Although gas-powered water heaters are fairly reliable, like many devices, they can require repairs after a few years of use. Some of the problems that occur with this water heater may be a result of an improper installation of the device, a faulty unit, or just general wear and tear. In any case, you may decide to try to figure out what is wrong to see if you can diagnose it yourself.
No Hot Water
A common problem is when no hot water is being produced. Sometimes, any issue with hot water can be fixed just by adjusting and resetting the thermostat settings or the high-limit cutoff. If resetting these does not work, they may need to be replaced.
The lack of hot water could also be caused by a problem with your thermocouple. A thermocouple is a device that is installed in front of the pilot light that signals the gas valve to shut off if the pilot light goes out, so it is a safety device. When both the pilot light and the thermocouple are not working, there is no hot water that is being produced. You can first try to re-light the pilot by following the directions that are located on the tank. If it does not re-ignite, then you have a thermocouple that needs to be replaced.
If the thermocouple is not the problem, you may have a problem with your dip tube. The dip tube prevents the incoming cold water and the outgoing hot water from mixing inside of the tank. With a broken dip tube, your water will only be coming out at a lukewarm temperature.
Rust in Water Heater Tank
Another common issue is when rust-colored water is coming out of the unit. This rust can be caused by a corrosion that is occurring inside of the tank, or it can be caused by an anode rod that needs to be replaced. An anode rod is made out of aluminum or magnesium and is put in the tank in order to prevent rusting in the tank. It needs to be replaced every so often to avoid rust from being produced.
Water Heater Leaks
Your heater may be experiencing leaking not from anything seriously wrong with it, but because of condensation. If water usually appears with the tank is first filled during the winter months but then disappears after warming up, then it’s a condensation issue and requires no action.
Other times, the temperature-pressure relief valve may be at fault. This valve emits the excess water when there is too much pressure. The extra pressure can be from the too high of a set temperature, too strong of a main water pressure setting from your house, valves not allowing hot water to expand in the tank, or the relief valve itself. Check out the owner manual to your unit if the valve itself is leaking, or contact a professional immediately.
Leaks can also be caused by drain valves or water pipes not being tight enough. In order to fix this, simply tighten the drain valve or the water pipes where there is a leak. If this does not work, they will need to be replaced. Problems with the vent could also be a possible cause for leaks. If this is the case, then you need to shut off the water and clean the flue (a heat exchanger).
Many of these replacement parts can be purchased at home improvement stores, but if you have any doubt about how to install anything, call a professional. They have the knowledge to properly diagnose your problem and handle your gas water heater repairs.
We are open 24/7, so if you are experiencing any of the above problems, please don’t hesitate to call us at (407) 413-9795.