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Hot water. Everyone takes it for granted it\u2019ll be there when they turn the faucet on or want to take a shower. It\u2019s only at those moments when you suddenly don\u2019t have it you\u2019ll likely give your hot water heater any thought at all.<\/p>\n
When you do have problems with your water heater, though, there\u2019s no time to waste in dealing with the situation. Based on our experience, these are three of the most common situations requiring expert help.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hot water heaters are a significant financial investment as well as usually found in tight spaces. That means when problems like the ones below occur, you\u2019re better off (and safer!) calling a professional.<\/p>\n
This is the most common problem people have with water heaters, and depending on the type being used \u2013 gas or electric \u2013 the causes for it will vary. With gas water heaters, the simplest explanation is the pilot light has gone out.<\/p>\n
This is not, however, something\u00a0that should happen on its own and isn\u2019t as simple to fix as just relighting the pilot light. Instead, it usually indicates a thermocouple has gone bad or a pilot control valve is faulty, both of which are best left to a trained technician to replace.<\/p>\n
The same is true with an electric water heater which isn\u2019t producing hot water as it typically means the heating element needs to be replaced.<\/p>\n
Does your water heater make rumbling or popping sounds when it comes on? If so, the problem is likely related to sediment at the bottom of the tank, especially if you\u2019re using hard water.With a gas heater, these noises are caused by water boiling under the sediment. With electric water heaters, if sediment is covering the heating element, these sounds are the sediment being directly burned by the heating element.<\/p>\n
Either situation will shorten the life of the water heater because the sediment retains heat and raises the temperature in the tank higher than it should be. Over time, this weakens both the interior lining and the tank itself and can result in leaks.Having a professional drain and refill the water should take care of this.<\/p>\n
Once your water heater springs a leak, it\u2019s simple: It\u2019s time to buy a new one right away. There\u2019s no safe or effective way to repair leaks, and the last thing you want is 30-60 gallons of water dumped on the floor. This does, however, lead to another consideration.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a good idea to have a drain pan installed under your water heater with a drain line running outside the house. That way, if there is a catastrophic failure, interior water damage will be minimized.<\/p>\n