In this article…
- 4 Common Water Heater Problems You Can Attempt to Repair Yourself
- 5 Serious Water Heater Problems That Require Professional Repair
- Should You DIY A Water Heater Repair Or Hire A Professional?
Whether you’ve had issues with your hot water or hear strange noises coming from the water heater, it can be tempting to grab some tools and try to fix the issue yourself.
While it’s true some water heater issues can be handled by a handy homeowner, others require the skill of a licensed plumber.
Knowing when you can perform water heater repairs yourself and when to call a professional plumber is crucial to fixing your water heater properly and avoiding further damage.
At Jim’s Plumbing Now, our team of licensed and journeyman plumbers are here to educate and provide you with all the information you need regarding your project, from full water heater replacements to simple repairs.
We understand that sometimes hiring a professional isn’t always necessary, and the last thing you want is to waste money on a licensed plumber when you might not need one.
However, attempting repairs on your water heater without understanding the risks can lead to costly mistakes, safety hazards, or even void your current warranty. You want to be sure that when your water heater is acting up, you make the right decision on either fixing it yourself or working with a professional.
This article will break down what common problems can be repaired yourself, when to hire a professional, and some pros and cons of a DIY water heater repair and professional repair.
After reading, you’ll then have a better understanding of how to navigate your water heater and what to do when you need a repair.
4 Common Water Heater Problems You Can Attempt to Repair Yourself
Working on any plumbing element in your home can be tricky, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t scenarios that warrant a DIY fix.
When it comes to troubleshooting water heater problems, knowing the right steps to take to correctly fix them is crucial, and we’re here to help.
Let’s look at four common water heater problems you can attempt to fix yourself.
1. Relighting the Pilot Light (for Gas Heaters)
If your water heater isn’t producing hot water, check if the pilot light is out. This component is essentially responsible for heating the water in your tank when the thermostat signals the water needs heating.
If you notice your hot water not turning on, it’s possible the pilot light has gone out and needs reigniting.
Relighting it is a straightforward process:
- First, turn off the gas for a few minutes to allow any excess gas to dissipate.
- Follow the instructions on your water heater’s label to relight the pilot.
However, if the pilot light repeatedly goes out, this could indicate a more significant issue, such as a faulty thermocouple, requiring professional help.
The thermocouple is responsible for controlling the gas supply for the pilot light, so if it is damaged or not functioning properly, it may shut off the gas even if the pilot light is on, leaving you with no hot water.
2. Adjusting the Thermostat for Optimal Temperature
Your water heater has a thermostat just like your HVAC system. Setting the thermostat to the proper temperature is important not only for your comfort if the thermostat is set too low but also for your safety if the temperature is set too high.
If your water temperature is off, it may be due to an incorrectly set thermostat. Most thermostats are straightforward to adjust:
- Set it between 120°F and 140°F to avoid scalding or excessive energy use.
- Be cautious not to turn it too high, which can lead to hot water burns.
Adjusting the thermostat is safe to handle, but if you experience ongoing temperature issues, it could mean a more complex problem is present and should be addressed by a plumber.
3. Flushing the Water Heater Tank to Remove Sediment
Sediment buildup is common in water heater tanks, especially in areas with hard water. Flushing it once a year is essential to the health, longevity, and efficiency of your water heater.
Flushing the tank helps keep it running efficiently and can be done easily with these steps.
- Turn off the electric power or set the gas to “pilot” and turn off the cold water supply to the tank.
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater, and open a nearby hot water faucet to prevent a vacuum while draining.
- Open the drain valve and let the water drain completely.
- Briefly turn on the cold water supply to flush out the remaining sediment; repeat until clear.
- Close the drain valve tightly, and turn the cold water supply back on to refill the tank.
- Keep the hot water faucet open until you see a steady water flow, then close it.
- Restore power or turn the gas back on.
A proper flush is a safe DIY option, but if sediment issues persist, you might need professional help to avoid permanent damage to the tank.
Because a water heater flush is not a small job, having an expert plumber complete it for you may be the easiest option.
4. Replacing the Anode Rod
The anode rod attracts minerals that would otherwise corrode the tank. This prevents rust from building up within your water tank and contaminating your hot water supply.
If you’ve noticed discolored hot water or rust around the water tank, the anode rod may be worn out, and it’s time to replace it:
- Turn off gas and power to your water heater, shut off the cold water supply, and drain some water from the tank.
- Carefully remove the anode rod, wrap Teflon tape around the new anode, and screw on tightly first by hand then with a socket wrench.
- Turn the cold water supply back on, then the electric and gas.
If you’re not comfortable or have any doubts about handling this replacement, you should call a professional to ensure it’s done correctly and with the right materials.
Pros and Cons of A DIY Water Heater Repair
Repairing your water heater yourself may be the best option for you depending on what you need to be repaired and the severity of the damage.
If you’re confident you can perform these repairs yourself, it’s still important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of a DIY water heater repair.
