There’s nothing worse than turning on the tap for a nice hot shower and finding only cold water spraying down on you, especially in a cold New Jersey winter. If you are having trouble with your hot water heater, our experts offer these tips for diagnosing the problem and understanding what repairs may be necessary.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Prevent Costly Repairs?
No one likes to spend money on repairs and there are some basic maintenance items that can help you keep your hot water heater running smoothly. While many hot water heaters run efficiently on their own, you can provide some preventative maintenance such as inspecting the tank for rust or corrosion, replacing worn parts, and checking the valves and hoses for proper operation. You may wish to drain the tank regularly to get to rid of any accumulated sediment. You can also test the pressure release valve – if the valve doesn’t release water into the nearby pipe when lifted, you likely need to replace the valve.
What are the Most Common Problems of Hot Water Heaters?
Despite our best efforts, sometimes problems occur. The most common problem is the most obvious: your hot water heater simply isn’t creating hot water! Before you call a repairman, follow these basic steps. For an electric water heater, check that the power is on and the thermostat is set to your desired temperature. Consider insulating your pipes or replacing a thermostat (especially if it’s an older heater). For a gas hot water heater, make sure that the pilot light is still lit. You may also consider replacing the thermocoupler (as a safety feature it turns off the gas if the pilot light stops burning).
You may also notice that your hot water heater is making a small symphony of noises. Often this is due to sediment in the tank which you can drain and descale, much like a large coffee maker. You may also need to replace the pressure valve or tighten the fittings on the supply pipes.
Should I Call a Repairman or Replace My Hot Water Heater?
If you have a problem that basic repairs can’t fix or if you’d like the help of a trained professional, we are here to help and offer a range of HVAC repair services including hot water heater repair. If you have a newer hot water heater (less than ten years old) and you don’t notice any obvious problems such as serious leaks or consistent operational problems (especially after multiple repairs) than most likely you’ll want to invest in a repair service. If you have an older device or if you’re looking for upgrades such as a larger tank capacity or a more energy-efficient unit, you may choose to replace rather than repair your hot water heater. Replacing a hot water heater can be a heavy and time-consuming job and it may be in your best interest to call a professional to make sure your installation goes smoothly.
If you’re located in Bergen or Passaic County, and are having problems with your hot water heater, contact Dynamic Air Heating and Cooling for quality service and effective hot water heater repair NJ.