What Should You Do When Your Water Heater Breaks?

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Imagine looking forward to a nice warm bath after a cold day, only to find it broken when you arrive home. Water heaters are a household need, especially during the cold winter months. So what happens if the water heater fails? The entire time, you have to deal with ice-cold water for bathing and dishwashing. However, tankless water heater repair is costlier than conventional heater. Continue reading to learn what to do if this happens to you.

What Is The Function Of A Water Heater?

There are two classifications of water heaters: tank-based and tankless. Both types use energy to heat water and transmit it throughout your home. Their distinction is based on the procedure, volume, and water storage. Which one is better for your home depends on your lifestyle. Consider all factors before you go for a new water heater installation.

Tank-based Hot Water Heater:

Tank-based water heaters, as the name implies, have tanks when installed. They are ideal for large families since they can store and deliver a huge amount of warm water. It normally starts heating the water with fuel or electricity. However, tank heaters transport water through three pipelines. The cold water pipe carries moisture to the tank’s bottom for heating. The hot water line distributes it on demand as it warms up. If the temperature and pressure become too high, the safety valve pipe protects the water heater. The heated water is stored in a tank and is kept warm even when not in use.

Tankless Hot Water Heater:

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, are small and save energy. It heats water on demand in contrast to storing and continuing to heat it. To heat cold water, tankless heaters either use heat exchanger coils or gas.

Depending on the source of the breakage, your water heater may exhibit these symptoms.

Inside the tank, there are loud and rumbling noises.
Leaking pipes might cause a pool of water under the tank or flood the room.
Flowing brown rusty water near the house.

The Most Common Causes of Water Heater Failure:

A water heater can fail for a variety of reasons, and it is advisable to check for these characteristics to avoid the headache of emergency water heater repairs. Also, look for symptoms that your water heater is on its last legs.

Age Of The Water Heater

Standard water heaters have a lifespan of eight to twelve years. Wear and tear will eventually slow down the heating process, resulting in increased power and fuel use. Check the serial number to find out when your heater was made. If it has reach its maturity, water heater replacement is the most cost-efficient option for you.

Sediment Accumulation

Commercial hard water contains minerals that settle to the tank’s bottom. At the burner, the minerals form a layer that insulates the water being heated. As a result, the burner overheats and weakens the tank.

Internal Strain

Safety valves manage the pressure inside the tank. However, repeated use might wear it down over time. If too much pressure is not released, the water in the room will leak and burst. You need to hire water heater repair specialists to fix the issue.

What Steps Should Be Taken If Your Water Heater Breaks?

Switch Off The Water Heater:

Turn off the water heater first, especially if it is producing a loud banging or rumbling noise. It is an indication that your water heater is about to fail, and if you don’t turn it off, you could do irreversible damage.

You should also turn off the water heater to eliminate any risk of electrocution. The problem could be more complicated than it appears, and leaving the heater on while you work on it could result in an electric shock if the components are faulty.

It will also restrict the water heater from operating while the fixation is in process. It is a vital step as even if a small amount of water is there in the heater and it continues to heat, it could cause a dangerous pressure build-up.

Firstly, one needs to determine the type of water heater they have: Gas or Electric.

In the case of a gas heater, find the thermostat on your tank and turn off the switch. If you have an electric water heater, find your fuse box and switch off the circuit breaker that powers your machine.

Turn Down The Water Supply:

The next immediate action should be to turn off your water supply to prevent any freshwater supply from entering the tank while it is being repaired.

Begin by locating the water line leading to the water heater. This line will appear similar to the other water pipes in your home and connect straight to the tank. Locate the water shutoff valve situated on the water pipe. If you can’t find the water shutoff valve on the waterline, it might be on the water heater.

To turn off the water, locate the water shutoff valve and turn it clockwise. If the valve will not move or if closing it does not cut off the water, locate your home’s main water shutoff valve and turn it off there.

Drain The Water Heater:

The next step is to empty any water in the tank of the water heater. You’ll need a hose long enough to reach an exterior area or a drain for this. It must also fit the drain valve on your water heater to prevent spills and flooding.

Locate the drain valve on your water heater next. It will be at the bottom of the water heater and will resemble a spout. Connect the hose to the drain valve and run the other end to an exterior location or a basement drain.

To begin draining the tank, turn the valve above the spout. Some drain valves feature screws that control the flow of water. Therefore you may need a screwdriver to access this valve. Avoid disconnecting the hose while the tank is draining since the water is very hot and could flood your property.

Open The Pressure Relief Valve:

You have to then open the pressure release valve. The pressure relief valve is normally located at the top of the tank on this side of your water heater. The lever that rests on top of the valve makes this obvious. To catch the hot water that flows out of the valve, you’ll need a bucket or some form of container.

Once you’ve found the pressure relief valve, place your container beneath it. Allow the pressure to be released by gradually lifting the valve up. The water will be extremely hot, so take care not to burn yourself.

Rinse The Water Tank With Cold Water:

Finally, turn on the tank’s water supply and let the cold water rinse the inside. This will allow you to remove much of the silt that may be causing your machine to malfunction.

Begin by twisting the water supply valve counter-clockwise to restore water flow to the tank. Any leftover sediment should be flushed out of the drain valve as a result of this. Close the drain valve and remove the hose once you’ve finished rinsing the tank.

How Can I Keep My Water Heater From Breaking?

As with any electric appliance, a routine inspection for water heater maintenance can make your water heater last longer. Put an annual reminder to inspect for moisture or pooling water near the water heater, and tighten any loose fittings you find. If you see indications of water or mold damage or can’t find the source of the leak, hire the best plumber at EZ Leak Detection immediately. The quicker you fix the issue, the more nominal damage and cleanup you’ll have.

Author: ezleakdev

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