The benefits of repairing your water heater yourself include:
- It’s more affordable (most of the time)
- You get to work on your own timeline
- You don’t have to deal with the stress of finding a professional plumber
Some drawbacks of a DIY water heater repair are:
- You risk making a mistake or potentially damaging your water heater
- You may potentially burn or injure yourself working with gas and electrical components
- You may void any current warranties on your water heater
Deciding to repair any plumbing in your home can be a risk. If you don’t take the proper precautions or aren’t confident in your abilities, you can damage your water heater and create larger, more costly repairs for yourself.
Consider your skill level and the difficulty of the repair needed before embarking on any water heater repair project.
5 Serious Water Heater Problems That Require Professional Repair
Even if you feel as though you fix your water heater yourself, it’s important to know what type of damages and problems you should avoid and hire a professional plumber for.
When it comes to any sort of leak, strange noises in the water heater, or persistent problems, it’s best to look for a trustworthy plumber to get the job done.
Let’s look at five water heater problems that require professional repair and should not be attempted with a DIY fix.
1. Leaking Tank or Connections
Water heater leaks often indicate serious issues, such as corrosion, which DIY solutions can’t resolve.
Small leaks might look fixable, but they’re often symptoms of a deteriorating tank under the surface.
Licensed plumbers can inspect and determine whether repairs are sufficient or if a full water heater replacement is necessary, ensuring safety and longevity.
2. Persistent Water Temperature Issues
If your water remains cold even with frequent adjustments, there may be an issue with the heating elements or thermostats.
Diagnosing and fixing these requires expertise with electrical systems and specialized tools.
Hiring a professional plumber who can accurately diagnose and repair these issues will ensure your hot water supply is reliable and won’t cause frequent issues in the future.
3. Strange Noises or Odors
Noises, especially popping or hissing, usually mean sediment buildup or a failing component. Odors, like rotten eggs, can mean bacterial growth or even a gas leak.
Ignoring these signs could lead to even more dangerous situations the longer they go unrepaired, so calling a plumber is essential for a safe and effective fix.
4. Tripped Circuit Breaker or Electrical Problems
If your electric water heater is tripping the breaker, it signals electrical issues that can be dangerous to attempt on your own.
Licensed plumbers have training to handle electrical repairs, ensuring everything meets safety codes. If they are not followed, you can seriously damage the electrical components of your water heater and risk needing a full replacement.
Attempting DIY electrical fixes without proper knowledge is hazardous and best avoided.
5. Replacing or Repairing the Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve prevents dangerous pressure buildup within the tank, so if it’s malfunctioning, don’t attempt a DIY fix.
Mishandling this component can lead to tank ruptures, which is an extreme risk if performed without the proper training.
This is why it is essential to have a licensed plumber handle replacing or even just repairing a pressure relief valve.
Pros and Cons Of Professional Water Heater Repair
If you aren’t sure whether you should hire a professional for your water heater repair or not, you must weigh the pros and cons to understand what risks may ensue if you make the wrong choice.
When it comes to water heater repairs, professional plumbers bring several pros and cons no matter the repair you need.
Some benefits of hiring a professional plumber include:
- Providing accurate diagnosis and solutions
- Using professional tools and expertise
- Long-term savings and investment
The drawbacks of hiring a professional plumber are:
- It’s more expensive than a DIY repair
- It can be difficult to schedule your repair
- The repair can disrupt your day-to-day life
While there are pros and cons to both a DIY and professional water heater repair, it’s important to decipher when you need one over the other.
If you aren’t sure what’s wrong with your water heater or don’t feel comfortable attempting a repair, it’s always best to consult a professional to avoid damaging your water heater and your home’s plumbing.
Should You DIY A Water Heater Repair Or Hire A Professional Plumber?
Now that you know some common water heater issues you can repair yourself and others that require professional help, you have clarity on how to properly repair your water heater and keep things flowing properly.
Water heaters are a vital part of your home, and while there are some repairs you can tackle on your own, others should be left to the pros.
Attempting complex repairs without experience can lead to bigger problems, safety risks, or warranty issues.
When it comes to anything involving gas, electrical components, or persistent issues, it’s always best to call in a licensed plumber who has the necessary experience.
Not only can professional repairs increase your water heater’s efficiency, but they also ensure peace of mind knowing the job is done right.
If you still aren’t sure if hiring a professional is right for you or are procrastinating your water heater repair project, it’s important you understand the risks of not hiring a professional and getting your plumbing fixed properly.
Check out this article that outlines three major risks of putting off your plumbing project and finding the right plumber for you.
Looking For A Trustworthy Plumber In Dallas And Fort Worth?
Jim’s Plumbing Now has been your trusted plumber in the DFW area with over 25 years of experience in Texas plumbing.
Our team of licensed and journeyman plumbers treat you and your home with kindness and lead with education to provide you with the best plumbing solution no matter the problem.
Schedule your appointment with Jim’s Plumbing Now to have your plumbing properly assessed and repaired the right way!
