There are several repairs a homeowner can make on their own, but water heater repair is one task that is best left to the pros. It involves handling high-voltage electrical components and gas lines that aren’t conducive to DIY tinkering.

The most common problem is the pilot light going out. This is an easy fix for a plumber and can cost as little as $150. Contact Water Heater Repair Tampa for professional help.

The thermostat helps control the temperature of water heated in a hot water heater. If the thermostat is damaged, it will allow water to reach a dangerously high temperature before being distributed to your faucets, causing burns and other problems. Inspecting and replacing the thermostat can help solve these issues. In addition, performing regular preventive maintenance on your water heater can ensure that the thermostat continues to work properly.

Before beginning any repair work, shut off power to the water heater at the circuit breaker. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to remove the access panels for both the upper and lower thermostats. If insulation covers the access panels, pull it away from the panel to expose the wires connected to the thermostats. Before disconnecting the wires, make sure to label them so that you know which ones go to which terminals on the new thermostat. Once the wires are disconnected, lift out the old thermostat and replace it with a new one. Screw the new thermostat in place, reconnect the wires, and replace the plastic protective cover and insulation.

When replacing the thermostat, choose a replacement that is the same model and size as the old one. It should also have the same voltage and current ratings. Before you reconnect the power wires to the thermostat, test it by setting your multimeter to RX1000 (resistance times 1,000) and touching a probe to each of the element terminal screws. The meter display should read 1 if the element is faulty, and 0 if it is working correctly.

After completing the water heater thermostat repair, return to the circuit breaker and restore power to the electric water heater. If it fails to operate, check the circuit breaker again for a tripped or burned out switch. If the circuit breaker or pilot light still remains tripped, it is time to call in a professional.

Common mistakes that people make during the water heater thermostat repair process include forgetting to turn off the electricity before starting work, using incorrect tools or materials for the repair, or rushing through the steps in the repair process. These mistakes can lead to damage or failure of the thermostat and other components. However, avoiding these mistakes can simplify the repair process and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Element

Most people give little thought to their water heater until it stops working. When that happens, it can bring household life to a halt. Hot showers become out of the question, dishes may pile up, and laundry won’t get done. The good news is that many problems with your gas or electric water heater can be fixed without breaking the bank.

There are several big clues that your water heater is in trouble. If you have a pool of water collecting at the base of your tank, this is usually caused by a broken temperature pressure relief valve. This is an inexpensive component that helps to prevent corrosion on the inside of your tank. It needs to be replaced every three to five years.

A sacrificial anode rod is another important water heater maintenance item that can be easily changed by unscrewing the old one and screwing in a new one. This rod is designed to corrode instead of the steel inside of your water heater, drawing corrosive elements away from exposed areas and prolonging the lifespan of your water heater.

It’s also a good idea to drain your water heater regularly. This gets rid of sediment build-up, which can eventually lead to a clogged drain valve. A plumber can do this for you, though you may have to pay their typical hourly rate.

If you’re experiencing low hot water output, it could be because your unit is undersized for your home or family. If that’s the case, replacing it with a larger model is the best solution.

If you are experiencing any of the above issues, a professional East Meadow plumber can help. They can diagnose the problem, replace the necessary parts, and get your water heater up and running again as soon as possible. Water damage from a leaking water heater is the second most common reason for insurance claims, so prompt action is vital.

Dip Tube

The dip tube on a water heater is used to draw water into the bottom of the tank from the cold water inlet. This helps to keep hot and cold water separate so that when the thermostat shuts off the burner the cold water can be drawn back in without mixing with the hot water. This is also important to help keep sediment from building up in the bottom of the tank.

This is why it’s a good idea to drain the water heater every three years. The drained water will go down the drain and help to flush away the sediment, keeping the water heater working better for longer.

A faulty or broken dip tube can cause problems such as not having enough hot water to take a shower in the morning. It can also cause the water to be too hot when it comes out of the faucet.

Replacing a dip tube is fairly easy and can be done by most people with some basic tools. First, make sure the power to the water heater is turned off. Then, disconnect the cold water inlet pipe. You can do this with a wrench or a flat screwdriver. Remove the nipple from the inlet pipe and then remove the old dip tube. You can then replace the new dip tube, making sure it is inserted correctly and reaches all the way down to the bottom of the tank.

When installing a new dip tube, it’s best to use one made of cross-linked polyethylene PEX. This type of plastic is more resistant to corrosion than standard rubber or metal tubes and can withstand much higher temperatures. Also, it’s best to replace the nipple with one that is threaded on both ends, so it can be tightened and opened easily. Finally, after the replacement is in place, restore the supply line and power to the water heater. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing these steps, it’s always a good idea to call a professional plumber. They can give you more information and help ensure the job is done right.

Pressure Valve

The temperature and pressure relief valve, or T&P valve, is an essential safety feature for your hot water heater. It is designed to open and dispense a stream of water when the temperature or pressure rises to unsafe levels. This helps prevent the tank from rupturing and flooding your home with hot water. It’s important that your T&P valve is working properly, and that you perform regular testing and maintenance on it.

If your T&P valve is leaking, this could be a sign that it needs to be replaced. This is a simple fix for your plumber, and it only requires shutting off the power and water supply to your hot water heater, draining the tank, removing the valve and replacing it with a new one.

During your routine maintenance, you should also be sure to check the discharge line connected to your T&P valve. This is a pipe that routes from the valve and terminates in a floor drain in your mechanical room. If you notice water dripping from this line, it’s important that you call your plumbing contractor to schedule an inspection. This is often an indication that the T&P valve is stuck in a closed position or upward, and it must be fixed before it causes dangerous temperature and pressure build-up within your hot water tank.

The most common reason for a stuck T&P valve is that mineral deposits have built up over time and blocked the waterways in the valve. This is why it’s important to open and close the lever at least once a year to make sure that the valve is still functioning properly. Jiggling the lever like you would a toilet handle is usually enough to unstick it, but in some cases, your plumber may need to replace the valve.

It’s also a good idea to replace the anode rod on your hot water heater at the same time that you have your T&P valve repaired. This will help prevent corrosion and sediment in your tank, which can cause the notorious rotten egg smell and reduce efficiency.