These Common Hot Water Heater Issues Are Self-Repairable.

Fixing a hot water heater may seem intimidating and overly complex. It's usually a good idea to hire a professional when you need help because they have electrical and plumbing components. While this is true for more serious issues, you can keep your water running hot by doing some simple upkeep and repairs yourself.

Examine the electrical breakers.

If your water heater isn't producing any hot water at all, the breaker is most likely the issue. The circuit breaker that regulates the electricity to your water heater may trip in the event of a power surge. The water heater will turn off as a result. Reversing the breaker to the "on" position will resolve this. While the water may take some time to warm up, this should promptly resolve your issue.

Pilot light is on.

There's a chance that the pilot light on a gas hot water heater will go out. In that scenario, confirm that the water heater's gas valve is in the "on" position. A flame should appear once you press the gas control knob on the water heater itself into the "pilot" position. To reduce the risk of a gas leak, fire, and explosion, close the valve and contact a maintenance expert if the pilot won't light.

Raise the water's temperature.

Additionally, your water heater might have a temperature setting. You can try raising the temperature on the tank if the water is coming out hot but not hot enough for your taste. Before removing any access panels, you should turn off the power to any electric water heaters. The thermostat on a gas-powered water heater is typically found close to the tank's base, where the pilot light access is situated. Instead of using the taps for an hour, you should run some hot water for three minutes, collect it in a glass, and check the temperature to ensure the temperature is adjusted correctly. After that, raise the water's temperature to the desired setting. The purpose of the testing procedure is to make sure that the low water temperature isn't caused by overusing the hot water instead of a temperature setting.

Examine your guarantee.

Check your warranty before proceeding. You may have a preferred maintenance provider or providers if your water heater is still covered under warranty. To prevent voiding the warranty, be sure to read any possible clauses on self-repair.

Adapt a new anode rod.

Anode rod replacement is necessary if your hot tap water is discolored or smells like rotten eggs. Turn off the gas and water heater before starting this project, and prepare an old towel or rag in case anything spills. To protect your hands during this portion, you will also need work gloves.

Find the anode rod close to the water tank's top after that is finished. If you're not sure where to look, you can search the make and model number of your water heater online to find its location. Then, use a garden hose to open the valve at the bottom of the tank and remove two to three gallons of water, emptying the contents into a bucket or sink. This water can be very hot, so use caution when handling it. Loosen the anode rod by rotating it counter-clockwise with a 1 ⅙ inch socket. Once it's totally free, take it out of the tank with a gloved hand. A fresh anode rod can then be used to replace the old one. To ensure you have the right sized rod, always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations. The water tank will need at least an hour to heat up after the replacement rod is in place, so you can turn back on the gas, water, and electricity. If not, you should have a bacterial test done on your water. This should address your problem with smelly water.

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