A water heater that is malfunctioning can turn into a major problem. Especially if you don’t address it quickly enough. You might even find out the hard way – such as unintentionally taking a cold shower.
Problems with your water heater can disrupt your daily routine. It can also prevent you from doing other tasks such as washing dishes, taking showers, and more things that require hot water. This guide will cover five different water heater repair hacks.
These will save you time, money, and yes…the hassle of a replacement. The solutions you will learn about will be easy to follow. However, if the problems you face are complex, it is important to enlist the help of a professional.
Let’s take a look at these essential water heater troubleshooting solutions right now.
Know the issue ASAP
Before going forward, it’s important to find out what is causing your water heater issues. Knowing the root cause can be a challenge at first. But it is important to inspect the water heater yourself and see if anything seems out of place.
The issues that may arise include sediment buildup or even a faulty heating element. To begin with the identification process, you’ll want to check for leaks, examine the pilot light, and assess the overall condition of your water heater. Identifying the specific issue will help lead you towards the most effective repair hack.
Flush out the sediment
Next on the list of water heater maintenance tips is flushing out the sediment. It is the buildup of sediment that is considered a common culprit for a water heater that is performing poorly. That’s because minerals will tend to settle at the bottom of the water tank over time.
When this happens, the heating efficiency will be compromised. To properly address this issue, you want to flush out the sediment regularly by following these steps:
- Shut off the power supply to the water heater.
- Connect a hose to the drain valve and position the other end outdoors. If you have a floor drain, you can use that as well.
- Open the drain valve and let the tank empty completely.
- Once the tank is empty, close the drain valve and refill the tank.
- Turn on the power supply.
Please note that this method of maintenance must be performed annually so it can extend the lifespan of your water heater as well as improving its efficiency.
Adjusting the thermostat
You may be dealing with the issue of lukewarm water or inconsistent temperatures. In this situation, the water heater thermostat may be at fault here. You’ll want to adjust the thermostat settings accordingly.
To do this, locate it – which can typically be found at the bottom of the tank. Once you have done that, follow these steps:
- Shut off the power supply to the water heater.
- Remove the thermostat’s cover.
- Adjust the temperature setting with a screwdriver.
- Replace the cover and turn the power back on.
This water heater repair hack is quite simple. And it can be the solution to any temperature issues you could be dealing with. It also improves overall efficiency so your water heater stays reliable for a long time.
The pilot light
The pilot light is one of your most crucial elements of any water heater. If it malfunctions, that can be a huge problem. If you notice the pilot light flickering or if it’s out completely, follow these steps:
- Shut off the gas supply to your water heater.
- Allow a few minutes so any residual gas can disperse.
- Using the manufacturer’s instructions, relight the pilot light.
If the pilot light goes out again, it’s a sign of a more significant problem. At that point, you’ll want to consult with a professional water heater technician. They will thoroughly inspect every nook and cranny of the heater to help identify the problem.
Insulating pipes for efficiency
Yes, efficiency is important for your water heating system to work effectively. But one water heater repair hack that tends to be overlooked is insulating your pipes. This can come in handy when you live in an area where the winters can be brutal.
Doing this method can minimize heat loss when water travels from your heater to your faucets. At the same time, you can reduce energy consumption. Plus, it will take a shorter time for the hot water to get to where it needs to go.
Whether it’s the kitchen sink or the shower, you can have hot water in no time. Insulating your pipes can also prevent the possibility of them bursting due to extremely cold weather. The last thing you ever want to deal with in the winter time are pipes that burst and cause leaks.
Even worse, you don’t want to be dealing with water damage in the aftermath. Especially mold growth that stems from water damage.
With that in mind, here’s a way to insulate your hot water pipes:
- Purchase foam pipe insulation. These can be found at your local hardware store, Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.
- Cut the insulation to the length of your pipes. Secure them with tape or zip ties.
- Look for pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces or basements. Take care of them accordingly. It is a blessing to have hot water in your home. And it’s all thanks to a water heater that can function properly. The sooner you take care of it, the better.
Final Thoughts
These five water heater repair hacks are proven to work. Especially if you want your water heater to work properly every time. Remember, the best way to avoid hot water issues (including your heater) is to take preventative measures.
Those preventative measures are regular maintenance. We highly suggest that you perform your maintenance tasks as often as needed. Meaning drain your water tank every year and refill it.
Check the pilot light on a regular basis. And insulate your pipes every winter. Take these necessary steps and you won’t have to worry about your water heater at all.