Water heaters are expensive to buy, but they’re even more costly to replace. Fortunately, several water heater repairs can prevent future problems if you know what they are. These are the most common water heater plumbing repairs that every homeowner should know about.
Preventing Sediment Buildup:
Sediment like calcium and iron is natural and inevitable, but if it accumulates too much, it can prevent your water heater from heating properly.
If you’ve noticed a drop in temperature or hot water pressure, make sure to open up the drain valve on top of your tank (not while the heater is still working, of course).
There should be a small integrated disc on the end of a metal rod that you can unscrew, and if you remove it, the sediment will come down the drain.
If there is no disc or some has fallen into your system but not enough to affect temperature or pressure, aerating the water tank may help. First, release the tension in your water heater by turning down the thermostat.
Using a garden hose or a unique tool made just for this purpose, inject air into the tank through an opening on top. This will prevent sediment from further clogging the system.
Preventing Corrosion:
Corrosion of metal parts is another common problem with water heaters and one that you can prevent with an anti-corrosion additive.
Partial tank corrosion relates to water quality, but manufacturers have made available additives that can be mixed into the water to help prevent this issue.
Fill your heater according to the instructions on the package, and make sure you use a product for storage tanks rather than heating systems.
Don’t Delay Calling Experts When You Hear Strange Noises:
It’s normal for water heaters to make some noise – the moving parts and heated water will always cause this – but if you hear odd sounds, it could be a sign that something is wrong. A few common examples include:
If your heater is making erratic noise, it can be from debris or sediment that has blocked one of the elements. Most noise will come from the start-up when the thermostat triggers the burner to heat up.
The same sound may occur if there is sediment clogging near or around this part, but the noise can also indicate more severe problems like a faulty heating element or pressure switch.
Some additives contain water softeners, which can be bad for your heating system.
Removing sediment and preventing corrosion are preventative measures that can help you avoid replacing your tank completely.
However, sometimes the only way to fix a leaky heater is by replacing it entirely or doing a full-scale restoration of the tank. If you want to replace your tank, make sure you check the age of your water heater.
If it’s older than ten years (and especially if it’s older than twelve), you may want to figure out how much it’ll cost before making a choice.
Replacing the Anode Rod
The anode rod is a metal rod that you’ll find in the water heater tank. It’s long, thin, and made of aluminum. The anode rod attracts rust particles like a magnet, preventing corrosion from accumulating on the metal tank’s walls.
The problem is that the anode rod slowly erodes over time, making it more difficult for your water heater to do its job. As a result, your water heater is more likely to rust and break down.
The good news is that an expert can replace the anode rod quickly. Replacing the anode rod costs about $100 to $200 depending on the water heater model, so it’s probably not worth doing unless your tank is more than 12 years old.
Repair Leaks
If you’re noticing water pooling near the bottom of your water heater tank, then it’s time to give experts a call. Those leaks can quickly deteriorate the metal tank and cause severe damage to your floor and walls in a short period.
Fortunately, experts can repair most leaks at a relatively low cost in a day or two.
If your water heater needs repair, you have a few options. If it’s not working at all or the temperature is too low, then replacement may be the best choice for your household.
On the other hand, if it just needs to be repaired and you’re happy with its current efficiency levels, then fixing those minor problems will likely save you money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Now you know what your water heater plumbing repair options are, but it’s essential to keep in mind that tankless water heaters are now more efficient than ever before. You may even qualify for a federal tax credit.
