If you’re like most people, your water heater is one of the appliances in your home that you don’t think about until it stops working. And when it does stop working, it’s usually not a pretty sight. Water can leak all over the floor, and if the water heater is gas-fired, there’s a good chance of an explosion.
But before you call your local plumber or water heater repair technician, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem yourself.
If your water heater isn’t heating up water or is producing lukewarm water, the first thing you should do is check the thermostat. The thermostat on your water heater tells the water heater when to turn on and off. If the thermostat is set too low, the water heater may not produce enough heat to warm the water. Conversely, if the thermostat is set too high, the water heater may overheat the water.
If the thermostat is set properly but the water heater still isn’t working correctly, the next thing to check is the heating element. The heating element is what actually heats up the water in the water heater. over time, the heating element can become corroded or damaged, which can prevent it from working properly. If the heating element is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
If the water heater is still not working correctly after checking the thermostat and heating element, the next thing to check is the pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is a safety device that releases pressure from the water heater if the pressure gets too high. If the pressure relief valve is not functioning properly, it could cause the water heater to explode.
If you’re not comfortable making any of these repairs yourself, it’s best to call a professional to do it for you. Attempting to repair a water heater yourself can be dangerous if you’re not familiar with how they work.
Another common issue with water heaters is a lack of hot water. This could be due to a problem with the thermostat or the heating element. If you’re not comfortable trying to fix this type of problem yourself, it’s best to call a professional.
If you’re having problems with your water heater, it’s best to call a professional for help. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.