A water heater is one of your home’s most important appliances. It keeps your family well-hydrated and clean by supplying hot water at the touch of a button. However, with the years come malfunctions. If your water heater is leaking or experiencing a host of other problems, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Thankfully, repairing a water heater is a relatively simple process. Here’s how you can do it yourself and get it fixed in no time!

CHECK THE THERMOSTAT AND PILOT LIGHT

The first thing you should do when troubleshooting a water heater is to turn it off and then turn it back on again. If the water remains cold, then you know something is wrong with the thermostat. While you have the tank off, check to see if the pilot light is working properly. If it’s not, then you know the problem is with the burner. If the pilot light isn’t working, then it's best to call a professional to repair the issue.

CHECK FOR LEAKS AND CRACKS

If your water heater is leaking, then it’s not doing its job. You will need to replace the water heater if a leaking unit isn’t fixed in time. Cracks in the tank can be worrisome, but are not as urgent as a leak. However, you should call a plumber if you notice a crack on the side of the tank or in the bottom. Cracks are a sign of imminent failure, and a plumber can prevent further damage by installing a patch before it gets worse.

EXAMINE THE THERMOSTAT AND BURNER

If you’ve determined that the thermostat is working properly, then take a look at the burner. If the burner is blackened, then it may be dirty. This can be cleaned with a brush or putty knife. If the water is discolored, then you may have a problem with the tank inlet. If you have discolored water, then it’s a good idea to turn off the water main and flush the water lines to make sure they are clean.

CHECK THE RELIEF VALVE

A relief valve is there to avoid scalding and is essentially a safety feature. If the water gets too hot, then the relief valve will open and shut off the flow of water. If the relief valve is faulty, then it can lead to scalding. You should be able to hear a clicking sound when you turn on the water. If you can’t hear a clicking sound, then the relief valve is probably faulty. If you don’t hear a clicking sound, then the relief valve is most likely working properly. If the relief valve isn’t clicking, then you can replace it. Replacement is an easy DIY project that anyone can do.

CHECK FOR A CLOGGED DRAIN PIPE

A clogged drain pipe can cause a water heater to overheat. You can clear out a clogged drain pipe by installing a plumbing snake. Be careful when using a plumbing snake. Make sure to unplug any appliances in the house before you start. You should also shut off the water main before you start. Make sure the water is off before you turn on the water main. Once the water main is shut off, use a wrench to turn the nut off.

INSTALL A NEW WATER METER

If your water meter is faulty and you aren’t using enough water, then you may have a higher water bill. If you notice that the water bill is much higher than usual, then it’s time to replace your water meter. The water meter is a large black box that’s installed outside your home. You can open up the water meter and take a look at the inside. You may need to call a plumber to replace the water meter if it’s leaking or faulty. Water meters are typically installed above the ground, so it’s best to call a professional to install it properly.

CONCLUSION

A water heater is an important appliance that can save lives if used properly. However, it can also cause damage if it malfunctions. If you notice that your water heater isn’t working as it should, then it’s time to get it fixed. A water heater that isn’t properly heated is dangerous to your family and your home. It’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible so that you don’t suffer long-term damage.