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What to Do When Your Hot Water Heater Breaks

hot water heater breaks.

Having a hot water heater is essential for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. It allows us to enjoy warm showers and clean dishes effectively. However, when your hot water heater breaks down, it can be a major inconvenience. Not only does it disrupt your daily routines, but it also leaves you without access to hot water.

In this article, we will explore the necessary steps to take when your hot water heater breaks down. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the inconvenience and get your hot water supply restored quickly.

Assess the Situation

When you discover that your hot water heater is not functioning properly, the first thing to do is to assess the situation. Try to identify the specific problem, which will help you determine the appropriate course of action. Common issues with hot water heaters include:

  • No hot water
  • Inadequate hot water supply
  • Strange noises
  • Leaking
  • Pilot light not staying on

Understanding the problem will give you a clearer idea of whether it is something you can fix yourself or if professional assistance is required.

Troubleshoot the Problem

Depending on the issue you have identified, there are various troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially resolve the problem on your own:

No Hot Water

If there is no hot water at all, the first thing to check is the power supply. Ensure that the circuit breaker for the hot water heater is switched on. If it is already on, try resetting the breaker by turning it off and then back on again. Additionally, check if the pilot light is lit. If not, you may need to relight it following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Inadequate Hot Water Supply

If you are not getting enough hot water, the thermostat settings might be incorrect. Check the thermostat on the hot water heater and adjust it to a higher temperature if necessary. However, be cautious not to set it too high, as it can be a safety hazard.

Another potential cause for inadequate hot water supply is sediment buildup in the tank. Over time, minerals and debris can accumulate, reducing the efficiency of your hot water heater. Consider flushing the tank to remove any sediment. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional guidance if needed.

Strange Noises

If your hot water heater is making unusual noises, such as popping or cracking sounds, it could be an indication of mineral buildup or a broken heating element. Flushing the tank may help resolve the issue if it is due to sediment. However, if the noises persist, it is advisable to contact a professional plumber to inspect and repair or fully replace the water heater.

Leaking

A leaking hot water heater requires immediate attention as it can lead to water damage and higher utility bills. First, turn off the power supply to the hot water heater and shut off the water supply valve. Place a bucket under the leak to collect any dripping water. To prevent further damage and potential flooding, contact a professional plumber to assess the situation and repair the leak.

Pilot Light Not Staying On

If the pilot light on your hot water heater keeps going out, it may be due to a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that detects if the pilot light is functioning correctly. If it is not, the gas supply to the burner will be shut off. In this case, it is recommended to consult a professional technician who can replace the thermocouple for you.

a professional plumber repairing a water heater.

Professional plumbers and technicians have the expertise, tools, and knowledge to diagnose and repair complex problems with hot water heaters.

Seek Professional Help

While troubleshooting the problem yourself can be effective for minor issues, there are situations where professional assistance is necessary. If you encounter any of the following scenarios, it is advisable to contact a licensed plumber or technician:

  • Gas leaks or smell of gas
  • Major leaks or flooding
  • Electrical issues or malfunctions
  • Problems with the gas burner or heating element
  • Faulty or damaged components

Professional plumbers and technicians have the expertise, tools, and knowledge to diagnose and repair complex problems with hot water heaters. They can ensure that the repair is performed safely and effectively, restoring your hot water supply in no time.

Consider Repair or Replacement

After assessing the situation and determining the cause of the problem, you need to consider whether to repair or replace your hot water heater. Factors to consider include:

  • The age of your hot water heater
  • The extent of the damage or malfunction
  • The cost of repair compared to the cost of a new unit
  • The energy efficiency of your current hot water heater

If your hot water heater is relatively new and the issue is minor, repairing it may be the most cost-effective choice. However, if the unit is old, experiencing frequent breakdowns, or has major issues, it may be more economical in the long run to replace it with a newer, more energy-efficient model.

