It’s usually fairly obvious when a hot water heater has stopped working as intended. Regardless of the reason, the end result is the same: cold showers, and no hot water for washing dishes. Of course, it’s always possible to just call in a repair technician for Water Heater Repairs in Charlotte NC immediately to service the unit, but for industrious home handymen, there are also a few quick fixes that can be tried to troubleshoot the problem before making the call. Below are a few common problems that can be simply addressed without the help of a professional with just a few tools and basic knowledge.
If the heater is producing hot water, but it’s just not quite hot enough it may be due to a problem with the thermostat. Try resetting the temperature control on the unit. If it is unresponsive the thermostat might actually need to be replaced, at which point the help of a repair technician will be needed.
Pilot Light is Out
If the pilot light in a gas heating unit is out, it will cause the water heater to stop producing hot water. Relighting it is a simple matter of cleaning the pilot orifice, turning the gas supply off and allowing several minutes to pass so that any gas in the lines is clear, and relighting it. If it will not light, or if it goes out repeatedly soon after being lit, it’s time to call in a professional.
Heater is Noisy
Often banging and other strange sounds are the result of sediment build-up. In some cases, this can be resolved by draining and flushing the tank. This troubleshooting step should also be considered a necessary part of basic maintenance. Homeowners who live in areas that have particularly hard water should also lower their thermostat to a temperature below 130 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent future issues. If this doesn’t solve the problem, there may be rust inside the tank, which often requires replacement.
Addressing leaks is usually a job for a professional as it requires replacing parts. This kind of more involved fix requires training to be performed safely, so it’s best to trust someone with specialized knowledge.
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