Water heaters are essential in every household, especially during the winter. They provide you with the hot water needed for bathing and other household chores. However, like any other appliance, water heaters are prone to damage, breakdowns, and malfunctions over time. In these cases, it’s best to know how to repair them or at least have a basic understanding of what’s going on. This post will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to repair your water heater so you’ll always have hot water when you need it.

Identify the problem.

Often, when your water heater stops working, the first thing you need to do is to identify the problem. Check the circuit breaker and thermostat to see if they’re in good condition. If the circuit breaker trips, reset it, but if the thermostat is broken, you might need to replace it.

Drain the water heater.

One of the most common issues with water heaters is sediment buildup. Sediments can prevent your water heater from heating up and, worse, cause explosions. Drain your water heater regularly to reduce the buildup and extend its lifespan. To drain it, turn off the water and power supply, attach a hose, and drain the water tank.

Replace the heating element.

If your water heater is still not heating up, the heating element might be the problem. You can replace it by turning off the power supply, draining the water heater, and removing the heating element. Inspect it for damage and replace it with a new one if necessary.

Inspect and replace the anode rod.

Anode rods are essential in preventing rust buildup in your water heater. Over time, it wears out and needs replacing. Check your anode rod regularly and replace it with a new one if it’s corroded.

Call a professional.

If the above steps don’t resolve the problem, it might be time to call a professional. Attempting to fix complex water heater issues on your own can be dangerous and end up costing you more in the long run. Most professionals offer water heater repair services and can provide you with a quote or estimate on what needs to be done.

Water heaters might seem complicated and daunting to repair. However, understanding how they work and being able to identify their common problems is a good start. Regular maintenance, draining, and replacement of heating elements and anode rods can prevent most water heater issues. 

Contact a professional to learn more about water heater repair.