If your water heater is showing signs that it is going to fail or has already broken down, then you should call a pro right away. They can make any necessary repairs or even install a new unit for you.
Severe water damage is one of the main indicators that you need a new water heater, but lukewarm showers can also be a sign. Contact Hot Water Heater Replacement Denver for professional help.
The tank size of your water heater is determined based on your household’s hot water usage and needs. Having a water heater that is too small can cause problems for households. Often times, this is the case when you notice you are not getting enough hot water after remodeling projects or installation of new appliances that increase your household’s demand for hot water.
Luckily, water heaters come in various sizes and it is very easy to replace your old tank with one that has a higher capacity. This is not only a simple fix but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
There are gas, electric, solar powered, and tankless units available so you should do your research and find a unit that will be the best fit for your home. If you can afford to upgrade, consider choosing a natural gas tank because it is much more energy efficient than electric. If you are noticing a constant problem of not having enough hot water, you can try troubleshooting the thermostat and flushing the unit to help clear out sediment.
Corrosion
Corrosion is metal’s biggest enemy, and it can weaken any object it touches. Water heaters are no exception. They combine metal, water, and oxygen–perfect ingredients for corrosion. This is why it’s important to watch for any signs of rust on your hot water tank, especially in the pipes connected to the tank.
If the connections to the water heater are rusty or corroded, it’s likely time for a new water heater. This is a common problem in Metro-East homes, and it often leads to leaks. You can usually tell if the issue is with your water heater by the smell and discoloration it produces in your hot water.
One of the most common causes of water heater rust is a failing sacrificial anode rod. The anode rod is a piece of easily corrodable metal that sits inside the water heater. It’s designed to corrode so that it can save the walls of the tank from corrosion. But the anode rod eventually wears out, and when it does, the metal in the tank begins to corrode as well.
Another possible sign of a failing anode rod is calcium carbonate buildup. You can test the anode rod by bending it. If it bends easily, you’ll need to have it replaced by a licensed plumber.
Faulty Thermostat
If you notice that the water from your hot water heater isn’t as hot as it usually is, this could be a sign that the thermostat is faulty. The thermostat tells the heating element to turn on and off, which is why a bad one can cause the water temperature to decrease significantly.
You can test the upper and lower thermostats to see if they’re the problem by using a multimeter. However, this is a dangerous process because you will be working with live wires. First, you will need to shut off the power supply to the water heater. Then, disconnect the electricity from each of the thermostats. Make sure to mark where the wires are connected so you can reconnect them correctly.
Once the electrical connection is cut, you will need to remove the access panel to expose the thermostat and heating elements. Next, use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat and assign a number to each of the terminal screws. Then, you will need to disconnect the upper and lower thermostat wires from their respective terminals. Be careful not to pull on the wires by their thin coating, as this can lead to a short circuit.
Next, you will need to connect your multimeter to the upper thermostat terminal screw and set it to RX1. Then, place the other meter probe on the bottom left terminal of the lower thermostat. You should get a reading of less than 1 ohm, which indicates that the thermostat is functioning properly.
Faulty Anode Rod
The anode rod, also known as a sacrificial anode, is used to prevent corrosion of your water heater’s tank and lines. Over time, the rod will corrode and lose its effectiveness. This can lead to a rotten egg smell or discolored water. This is an indicator that it is time to replace the anode rod.
Anode rods are made from aluminum or magnesium and can deteriorate in just five years. The type of anode rod you choose depends on your water quality and budget. Check the owner’s manual to find out which kind of rod your hot water heater can accommodate.
If you are not comfortable replacing the anode rod yourself, a professional plumber can do it for you. This can save you the cost of a Hot Water Heater Replacement in the future.
If you notice that your water has an unusual odor, turn off the hot water supply and drain the tank. Then, turn the water back on and see if the odor and discoloration go away. If not, the anode rod is likely corroding and you should replace it as soon as possible. To avoid the rotten egg smell and discolored water, you should replace your anode rod every five years. It is easy to do, and it will help protect your tank and pipes from corroding. It is also a good idea to get in the habit of flushing your tank regularly to prevent mineral buildup.
Faulty Dip Tube
Over time, a long white piece of plastic known as the dip tube can crack and deteriorate. It carries cold water into the bottom of your tank to keep it from mixing with the hot water that rises. When the dip tube breaks, your water heater will no longer be able to reliably provide you with a steady stream of hot water.
If you find yourself frequently running out of hot water or experiencing bouts of lukewarm water, the problem could be as simple as replacing the dip tube. The good news is that this is a fairly simple fix that can be done by a professional Carter plumber.
Before you can replace your dip tube, you need to shut off the circuit breaker that supplies power to your water heater and drain the tank to get rid of any lingering plastic flecks in the drain pan. Then, you need to disconnect the cold-water inlet pipe from the top of your tank and carefully remove the old dip tube.
When you’re ready to replace your dip tube, make sure you use one made of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) instead of galvanized steel. PEX tubes won’t corrode or disintegrate like the old galvanized tubes do, making them less likely to break down and contaminate your home’s water supply. Once you’ve installed your new dip tube, reattach the inlet pipe to the tank and reconnect the cold-water supply line.
Faulty Pressure Valve
A water heater tank is a pressure application and it’s important that the temperature and pressure relief valve works properly to prevent catastrophic failure of the entire unit. If the valve fails the water heater tank can explode, which will cause your home to be flooded with hot water and steam. The best way to tell if your valve is broken is to do a test twice a year. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles for safety because the water in the tank will be piping hot, which can cause burns or even scalding if you’re not careful.
To perform a test, start by shutting off the power to your water heater. You can also drain the tank using a garden hose connected to the T&P valve and running it to a bucket or outside.
Once you’ve disconnected the hose from the T&P valve, place a large bucket under the discharge tube and pull the metal lever up just slightly so that a small amount of water (about a quarter cup) discharges into the bucket. When you release the lever it should snap quickly back into its original position, and if it doesn’t then the valve is broken and needs to be replaced. It’s best to replace the valve before a disaster happens. If you wait too long, the water heater can explode and your house will be flooded.
