WATER HEATERS 

WARNING: Should you wish to perform your own plumbing maintenance using the information we provide on this website, please be advised that AOS  Plumbing cannot be held responsible for any work not performed by our  own licensed master plumber.  Failure to contract any plumbing work to a licensed master plumber could result in serious bodily injury or death.

How A Water Heater Works

Most problems with water heaters are announced by noises or by water that's either too hot or not hot enough. Often you can correct the problem yourself. A possible exception is a water leak, which may require professional service or tank replacement. Gas leaks call for immediate help from the utility company.

Whenever someone turns on a hot water faucet, heated water is drawn from the top of the tank and is replaced by cold water that is carried to the bottom through the dip tube. When the water temperature drops, a thermostat activates the heat source (a burner in a gas model -- two heating elements is an electric.) A gas heater has a flue running up the center and out the top to vent deadly gasses. An electric heater needs no venting. In both, an anti-corrosion anode attracts corrosion that would otherwise attack the tank's walls.

Maintenance For Good, Safe Service

• Open the drain valve at the bottom about every 6 months, letting the water run into a bucket until it looks clear (usually about 5 gallons). This will prevent sediment accumulation.
• Annually test the temperature-pressure relief pressure buildup by lifting or depressing its handle and draining water from the overflow pipe. If water doesn't drain out, shut off water to the heater, open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house, and replace the valve.

Water Heater Safety Tip

If steam or boiling water ever comes out of the valve or the hot water faucets, shut the heater off at once. If you ever hear a rumbling sound, assume the heater is overheating and turn it off.

Water Temperature

If temperature is a problem on a gas heater, check that the temperature control is on and is set correctly (normally 160�- a little lower if there's no dishwasher). If you suspect a faulty control, test it by opening a hot water faucet for 3 minutes. If the heater doesn't turn on, reset the control to a lower temperature and test again. If it still fails, have it replaced.

Draining and Flushing the Tank

1. Turn off the gas or electricity.
2. Close the cold water valve.
3. Attach a hose to the drain valve, to route water into a floor drain or outdoors.
4. Open the drain valve and open one hot water faucet somewhere in the house to let in air.
5. When all water has drained, turn the cold water valve on and off until the water from the drain looks clear.
6. Close the drain valve and the hot water faucet, open the cold water valve and restore power.

• Water heater makes a rumbling or clanking noise
  • Chances are this is related to sediment build up. A "flush" of the water heater may be all that is required.
    
    Follow these steps to flush your water heater:
    
    CAUTION: The water is hot and there is danger of being scalded. Use caution and keep children and pets away from the area when flushing water heater.
    
    1.) Attach a garden hose to the drain valve (looks like a hose bibb) at the bottom of the heater. Run the garden hose either outside or to the nearest drain.
    2.) Open the drain valve, which will allow the water to drain through the hose.
    3.) When the water is running clear - after about 20 minutes - close the drain valve and remove the hose.
    4.) Turn on a hot water faucet in your home and let it run until all air bubbles are out of the line, then turn it off.
• • Troubleshooting Water Heaters

    Knowing how to light the pilot is one key to living with a gas water heater; see the instructions on the tank. For safety, a gas heater has a thermocouple. This is thermoelectric device that impinges on the pilot flame and shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. The gas flame should be blue. If it's orange, adjust the shutter; if it's still orange, call for service.

    Twice a year, inspect the flue assembly to be sure it's properly aligned and all its joints are sealed. Then check the flue by placing your hand near the draft diverter (with the burner on); air flowing out indicates an obstruction that should be removed. Every year or two, shut off the gas, remove the access panel, and clean the burner ports, using stiff wire or a needle. If you ever smell gas, get out of the house immediately and call the gas company.

    There is no hot water.

    Check for:

    • Unlit pilot light.
    • Pilot light won't keep burning.
    • Clogged burner
    • Defective thermocouple.
    • The gas is not coming out.

    Remedies:

    • Carefully relight the pilot.
    • Make sure the gas controls are completely turned on. Then check the thermocouple and be sure it is firmly connected to the gas control unit and positioned near the pilot flame.
    • Call a qualified contractor.
    • Replace the thermocouple.
    • Call the Gas Company.

    There isn't enough hot water.

    Check for:

    • Incorrectly set thermostat.
    • Defective thermostat.
    • Exposed hot water pipes
    • Too small of a water tank
    • Clogged burner.
    • Sediment has formed in the tank.
    • Leaking hot water faucets.

    Remedies:

    • Turn the thermostat higher.
    • Call a qualified contractor.
    • Insulate the hot water pipes.
    • Install a larger water tank.
    • Call a qualified contractor.
    • Turn off the gas and drain the tank.
    • Repair or replace the faucets.

    The water heater is very noisy.

    Check for:

    • Scale and sediments in the tank.

    Remedy:

    • Turn off the gas and drain the tank.

    The water is too hot.

    Check for:

    • Wrong setting on thermostat.
    • Defective thermostat.
    • Blocked exhaust vent.

    Remedies:

    • Reset the thermostat.
    • Call a qualified contractor.
    • Check the vent and clear it.

    Water is leaking from the heater.

    Check for:

    • Leak in the draincock.
    • Leaking safety valve.
    • Hole in the tank.
    • Leak in the plumbing connection.

    Remedies:

    • Close it tightly or replace it.
    • Check the water temperature. If it's too hot, the thermostat may be broken. If the safety valve is defective, replace it.
    • Buy a new water heater.
    • Call a plumber