Quick Fixes For Your Water Heater

Image source: dalworthrestoration.com

With many years of use, water heaters tend to show signs of wear and tear and need to be fixed. Before you call professional water tank experts for water heater repair services, here are a few things you can do yourself as quick fixes for your water heater.

Safety precautions

Your water heater operates on electricity, and water and electricity are a fatal combination. To avoid risking an electrocution, turn off the electrical supply to your water heater before you start to work on your water heater repair.

You must also turn off the water supply to your water heater to avoid a major flood in your home.

Fixing leaks

A leaking water heater can cause mold formation, mildew, and even rotting of walls, floors and sub-floors. Leaks in the water heater must be tended to immediately. Water leaks could be typically caused by one or more of the following reasons.

1) Faulty temperature and pressure valve

Place a container under the overflow pipe and open the temperature and pressure valve. Flush it to get rid of debris. If the valve still continues to leak, you need to replace it.

Do not try to stop the leak by capping off the valve as the valve releases excess pressure, which builds up inside the water heater due to overheating. Capping off the valve hinders its ability to release pressure and could lead to an explosion.

2) High pressure of the temperature and pressure valve

If your water heater is set to a high temperature, the temperature and pressure valve will remain open almost continuously to relieve the excess pressure, thus causing a leakage. This can easily be fixed by lowering the temperature of the thermostat. A lower temperature ensures that the valve does not remain open and the leakage will stop.

3) Leaking inlet and outlet pipes

Check the connections of the inlet and outlet water pipes to and from the water heater. If these are loose, it could be causing a leak. Tighten them as needed or replace in case of rusty pipes with holes in them.

4) Leaking water heater tank

Check the interior and exterior surfaces of the water tank carefully for any signs of rust or small holes. These could be caused due to corrosion and cannot be repaired. If you spot even a single hole, you need to replace your water tank. Consult any of your local water tank experts for the best replacement for your old water heater tank.

Rumbling noise coming from water heater

If your water heater makes a rumbling noise when turned on, it could be an indication of sediment build-up in the water tank. Flush the water tank to get rid of the sediment build-up. Repeat once in every three months to keep the build-up as low as possible.

No hot water

For gas water heaters

Check if the pilot light is on, if it is not, turn it on carefully or ask your gas company to relight the pilot light.

Ensure the gas controls are turned on, to the highest levels and check if the water heater is properly connected to the gas control unit.

Inspect the thermocouple. If it is defective, get it replaced immediately.

For electric water heaters

Check the fuse box/circuit breaker. If the water heater repeatedly blows fuses, contact a professional electrician.

Press the reset button to check the thermostat and heating element. If found defective, replace the thermostat and heating element. If the problem still persists, get in touch with a professional providing water heater repair services.

Insufficiently heated water

In the case of both gas and electric water heaters, turning up the thermostat and insulating the pipes connected to the water heater should fix this problem. If water is still not hot enough, consult professional water tank experts for your water heater repair needs.


These quick fixes can save your water heater from an early replacement and save you loads of money. Be sure to consult professionals if you are not skilled to undertake repairs on your own and avoid risking your personal safety.

---