Blog

Photo By Minerva Studio at Shutterstock

Water heaters have turned into a basic necessity of life, especially in winter, as they bring the much needed relief during cold weather. When the temperatures drop, your water heater allows you to keep yourself warm and be at peace. It is for this reason that water heaters are in high demand. But the fact is that these heaters are often taken for granted and are not maintained regularly. This then results in a lot of problems.

By the end of this article, you will know exactly how you can identity a problem in your heater and take steps to resolve it.

Troubleshooting Water Heater Issues

When everything is in a freezing state it seems difficult to even imagine taking shower with moderately warm water, let alone with cold water. But the good news is that it is quite easy to troubleshoot basic problems of the heater. Let’s analyze those issues and find out how you can resolve them.

Take Necessary Precautions

The wisest step when you spot an issue with your water heater is to turn it off. Electric water heaters function on about 240 volts and can prove to be really dangerous if they are not turned off during a repair.

In order to shut down your heater, simply turn off the fuse or the circuit breaker that is connected to the unit.

Problem 1: Water Temperatures

Dropping of elevating water temperatures are the main reasons of requiring water heater repair. The first possible reason of a changing temperature is that there isn’t adequate warm water in your unit.

At other times, it is due to the fact that the unit has overheated the available water quantity. Sometimes, your unit takes too much time to reheat the water.

If there is no hot water, make sure that the unit is receiving its power supply. It could also be due to frequent tripping due to a drop in the power supply. If the circuit breaker is working in a perfect condition, then the issue is probably with the temperature limits of the unit. To do so, you will have to remove the panel and other material such as insulation and press the reset button. Carefully reinstall the insulation and switch your unit’s breaker on.

The second major issue that warrants water heater repair water temperatures is that you are experiencing extremely hot water. This could be happening due to an issue with the thermostat of your unit. In order to check the functioning of your thermostats, turn the power off, use a temperature checker to confirm if it is set at a maximum of 125 Fahrenheit.

Make sure that the temperature setting of both the thermostats is the same. Don’t forget to switch back on you circuit breaker to give a go ahead to your unit.

Problem 2: Inadequate Water Supply

Water heater repair is not generally required if you encounter an issue relating with an inadequate water supply. If it is low, it is clearly an indication that the heater doesn’t have the capacity for the entire household. One smart way to make sure that you do not run out of warm water during a shower is to limit its usage for other purposes, such as in the kitchen or the laundry.

However, your heater in Fort Worth, TX may be in need of a repair if is producing less water than its capacity, then there is definitely an issue with the upper or lower heating elements of your unit.

Problem 3: Leaks in the Unit

Water leaks are one of the major and troubling issues that hinders with the performance of your unit in Fort Worth, TX. A leakage in your water heater could occur due to several reasons. These include a fault in the T&P (temperature and pressure) valve, overheating, a leak due to a plumbing work or a leak in the water tank.

Leakage may also be taking place due to excessive pressure on your unit. You can release this pressure by lowering the pressure of the thermostat. Sometimes, leaks can easily be repaired by tightening the pipes. If you still encounter a leakage issue, remove the gasket. Also check for corrosion in the storage tank because it could also be a reason for the leakage.

Problem 4: Bacteria, Sediment Buildup

If you spot yellow or light brown water from the inlet that has foul odor, then it is due to the buildup of bacteria in the hot water tank. If you hear sound of boiling water, is probably due to excess of sediment at the bottom of the tank which requires a water heater repair. Remove both of these substances from your heater to ensure that it is able to perform at an optimum level.

Hire Professional Services

While it is relatively easy to spot a problem, repairing a heater on your own can be both hectic and risky. The only way you can carry out water heater repair in the Fort Worth, TX area is by hiring professionals to do the job. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides emergency services through trained technicians for your heater’s repair. The company provides discounts on many services and it has a rich experience of detecting leaks in any unit.

Final Words

Water heaters are important components of your house and provide you relief and comfort in freezing temperatures. That is why it’s mandatory to maintain your unit by monitoring its performance and inspecting it for faults. Hiring professionals to regularly inspect your unit and repair them in time is the only way to increase its lifespan. So act wisely!