Texas Property Owner: A Guide to Water Heater Repair

When you have issues with your water heater, you want to sort them out quickly. But first, you need to know where to start when it comes to water heater repairs in Austin, Texas (zip code 78735). Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, a slab leak, leaky pipes, or a clogged drain, proper repair and maintenance is essential in ensuring your system performs at its best.

With so many pieces at play, tackling a water heater repair alone can seem intimidating. However, a professional plumber experienced in such matters can ensure your repair is done right the first time. At Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbing, our trained and licensed plumbers are dedicated to providing you with the highest standards of customer service.

In this guide, we will look at the different issues that can arise with water heaters and how you can identify and repair them. We will also provide tips on how you can maintain your water heater's longevity and performance. By the end, you will have all you need to know on water heater repair.

Types of Water Heaters

The most common types of water heaters are gas and electric models. Gas water heaters are powered by natural gas from your local provider and heat water quickly and with more efficiency than electric water heaters. On the other hand, electric water heaters use electricity to generate and heat the water. Both models include a thermostat, a storage tank, an anode rod, and a dip tube in their design.

Let's look at each piece in turn...

Thermostat

The thermostat regulates the water temperature and is found just under the storage tank. It operates between 120°F and 140°F and can be adjusted using a knob. When the thermostat is faulty, you will likely feel the water temperature fluctuating from too hot to too cold.

Storage Tank

The storage tank holds up to 50 gallons of hot water and is typically made from steel or copper. This piece is found at the bottom of the system. If the tank begins to leak, you will need to replace it right away.

Anode Rod

The anode rod is attached to the inside of the storage tank and prevents the tank from rusting. When the water inside the tank has more acidity, the rod will corrode before the tank ever does. If the rod has reached its limit, you'll need to replace it.

Dip Tube

The dip tube is found in the storage tank and supplies cold water to the bottom of the tank. If the dip tube is cracked, it will cause the hot and cold water to mix together, giving you lukewarm water.

Troubleshooting Water Heater Issues

If you've noticed any of the following issues with your water heater, you may need to do some troubleshooting to identify the problem:

Cold water coming out of the hot water tap

Rusty water

Sudden lack of hot water

Lukewarm water

Leaking from the system

Humming, banging, or rattling sounds coming from the system

Abnormal water pressure

If you notice any of these problems, you may need to take a look at your water heater. Once the issue has been identified, you can decide whether to do the repairs yourself or to call a professional.

Repairing Your Water Heater

If you've identified the cause of the issue, you can decide whether it makes sense to do the repair yourself or to call in a professional. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding how to proceed.

Do You Have The Knowledge?

If the repair is beyond your skillset, then calling in a professional is the safest option. Plumbers have the knowledge and experience to handle any water heater repair.

Do You Have the Tools?

Water heater repairs require specialized tools. If you don't have the right tools for the job, you may end up causing more damage than good. But if you do have the tools and know how to use them, you may be able to handle the repairs yourself.

Safety Considerations

Before beginning repairs, you need to make sure you turn off the power or gas to the water heater. Additionally, if the water heater is powered by natural gas, you need to ensure that the area is properly ventilated. If you're unsure of what needs to be done for safety, it's best to hire a professional.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your system can extend its life and improve its performance. Here are a few maintenance tips you should keep in mind:

Check the anode rod - As mentioned, the rod will corrode over time. Check it every few years and replace it when needed.

Flush the tank - While not necessary for all systems, flushing the tank can help keep your water heater working its best.

Record your readings - Take note of how much hot and cold water the system is consuming. If there is an excessive amount of hot water being used, that could be a sign of a leak.

Keep the area around the water heater clear - Make sure the area around the water heater is clear of debris. This will help the system run efficiently.

The essence

Water heater repair can be a daunting task. But when armed with the right knowledge, it can become a manageable task. Small maintenance tasks can extend the life of your water heater and save you time and money. And when in doubt, don't hesitate to call a professional.

At Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbing, we are dedicated to providing you with quality service and reliable repairs. Our technicians are trained to the highest standards to ensure your water heater runs correctly. Let us know how we can help.

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