Water Heaters: Problems and Solutions

While a water heater is probably the most costly component in your home’s plumbing system, most problems with it are usually fairly easy to figure out and fix. Some of the common water heater problems you can run into and fix are:

• not enough hot water
• water that’s too hot or too cold
• smelly water (rotten eggs smell) 
• the tank is making noises. 

The worst water heater problem you can run into is a leaking tank. Unfortunately, once that happens, there are no fixes...that tank is done.

Before trying to fix a water heater, you need to understand how it works! Water heaters are fairly simple devices. Basically it’s a 30, 40 50 or 60 gallon holding tank with a cold water intake, a hot water outlet and a drain valve. Inside there are a few other components - a heating element, a dip tube (that guides cold water coming into the tank down to the bottom so the hot water on top will be used first) and a ‘sacrificial rod or anode’, to help prevent corrosion inside the tank.

If you're going to attempt to fix your water heater yourself, that's fine, or you can call the professionals in Nashville at Pro N Stall. The first thing you must do before attempting to fix anything is to drain the water heater!

1. Start by turning off the heater (at the electric panel or the gas supply), then give the water inside some time to cool.
2. Close the cold water intake and attach a hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the tank.
3. Before opening the drain valve, be sure to open a hot water tap somewhere in your home (this will allow air to get into the tank while it’s draining).

Note: Drain the water in the tank outside, down a basement drain or into buckets. (Be careful the water may still be hot).

Water temperature problems? If you have absolutely no hot water – the heating element (electric) or gas thermocouple is probably not working. These are replaceable components you can do yourself and replacing them will give you back your normal hot water supply! The thermostat on the tank being changed usually causes water that’s too hot or too cold. It’s a simple matter to raise or lower the temperature a few degrees to get your tank back to functioning properly once again.

If you're still having problems with your water heater, call the professionals at Pro N Stall in Nashville, TN. You can reach us at 615-471-1122. We service all of Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro and surrounding areas!