What Are Some of the Most Common Repairs Made to Water Heaters?

If you own a home, chances are you have a water heater that provides hot water when needed. However, like most appliances, water heaters can develop issues over time that require repairs. Educating yourself on some of the most common repairs that are made to water heaters can help prepare you for when the time comes when you need water heater repair in Fountain Hills, AZ.

Inspecting Age and Condition

Before identifying specific repairs needed, technicians first assess the age and condition of your entire system. The average lifespan of a water heater is 8 to 12 years. If your unit is nearing or past this range, full replacement may be the best option rather than sink money into repairs. Technicians also look for major leaks, loud noises, and significant corrosion, which typically indicate the heater is beyond repair.

Replacing Failed Heating Elements

One widespread repair for electric water heaters is replacing worn out heating elements. These elements heat the water inside your tank. When they stop working properly, you experience a lack of hot water. Technicians turn off power to the heater, drain the tank below the heating elements’ location, detach the malfunctioning element, and install an adequate new replacement. Using the manufacturer-recommended elements is crucial.

Adjusting Faulty Temperature Controls

Temperature control issues also commonly require professional attention. If your hot water is lukewarm or dangerously hot, faulty thermostats or thermocouples are likely the root cause. Electric heaters necessitate replacement of the upper and lower thermostats controlling temperature. Gas systems need adjustment or replacement of thermocouples instead. Safely accessing internal controls requires specific expertise.

Fixing Leaky Valves, Fittings and Pipes

Over time, the various valves, pipe fittings, and connections on your water heater can begin leaking. This is evident by water pooling around the base, decreased water pressure from your taps, or spike in your utility expenses. While minor leaks may only require tightening specific joints or replacing worn washers and gaskets, significant leakage necessitates full replacement of damaged pipe sections or valves.

Performing Routine Draining and Flushing

To optimize performance and longevity of your unit, annual flushing of sediment buildup is highly recommended. Technicians drain hot water from the tank valve to rinse out most loose sediment. For considerable mineral accumulation causing operational problems, a deeper chemical flush is performed. This labor-intensive process requires complete drainage, cleaning all interior surfaces with a special cleaner, thorough rinsing, and refilling the tank.

Patching Tank Leaks

Over years of constant heating and pressure, small cracks or holes can form in the metal tank itself leaking water. Detecting tank leaks early and patching them can extend the heater’s lifespan. Minor leaks may be patchable with specialized putty or epoxy designed for high temperature applications. More significant damage necessitates cutting away the punctured section of the tank and welding in new leakproof metal. This intricate welding work requires calling in the professionals.

While the repairs outlined here may seem straightforward, attempting to self-service heating elements, valves, thermostats, and other internal components can be extremely dangerous if done improperly and is not encouraged. The experienced and licensed technicians have the proper training to accurately troubleshoot issues and safely perform repairs. Contact the experts to maximize safety, efficiency, and longevity of your home’s hot water system.