If your water heater starts leaking or shows signs of discoloration and smells, you need to call a plumber for immediate repair. But before you do, contact at least three pros and compare prices. Contact Water Heater Repair Provo for professional help.
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First, turn off the power to the water heater. This is done by switching off the circuit breaker in your service panel.
The anode rod is a small metal rod that hangs inside the water heater tank to attract corrosive elements (like rust and sulfur) away from the steel walls of the water tank. The rod is usually made from magnesium or aluminum, both softer metals than the steel in your water heater tank. The rod should be replaced periodically, typically every 3-5 years, depending on your water quality.
Physical inspection of the anode rod is the most surefire way to determine whether it’s due for replacement. If it looks heavily corroded or covered in calcium deposits, it’s definitely time for a new one.
You may also notice a rotten egg smell or other signs of sediment damage when the anode rod is no longer working, such as discolored or muddy water or intermittent hot water. It’s a good idea to perform this check annually, in addition to getting your tank flushed twice a year.
The anode rod can be attached to the water heater tank in either of two ways – by the “nipple” type or the plug type. The nipple type is attached to the hot water outlet, while the plug type is screwed into the top of the tank.
If you have the nipple type of anode rod, you can simply remove it from its attachment point by loosening the nut on the end of the flex line. This will then allow you to pull the rod out of its opening in the water heater tank and replace it. The plug type of anode rod is more difficult to remove, as it’s screwed into the top of the water heater tank. Typically, it’s secured with a six-sided hex head. You can use an impact wrench to loosen the hex head most of the way, then unscrew the last few inches by hand.
When removing the anode rod, it’s a good idea to drain 2 to 3 gallons of water from the tank before proceeding. This will help relieve pressure in the tank and prevent it from leaking. To drain the water, find a faucet that’s connected to the hot water line and open it to release the pressure.
Dip Tube
A water heater’s dip tube is what keeps the hot and cold water lines separate inside of the tank. It also is responsible for ensuring that the anode rod is fully charged and drawing the anode to its own end, preventing it from being consumed prematurely by the tank. A dip tube should last at least 10-15 years before needing to be replaced. A non-metallic, plastic dip tube is preferred in modern water heaters because it can withstand corrosion and does not accelerate the rusting of the steel tank.
If you are experiencing problems with your water heater, such as insufficient hot water or a puddle of water on the floor, it is possible that your dip tube has corroded and needs to be replaced. The first step is to shut off the power and gas supply to the water heater. This can be done by turning off the circuit breaker for an electric heater or the pilot light for a gas heater. Then, remove the nipple from the cold water pipe connector at the top of the tank and unscrew the dip tube.
When you remove the old dip tube, you can see if it has cracks or holes in it. If it has cracks or holes, they can be repaired with epoxy and plumber’s tape. After the dip tube is replaced, reconnect the water supply line, refill the tank and turn on the water heater to ensure that it is functioning properly.
When the dip tube deteriorates, it will break or crumble into small pieces that can eventually clog strainers and faucet screens in appliances and sinks throughout your home. It is important to regularly check for signs of a problem with your dip tube, including mineral sedimentation in the hot water and aggressive chemistry in the water, as these can speed up the rate of deterioration. In addition to monitoring the dip tube, you should also inspect your anode rod for rust or corrosion on its head. Keeping your water heater well-maintained with regular inspections and replacement of the anode rod will help reduce dip tube issues.
Pressure Valve
The pressure relief valve (PRV) is one of the most important safety components for your water heater. This valve automatically opens if the system pressure reaches unsafe levels and discharges water to lower the pressure in the tank. Without this vital safety feature, your water heater may explode and flood the mechanical room or home, resulting in costly and dangerous damage. Regularly inspecting and testing the PRV helps ensure it is functioning correctly.
You will find this brass lever attached to a pipe that extends from the top of your water heater. The discharge line should terminate in a floor drain in your mechanical room or directly into a basement or garage drain. Typically, when the pressure relief valve opens due to high temperatures or excessive pressure, hot water will drain down this tube and into the drain. This is why it’s important to have a bucket or a large pot underneath the discharge pipe to catch the water that will flow out.
A leaking PRV is another indication that it is time to replace this critical safety valve. The first step is to turn off the power and water supply to your water heater. Once the water has cooled, it is safe to drain and remove the old PRV. A professional plumber should be consulted for a replacement to ensure proper installation and to avoid water leaks.
After replacing the valve, be sure to test it for operation. Place a bucket under the discharge pipe and carefully open the valve. You should hear a rush of air and see water flowing into the bucket. If the metal lever on the valve doesn’t immediately snap back into place, you will need to close and then reopen the valve. You can also try jiggling the lever, similar to how you would jiggle a toilet handle. This should reset the mechanism and the lever will snap back into place.
It is recommended that homeowners test their PRV at least once a year. It is also recommended that a qualified service technician or licensed plumbing contractor perform this inspection to ensure continuing safety. This is a simple, easy-to-do maintenance task that can be completed by homeowners.
Element
The element is responsible for heating the water inside your tank. However, it’s common for the element to burn out over time due to sediment buildup and age. This issue usually requires replacement of the element, and it’s a good idea to have a plumber handle the task for safety and effectiveness.
A burned-out element can cause your water heater to overheat and potentially leak. A good way to prevent this is by conducting routine maintenance, including flushing the water heater and removing sediment deposits.
If you have a gas-powered water heater, the heating element is located behind an access panel on the side of the tank. Once you remove the access panel, you’ll be able to see the screw terminals and circuit wires on the heating element. Before you disconnect these wires, though, it’s wise to use a non-contact voltage tester to make sure that there’s no electricity flowing through them. If the multimeter reads zero, you’re ready to start working on the element.
To replace the heating element, first shut off power to the water heater by switching off the circuit breaker. Then, drain the tank by opening the drain valve. After the tank is empty, get a shallow container and place it under the element to catch the drips. Once the element is removed, loosen the screws on the terminals and disconnect the circuit wires. If you’re replacing both the upper and lower heating elements, loosen the one on the bottom so that it can be removed from the tank.
Once the new element is installed, connect the black and white circuit wires to their respective terminals. Then, re-connect the other terminal screws on the element and secure them with the wires. After you’re done, you can close the drain valve and open a hot water faucet to allow air to escape.
It’s also a good idea to refill the tank once you’re finished. This will help to eliminate air pockets, which can cause the element to burn out faster than normal. If you have trouble with a hot water heater, contact the experts at Premier Systems to learn more about how we can help with your problem.