The water heater is an essential appliance in the home.
Every single day, the water heater provides the ability to clean, cook, shower and run other appliances. A problem with the water heater is extremely disruptive. Because of daily operation, the water heater will eventually wear out. Water leaks are probably the most common problem. The tank will gradually start to corrode and succumb to tiny cracks or fractures. If there is a leat at the top of the tank, it’s an indication that connections are loose. If the leak shows up at the bottom of the unit, it can be simply condensation. There could also be water spilling out from the overflow pipe or pressure relief valve, which is most often caused by corrosion and requires a replacement unit. If the tank is full of water but doesn’t provide hot water, the heating element has probably failed. For gas water heaters, this might be due to a bad pilot light or faulty gas connection. If the pilot light is lit but the gas won’t ignore, there might be a problem with the burner as a whole. For new heaters with electronic ignition systems, it’s a good idea to check the breaker box to see if the breaker has tripped. When the water has a strange smell, it’s possible the tank has developed bacteria. Turning up the temperature to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit will work to kill the contaminants. Leave the elevated temperature for about an hour or so and then turn it back down. If the water takes a long time to reheat, the thermostat could be set too low. There might be a concern with the gas connection, a dirty vent flue or a dirty burner orifice. There’s the possibility that the water heater doesn’t have enough capacity to provide for the requirements of the home. It could empty and never get a proper chance to completely refill and reheat before being under demand again.