Preventative Maintenance

Regular maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your hot water heater and prevent unexpected breakdowns. Some essential maintenance tasks include:

  • Flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup
  • Inspecting and replacing the anode rod as needed
  • Testing the pressure relief valve
  • Checking and adjusting the thermostat settings
  • Removing debris from around the hot water heater

Furthermore, scheduling annual professional maintenance can ensure that your hot water heater is in optimal condition. A professional plumber nearby can inspect the unit, identify any potential issues, and perform necessary repairs or adjustments.

In Conclusion

Dealing with a broken hot water heater can be inconvenient, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you can minimize the disruption and quickly restore your hot water supply. Remember to assess the situation, troubleshoot the problem if possible, seek professional help from a plumber when needed, and consider repair or replacement options. Additionally, practicing preventative maintenance can reduce the likelihood of future breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your hot water heater. By taking proactive measures and addressing issues promptly, you can ensure a reliable hot water supply for your household.

What to Do When your Water Heater Breaks?

What to Do When your Water Heater Breaks

Although it doesn’t happen often, water heaters sometimes break, and when they do, they can cause massive damage to your home. If this problem happens and you don’t know how to handle it, you will not only be looking at the cost of fixing extensive water damage to your home but may also be exposed to the risk of electric shock or gas fire, warns Florida Property Management.

What do you do when your water heater breaks? Whether you are dealing with this issue right now and looking for guidance on how to tackle the problem or trying to update your level of emergency preparedness, this post will help you. 

The steps below will teach you how to minimize the damage a broken water heater can do to your home and prevent you from needing a water heater replacement prematurely.

Step one: Turn off the water supply

Your water heater has a cold water inlet pipe and a hot water outlet pipe. These two pipes are often located on the top of the water heater. You can identify the cold water supply line by the shut-off valve (usually a ball valve) on it. The arm of this valve will typically be in a position where it lines up with the cold water inlet pipe; this is the open position. 

You want to turn the valve clockwise until the arm is perpendicular (ninety degrees) to the cold water pipe. If your cold water pipe has a gate valve instead, turning it to the right should close it. This step will keep more water from flowing into the tank and flooding your home.

Step two: Turn off the power or fuel

The next thing is to eliminate the risk of a gas fire or electric shock. You want to cut the power supply by turning the circuit breaker off if this is an electric water heater. For gas-powered water heaters, look for a dial on the top of the water heater and turn it until it is in a horizontal position (ninety degrees). If you cannot find the valve, turn off the gas at the gas line leading to your water heater. 

There is a huge risk of electrocution when a water heater leaks. Please get in touch with your plumber if you are unsure how to turn off the power on an electric water heater. Also, if there is a gas smell in the room, even after you shut off the gas, please call a professional plumber. 

Step three: Empty the water heater tank

At this point, you have turned off the water supply to the water heater and shut off the electricity or gas. But water is still coming from the tank onto the floor of your home. You want to get your garden hose and fix it to the drainage valve at the bottom of the water heater. Make sure the connection is tight, and then open the drainage valve. 

You will need a screwdriver to open it if it is a ball valve. But you should be able to turn it by hand if it is a gate valve. Ensure the other end of the hose is at a low spot in your home where the water can be released safely. Open the T&P valve of the water heater to let air into the tank and help the water flow out of the tank freely.

Step four: Start cleanup

Once the above steps are completed, you can wait for your plumber to arrive. While you wait for the plumber, you may begin the cleanup process. The sooner you start this, the lower your repair costs will be. However, it is essential that you create a visual record of the damage caused by the event before you start the cleanup. This will be vital for filing your insurance claims. 

Take detailed photos of the water heater’s damage to your home; floors, walls, furniture, etc. After, you may proceed to remove the salvageable items from the area. Depending on how long the leak had been going before you discovered it, you may be able to remove the water with a mop or have to rent a wet/dry vacuum. If necessary, hire a basement flood pumping service to handle the cleanup.

Step Five; File an insurance claim

Unless the accident happened because of your negligence (maybe you had prior warnings of the issues with your water heater), your insurance homeowners’ insurance should cover the cost of replacing the damaged items and fixing your home. 

Even if the damage was minimal and you did not suffer any losses, you should still inform your insurer. The company will send an adjuster to your home to determine the cause of the accident and quantify the losses.