Fixing a Water Heater in Austin - Tips for Homeowners in 78717

Are you a homeowner in Austin area zip code 78717 having trouble with your water heater? Troubleshooting and repairs can be confusing, but with a bit of knowledge you can safely and effectively assess and fix any water heater issue. This guide will help you understand the basics of diagnosing and repairing home water heaters, including both gas and electric models.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or an Austin homeowner dealing with water heater problems, you'll gain some useful insight from this article. Regardless of which type of water heater you have, diagnosing and solving problems can often be quite straightforward with the right information and a bit of patience.

What to Expect From This Guide:

This article will provide an informative overview of water heater repairs and offer helpful tips for Austin area homeowners who find themselves in need of water heater repairs in their 78717 zip code. In addition to outlining the general process of water heater repair, this article will also highlight some of the common problems encountered by conventional configurations as well as some of the more advanced systems.

Issues With Water Heaters

Water heater problems are usually caused by one of two things: a failure of the system component or a mineral buildup.

Failure of System Component:

Failures of system components most commonly consist of malfunctioning elements, faulty pilot lights, Dip Tubes and relief valves, and condensation pipes that don't work correctly. It's important to note that anytime the element of your water heater fails, the water temperature may mistakenly increase, resulting in scalding-hot water.

Mineral Buildup:

Water that comes from deep underground springs or well water usually contains high concentrations of minerals. Over time, these minerals will deposit on the inside of your water tank, eventually creating a clog and reducing the amount of hot water available to you. If not addressed, it can result in decrease performance of the water heater and cause extensive damage to the entire system.

Common Causes of Water Heater Issues:

The most common causes of water heater issues are mineral buildup, a malfunctioning component, or a lack of routine maintenance.

Mineral Buildup:

This issue is most often obvious: if you find your water heater is not delivering enough hot water or you're hearing a gurgling noise when the heater is on, it's likely due to mineral buildup. To address such a problem, you'll first need to flush out the tank in order to remove the majority of debris.

Malfunctioning Component:

If your water heater isn't delivering ample hot water, it's likely due to a malfunctioning component. Common culprits include faulty Dip Tubes and relief valves, as well as worn elements. To solve problems with these components, you'll need to replace the malfunctioning part.

Lack of Routine Maintenance:

If you don't schedule regular maintenance for your water heater, it can lead to a variety of issues. As such, it's critical to schedule inspections of your system at least twice a year in order to identify and eliminate any latent issues that could eventually effect your water heater's performance.

DIY Repair:

If you've determined the cause of an issue with your water heater, most repairs can be completed with common tools that you probably already own. However, take caution if attempting any DIY work. If the repair proves too difficult, be sure to contact a professional for assistance.

Postpone Major Repairs:

If your water heater is beyond repair, then it's time to shop for a replacement. However, it's generally best to postpone major repairs or installations until you're sure the problem cannot be solved with a simple fix.

Contact a Professional:

If you've determined that a repair is necessary, then it's likely time to call a professional. Experienced plumbers can diagnose and repair water heater issues with minimal effort, ensuring you're back up and running in no time.

When in need of water heater repair, Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbers are well-versed in diagnosing and fixing all types of water heater issues and problems. From gas and electric water heaters, slab leaks, leaky pipes to hydro jetting clogged drains, Abacus plumbers have the experience and expertise to provide homeowners in Austin, Texas with quality service. Every Abacus technician is trained to the highest standards, insured, and committed to 100% customer satisfaction.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast who enjoys taking on home improvement projects, or an Austin homeowner in need of water heater repair, follow the tips outlined in this article and you're sure to be back up and running in no time at all.

water heater repair

Austin

Texas