Water Heater Repair Spring TX is best left to a professional plumber. However, routine maintenance is important to help keep your system running smoothly.
If you notice a sulfur smell or discoloration, turn off your water and try draining it. This may clear up the problem. If not, the anode rod may need to be replaced.
A faulty thermostat can cause a variety of problems. It may be unable to read the correct temperature, or it may not even work at all. A malfunctioning thermostat can also lead to a tripped circuit breaker or excessive heat, both of which can be dangerous. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you should consult a professional to fix them.
Thermostats are the brains of your water heater, controlling the temperature and determining how hot or cold the water will be when you turn on your faucets. When the thermostat isn’t working properly, it can affect the overall function of your system. Luckily, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot your thermostat and determine the problem.
If the screen on your thermostat isn’t lighting up, it means that there is no power getting to the unit. This could be caused by a tripped breaker or an old battery that needs replacing. To resolve this issue, locate your electrical panel and find the breaker that’s dedicated to your HVAC system. If it is flipped to the “off” position, switch it back to “on.” You should also check the thermostat to ensure that the heat setting isn’t set too high.
You can check the upper and lower thermostats to make sure that they’re functioning properly by turning off the power at the service panel and removing the access panels for both. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult a plumber for advice.
Next, disconnect the power wires from both of the thermostats to isolate them and give you an accurate reading. Once the connections are disconnected, you can test each of them with a multimeter. To do this, touch one of the meter’s leads to the terminal and the other to the metal piece that connects it to the heater. Your meter’s display should show close to zero ohms of resistance if the connections are secure.
If the resistance is higher, the thermostat is defective and will need to be replaced. If you’re not comfortable working around electrical components, it’s a good idea to consult with a plumber to have them perform this task safely and correctly.
The Pilot Light Isn’t Working
In a gas water heater, the pilot light is what ignites the burner that heats the water. If the pilot light isn’t working, the gas won’t ignite and you won’t have hot water. A functioning pilot light should burn blue. If it is orange or yellow, it isn’t burning properly and won’t trigger the thermocouple to open the gas valve. Fortunately, this is an easy fix and can be done by cleaning or replacing the pilot light.
There are a few reasons why the pilot light might not be working. The first is that the thermocouple may be dirty. If this is the case, shut off the gas to your water heater, let it cool down, and then gently clean the thermocouple. If it still doesn’t light, there could be a problem with the wiring or the thermocouple may need to be replaced.
Another reason your pilot light might not be working is that the pilot tube is clogged with debris. You’ll need to remove any dirt or grime from the pilot tube and then very carefully bend it back so that the flame can touch the thermocouple.
Lastly, the gas control valve might be stuck. If this is the case, you’ll need to turn off the gas, wait a few minutes, and then turn it on again. Then you’ll need to find the reset button (often a knob) and press it while lighting the pilot light. After the pilot light lights, hold down the button and continue to do so until you see a blue flame in the gas window.
It can be frustrating when your pilot light keeps going out, especially if you have a lot of tasks that require hot water. But with some troubleshooting, you can usually figure out what the problem is and how to fix it. It’s just a matter of finding out what the issue is and whether or not you have the tools to complete the job.
The Dip Tube Is Worn Out
The purpose of a water heater’s dip tube is to keep cold water from mixing with hot water as it travels down from the tank to your faucets and appliances. This process allows hot water to flow at a higher temperature and helps your home’s plumbing fixtures stay clog-free. But constant exposure to hot water and minerals eventually erodes plastic dip tubes. If you’re experiencing lukewarm showers or notice white, plastic flecks in your sinks and bathtubs, it’s time to replace the dip tube.
While metal and cross-linked polyethylene PEX (or “plastic” piping) are available as alternatives, most water heaters feature standard plastic dip tubes that are subject to the same wear and tear as any other part of your water heater. As a result, these types of tubes tend to break down and decompose more quickly than other types. They may also disintegrate, scattering white plastic particles throughout your house.
If you suspect your water heater’s dip tube is worn out, start by turning off power to the unit at the circuit breaker. Then disconnect the pipe from the cold water inlet at the top of your water heater. It’s usually a short piece of pipe threaded on both ends that you’ll need to remove using a flat screwdriver. Once you’ve removed the old tube, drain and flush your water heater to get rid of any remaining plastic flecks.
Once you have the new dip tube, reconnect the water line and turn on your hot water heater. It’s best to do this while the unit is still full of water so you can see if it works properly. Be sure to use plumber’s tape to seal any possible leaks between the connections of your water heater and the new parts. After the tank refills, turn on a faucet in your home to check the water temperature. If it’s warm, then your water heater’s dip tube is working correctly. If not, you’ll need to replace it again.
The Pressure Valve Is Broken
The temperature and pressure relief valve is one of the most important safety features on your water heater. It helps to keep your hot water tank from exploding by letting out a small amount of steam, heat, and pressure when it gets too high. In most homes, this pressure is relieved via a pipe (usually copper), which runs from the valve on or close to your water heater to a floor drain in your mechanical room. If you notice that your pressure relief valve has started to leak, you should give your local plumber a call immediately.
The main function of your water heater’s pressure valve is to help protect the tank from too much heat or pressure inside the tank, and this can be dangerous for your home’s plumbing. The tank is designed to handle a certain level of pressure, but when the pressure gets too great, the tank can’t hold it anymore, and the result can be a violent explosion that launches the water heater like a missile and causes major damage to your property.
In most cases, when the pressure valve becomes faulty and starts to leak, it’s due to a sticky valve lever. When this happens, the lever is stuck in either the closed or open position and can’t do its job. If left untreated, this can lead to a tank rupture that floods your home with hot water.
This is another problem that can easily be fixed by a professional, and if you’re handy with tools, you may be able to do it yourself. The first step is to make sure that your valve isn’t leaking by turning off your water supply, disconnecting the gas line (if you have one), and removing the discharge tube from the bottom of your tank.
Once you’ve disconnected everything from your water heater, you can start to take apart the pressure valve. Make sure you’re wearing protective gear while doing this, as the job can be dangerous if the water is hot enough to burn your skin. Once you’ve taken apart the valve, it’s time to start replacing the parts.
