You can prolong the life for your heater’s water supply by making sure that it’s regularly maintained and performing simple repairs, such as replacement of the heating component. But, if the heater in your home is older than 8 years old, or you’ve noticed that it’s leaky, it is time to think about an upgrade.
Are you experiencing a hot Water System Problem?
These suggestions can aid you in resolving the hot-water system issue that you might be experiencing in your gas, or electric hot water system and assist you to discover how long the current hot water heater will last.
The company that makes the heater can provide you with an estimate of the time their specific heater is expected to last. It generally ranges from 8 to 12 years. This will depend on the condition and installation of it, as well as the quality of the water used and how frequently the heater is kept in good condition.
If you’ve had your heater for longer than 10 years and are experiencing issues, the odds are it’s going to require replacement, but these troubleshooting steps could be helpful in the short run.
Hot Water System Troubleshooting Common Problems
If there is no power to the heater, then it is important to ensure that the fuse hasn’t been blown, or that the breaker is not trippable. Try tightening the heater’s connections.
If your water isn’t being heated enough, the steps you’ll need to take will be based on whether your heater is gas or electric heater.
Electric Hot Water System Problems
- Check that the electricity is reaching the heater. Then, adjust the thermostat.
- The heater should be flushed with water to ensure that any sediment inside the tank is eliminated.
- Insulate the pipes through which the hot water flows through.
- Replace the thermostat, or the heating element if necessary.
- Make use of your thermostat to increase the temperature of the water.
gas Hot Water System Problems
- Verify whether the pilot light is on and make sure that the gas connection is on.
- The heater should be flushed with water to ensure that any sediment inside the tank is eliminated.
- Insulate the pipes that hot water moves through.
- The thermocoupler might need to be replaced and you may also need to clean the burner with gas.
- Utilize the thermostat to raise the temperature of the water.
Other common hot water heater Problems and Solutions These Issues
- A loud, sizzling sound. It could be due to accumulation of sediment within the tank. The tank must be fully cleaned of all elements and then soaked in vinegar white until the scale has gone away.
- Pressure relief valve leaks. The most common solution is with a replacement valve.
- The water supply pipes are leaky. The fittings need to be tightened first but if that doesn’t fix the issue, they must be replaced.
Maintenance of the Water Heater
There is no need for an excessive amount of maintenance for your water heater since modern heaters are well-constructed but regular servicing can extend the lifespan the heater.
The sediment will build up in the heater and should be cleaned at least twice each year. This will aid in reducing corrosion.
The valve for pressure relief must be checked regularly by raising the handle and then determining whether a burst flows into the drainpipe for overflow. The valve should be replaced when this is not the case.
If the thermostat’s temperature is kept at 120 degrees F or less, it will minimize the damage that may be caused by excessive heat.
If Replacement Is Necessary
If you decide that purchasing a new water tank is the best option, then you’ll need to decide if you want to purchase one that is like your current heater or if you would like one that has different features like an increased capacity to hold water in case your family has grown larger.
There ought to be a display on the heater is already there that contains all the details you’ll require, including the tank’s capacity as well as the pressure of the water and the serial number and model. Electric heaters also include the power of the heating elements as well as the wattage capacity.