Can a Decatur water heater be repaired?
One of the biggest questions homeowners ask is, can a Decatur water heater be repaired? The answer is resounding sometimes. The repairability of a water heater can depend on many factors. And it is not reasonable to go without hot water. It is vital to understand what can go wrong with your water heater and when a repair is an option. How can you know what’s what with a piece of equipment that’s out of your wheelhouse? We’re so glad you asked! Let’s take a look at how your water heater works, some common problems that crop up with water heaters, and whether or not a plumber can repair these issues.
The Low-Down on Your Water Heater
A water heater is a fairly simple device designed to heat the water in your home. Can you imagine going without hot water for even one day? Not likely. We rely on it for so many things that not only keep us happy but also healthy. Baths and showers, dishwashing, laundry, hand washing, house cleaning – all of these things depend on hot water. Without it, we risk more than just a dirty house. Hot water helps kill viruses and bacteria that can grow and thrive without the right cleaning. And cleaning with cold water does not do the trick.
How it Works
- Water flows into and down to the bottom of the tank through the dip tube on top of the tank.
- The thermostat checks the temperature of the water against the set temperature.
- If the water is below the set temperature, the thermostat acts to heat the water.
- The heating element in an electric tank or the burner in a gas water heater turns on when the thermostat triggers it to heat water to the desired temperature.
- When you turn on the hot water tap, heated water moves up from the tank into the heat-out pipe and through the pipes in your home to your faucet.
Common Water Heater Problems
Like with any of your home appliances, your water heater can break down. Some problems are more common than others. The most common water heater problems include:
- Not enough hot water. If you don’t have as much hot water as you like, try turning up the tank’s thermostat. Be careful not to turn it past the warning point. Water that is too hot as it comes from the tank can cause scalding.
- No hot water. With an electric water heater, no hot water can indicate a broken or failing heating element. With a gas water heater, it could be the pilot light that went out. Replacing the heating element or the faulty pilot control valve could fix the problem.
- Rusty water. If your water is starting to look a little rust-colored, it’s not a good sign. It could mean the inside of the tank is beginning to rust or sediment inside the tank. A professional plumber can tell you if these issues are repairable or if it’s too far along and the water heater requires replacement.
- Water that smells bad. Bad-smelling or tasting water could indicate bacteria in the water heater. Flushing and cleaning the tank can often resolve the issue.
- Water leaks. If you see water around the base of your water heater tank, there are a couple of potential causes. It could be a faulty pressure relief valve that’s caused the leak, or it could mean your tank is breaking down and leaking. Water leaks require immediate attention from a professional plumber. If the water is left untreated, it can cause damage to more than just the area around the water heater.
Water Heater Components
- Shut-off valve: This valve makes sure the tank doesn’t overfill by shutting off the water when it reaches capacity
- Drain valve: This allows you to drain the tank should it be necessary for service, repair, or replacement
- Pressure relief valve: This valve is a safety measure that allows water to move through the valve and out of the tank should excess pressure build-up within the tank.
- Anode rod: This component protects the inside of the tank from corrosion and rust
Can You DIY It?
Some water heater issues are easy to fix on your own. It depends on your comfort level working with the electricity or gas, the tank itself, and the components that run the system.
With some troubleshooting tips, you might be able to avoid repair or replacement temporarily. The problem with a DIY fix is that you could either prolong the issue or make matters worse without a qualified plumber’s training and experience.
Count on the Pros at Anthony Wimpey Plumbing
If you notice any signs of problems with your water heater, you don’t have to live with it. You shouldn’t go without hot water, not even for one day, and small problems have a way of turning into big ones. Don’t ignore the signs that something is amiss with your hot water system.
The master plumbers at Anthony Wimpey Plumbing can help. We have over 30 years of experience with a commitment to exceptional customer service. We won’t lead you astray and try to get you to spend more than necessary. If your water heater is on the blink, but it is fixable, we’ll repair it for you with a guarantee of our work. Now, if it’s beyond repair, we’ll work with you to come up with the best and most affordable solution for you and your family.
If you’re having issues with your tankless or tank hot water, look no further than the reliable team at Anthony Wimpey Plumbing. We’ll assess your system and follow up with the best service in the area. Contact us online now if you’re wondering whether or not a Decatur water heater can be repaired, and we’ll work to take care of the issue. Learn more about our plumbing services.