Todd's Blog

When to Do it yourself and When Not to

Water Heater Problems okay to “DIY:”

 
Often times the most common water heater issues arise from either not enough hot water distribution or absolutely no hot water coming out. Below are a few troubleshooting measures to help assist in determining if the hot water issues required more advanced professional care or if this is a something that can be solved at home.
 
• Things to try if you have a gas water heater: 
 
1. Double check to make sure the pilot light has not gone out
2. If you find it has, be sure to reignite the pilot flame. Once this happens, you should start receiving water shortly after.
3. If after attempting to re-ignite the pilot flame and it will either not light or stay lit, refer to a professional to avoid any further gas-related hazards. 
 
• Things to try if you have an electric water heater:
1. Double check to see if any power is actually going to the water heater
2. If no power is found, make sure to double check the circuit breaker box to see if there is a blown fuse or a tripped breaker
3. Once you have checked the breaker box, be sure to hit the reset button on the upper thermostat (red button usually)
4. Check back in about 10-15 minutes to see if you have hot water. If you find this troubleshooting measure is still unsuccessful, then be sure to consult a plumber for more advanced troubleshooting steps
 
One thing to keep in mind when using these troubleshooting measures is that you could also not be receiving any hot water as the tank’s capacity could exceed the household’s water usage. Instances where this could be the case, could be from two showers being run at the same time, or by even operating another household appliance (dishwasher or washing machine) at the same time as showering. 
 
Should you find that this particular issue is re-occurring, it is best to consult with a water heater professional at Todd’s Water Heaters about upgrading to a water heater with a high capacity. Water heater repairs and replacements are made easy at Todd’s Water Heater Repair as our highly licensed technicians have the expertise and experience to determine the correct sized water heater to meet your household’s water needs. 
 
Water Heater Problems to not “DIY:” 
 
• Creaking, popping or rumbling sounds: Typically when homeowners experience these sounds coming from their water heater, this is due to sediment buildup. When this happens, the sediment forms a layer of some sort on the surface of the water within your water heater. As the water boils, this then boils the layer of sediment too, creating air pockets inside of it to create the popping, rumbling or creaking noises. 
 
One way to help with this in the early stages is to flush the sediment out of the tank. It is important to notate that this doesn’t always resolve the problem. If these sounds continue after having the water heater flushed out regularly, then this is most likely a sign that the unit itself is likely to either leak or crack. If this is the case, than this will require a water heater Denver replacement.
 
Please note that at Todd’s Water Heater Repair, we do not recommend DIY water heater replacement or installation, as this is a safety hazard and should be left to the water heater professionals to have this installed correctly. 
 
Leaking water: Should you start to encounter a leaking water heater, there are a couple of things that are beneficial for you to do yourself. It is important to keep in mind that these steps are not repairs, but that these will help keep the problem from enlarging or worsening until your plumber arrives. Prior to doing anything, please make sure to be conscious that the water is extremely hot and to avoid the water at all times.
 
1. Secure the main shut off valve and close it: This is a preventative measure to evade water flow.
2. Turn off power supply to water heater: This is applicable to both electric and gas powered water heaters. 
 
If you have an electric water heater, make sure to check your circuit breaker box. Once you have found the breaker specifically for your water heater, be sure to switch it to “off.”
 
If you have a gas water heater, look for the “on/off” dial or the switch itself. 
 
After taking these steps, be sure to give Todd’s Water Heater Repair Denver a call. The repair itself may simply consist of either replacing the drain valve or even tightening a loose fitting. If there is however a problem with the temperature and pressure valve specifically, an excessive buildup of pressure in your water heater can often times release scalding water and steam. 
 
• Orange, cloudy or red colored water: If when turning on your faucet you notice murky water with a rusty tint coming out, you might want to consider consulting with one of Todd’s Water Heater Repair professionals. 
 
Often times cloudy water with an odd smell or metallic taste of some sorts can be indicators of mineral deposits from your water heater that can enter your plumbing. This can also be an indicator that the tank is experiencing erosion and is becoming rusty. 
 
If you have not recently gotten your pipes done, than this could explain why you are experiencing this color of water coming out of your faucet.