21 July 2020
 Categories: , Blog

Water heater repair is one of those pesky long-term homeowner costs that you will most certainly need down the line. If your water heater is working less efficiently, making a lot of noise as it works, or not distributing water to the rest of the house at all, then here are three possible solutions.

Flush or Replace Your Water Heater

One of the best ways to maintain your water heater's functionality and durability is to regularly flush the water inside the water heater to remove the built-up sediment. This sediment comes in through the cold water pipe and settles at the bottom of the tank. This build-up can make the water heating process inconsistent on the bottom of the tank and lead to scalding, which damages the water heater and leads to leaks. If your water heater is clogged up, this may be the problem, but if it's already leaking at the bottom then you will want to replace your water heater entirely.

Flush or Replace Your Pipes

Another reason that your water heater could be malfunctioning is that the pipes have been clogged up or have eroded. If your pipes aren't sending water throughout the house, then they could be clogged up due to sediment. However, if your pipes are leaking, then either sediment clogs or erosion could be an issue. Sediment can be flushed out in a similar way as with the water heater by removing adjacent pipes and allowing water to flow out of it. Leaks due to erosion are a larger issue, and you will want to replace your pipes and possibly also your anode rod. The anode rod allows itself to rust as a sacrifice for the rest of the water heater system, so if your pipes have eroded then your anode rod may need replaced as well.

Replace the Water Pressure Release Valve

Finally, one of the easiest ways to repair your water heater is to replace the water pressure relief valve. This valve controls the temperature and pressure within the tank so that an explosion does not occur. Check your valve by lifting it up and down a few times and watching for leaks, slow water movement, or a stuck valve. If your valve is stuck or loose, then it could be affecting water flow throughout the house. Flushing the valve is not an option even if sediment is the culprit, so you will want to replace it.

If you need water heater repair, consider hiring a professional. Expert work will save you time and money over attempting to DIY plumbing projects and risking further damage.