficiently hot, check the temperature setting on the thermostat. If it is too low, increase the setting so that you have sufficient hot water.
- Leaking Tank-This problem may mean you’d have to replace the entire tank. However, if the leakage stems from a valve/pipe connected to the system, the repair will be more straightforward.
- Sedimentation – This issue is generally accompanied by knocking or pinging sounds. The sedimentation build-up that forms at the hot water system’s tank base absorbs large amounts of heat from the water. This stresses its heating element, reducing its effectiveness & shortening its lifespan.
- Faulty Heating System- In case you’ve have neglected standard maintenance, or if your water heater is more than 10 years old, the thermal switch, heating element, or thermostat may fail, and only cold water will come out of showers & taps in your home.
Diagnosing and fixing all these problems isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. While you can do some basic troubleshooting and visual inspection, all repairs are best left to professional plumbers.
Water Heater Maintenance
Keeping your hot water system in good condition is about making sure that it’s maintained well. Here are some tips to follow:
Before starting, make sure you turn off the system’s power. In case of a gas water heater, turn off its gas supply before going through these steps:
- First do a mini flush of the system as it will remove the sedimentation from the tank.
- Test the unit’s temperature & pressure (T&P) valve. Make sure there aren’t any signs of leaks and that it’s working correctly.
- Check the tank for signs of rusting and call in the experts if you notice any leaks.
On-time repairs and maintenance help maintain the overall condition of the system and increase its lifespan as well. For any more information call Hero Plumbing at this number- (02) 9137 8549. We are available 24/7 and offer affordable plumbing services. You can also book online by clicking here, or request a free quote through this form and we will revert shortly.
