Do It Yourself Water Heater Maintenance
- May 24th, 2010
- Write comment
Leaks, discolored water, unusual noises, a rotten egg smell…these are just some of the many problems associated with hot water heaters. To many, these symptoms of a faulty water heater can seem overwhelming. However, these problems can be fixed rather quickly when identified early. Read on for more information on these problems and how they can be repaired quickly and easily.
Discolored water is the consequence of a corroded sacrificial anode rod. This inexpensive rod protects the interior lining of a water heater by “sacrificing” itself and decaying instead of the tank’s interior walls. When this device is on its last leg, the walls start to erode and release minerals into the water. To resolve this problem, replace the rod and flush your hot water heater.
When your hot water heater releases a rotten egg smell, it is the result of a decaying sacrificial anode rod. The smell is caused by bacteria forming in the water supply. After flushing your water heater and purchasing a new rod, the smell should subside.
Sometimes a hot water heater will make unusual noises. This is because sediments build up in the tank and put a strain on the water heater. Flushing out your water heater will fix this common problem.
A defective temperature and pressure valve can cause leaks. Likewise, so can a combustion chamber that is rusting or accumulating water. For the former, a quick replacement should do the trick. If the combustion chamber has pooling or rusting, however, the water heater most likely needs to be replaced.
The quality of the hot water produced by your water heater can be the problem. If no hot water is given at all, the pilot light may be out or the thermocouple needs to be replaced. Getting a new thermocouple or relighting the pilot will do the trick.
If your water doesn’t get very hot, it often is the result of hot and cold water connections crossing paths. To test for this, shut off the water feeding the water heater and open the hot water tap. If you see water still flowing that means water from your other appliances is feeding into your hot water heater.
If problems persist, call a professional plumber. This could mean the causes are multifaceted or your hot water heater needs to be replaced. Remember to always research proper methods and your local plumbing codes before attempting to resolve any problems yourself.
Still having problems with your water heater? Plumbing expert Scott Rodgers recommends contacting a licensed plumber to determine if installing a water heater is necessary.