Water heaters are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but when one fails, it can have a huge impact on your home’s quality of life. For example, a faulty water heater can make it impossible to enjoy hot showers or bathe, leaving you and your family feeling more inconvenienced than ever before.
The problem may be in the tank itself, which can be a simple matter of cleaning out sediment build-up or replacing an element. But a deeper issue, such as corrosion, can be costly and dangerous. If you’re not sure how to go about repairing your tank, call a licensed plumber to handle it for you!
Dip Tube and Pressure Valve Replacement
The dip tube is a pipe that connects the upper element to the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This transfers cool water from the top down to the lower section, where it can be reheated by the lower element. Over time, this tube can get worn down or leak, which causes a decrease in overall temperature and can result in a lack of hot water.
While a dip tube replacement can be a relatively inexpensive repair, you’ll still want to hire a professional for this. They can check and clean the tube, replace it if necessary, and ensure that all of your water heater’s internal components are working properly.
When your water heater is malfunctioning, it can affect the way that you use all of the appliances and fixtures in your home. It can make it difficult to shower, wash dishes, and clean your clothing and furniture. It can also lead to the production of rusty, metallic-tasting water.
If your water heater has a leaking valve or plumbing connection, the fix is to turn off both the power and the water supply to your water heater, drain the tank, and then replace the faulty parts with new ones. Then you can turn the water back on and have access to your hot water again.
Another common issue with water heaters is a faulty thermostat, which can cause your water to become too hot. This can be a costly repair or a full replacement, depending on the type of unit you have and the age of it.
A faulty thermostat can be caused by the water heating elements becoming loose or by mineral build-up. It can also be caused by a bad gas control valve, which releases too much gas from the burner when the heater is turned on.
The gas control valve is an important safety feature of most gas-fired water heaters. This part is designed to release excess pressure when it detects a drop in the amount of gas being used by the burner, and it can break down over time.
Some water heaters come with a separate valve that releases the excessive pressure. This valve is an integral part of any water heater, and if it breaks down, it can lead to the tank bursting open.