Common Malfunctions in Water Heaters
A storage water heater, also known as a water heater with tank, is a device used to heat and store hot water, ensuring a constant supply of hot water for various household needs, such as baths, dishwashing, and laundry. This appliance is generally powered by electricity, making it one of the most common and popular methods of heating water in many homes.
How Water Heaters Work?
Electric water heaters work by using a heating element to warm the water inside an insulated tank. The water is heated and maintained at a constant temperature, ready for use at any time. This simplicity and efficiency make electric water heaters the most common choice among consumers. Tank water heaters are essential to ensuring hot water in your home, but like any other appliance, they can experience malfunctions over time. In addition to heating element problems, several other common failures can occur.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is responsible for regulating the water temperature in the tank. If the thermostat is faulty, it can result in water that doesn't heat sufficiently or, conversely, water that becomes excessively hot, posing a risk of burns. The replacement or repair of the thermostat should be carried out by a qualified technician to ensure that the water temperature is maintained at safe and comfortable levels.
Replacing the Heating Element
The heating element in a water heater is one of the essential components for heating water. Over time, it can wear out, accumulate scale, or even fail, resulting in inadequately heated water.
There are water heaters with one or more heating elements, depending on the model and size. However, if your water heater is not undersized and suddenly produces less hot water than before, one or both of its heating elements might have failed. For example, a constant supply of lukewarm water during a shower could mean a defective upper heating element. Hot water that runs out quickly could mean a defective lower heating element. In either case, it's essential to call a professional to replace the heating elements.
Replacing the heating element in a water heater is a task that requires technical knowledge to ensure the new part is installed correctly and functions well. At Servilar, our specialized technicians are ready to diagnose the problem and replace the heating element quickly and accurately, ensuring your storage water heater heats water efficiently and safely again. Trust our professional services to keep your water heating system in perfect condition.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are a common problem in water heaters, often caused by worn seals, defective safety valves, or corrosion in the tank. Leaks can lead to increased water bills, property damage, and reduced appliance efficiency. It's crucial to identify and repair any leaks immediately to prevent further complications.
Water leaks in water heaters are often caused by leaks in the valves and plumbing connections. If you touch the water and it is warm or hot, it is likely the result of a leak in the outlet pipe.
To repair leaking valves or plumbing connections, simply inspect the water heater for loose inlet or outlet pipes. If you detect loose connections, tighten them with a wrench. If this doesn't help, you should call a technician to assist with resolving the leak.
A specialized technician can replace seals and valves or, if necessary, repair the tank to resolve the problem.
Scale Buildup in the Cylinder Tank
Scale buildup is a recurring problem in areas with hard water. This mineral deposit can accumulate in the tank and on the heater components, reducing heating efficiency and increasing energy consumption.
A good indicator of scale buildup is noises coming from the water heater that sound like low rumbling, popping, or high-pitched whine. This could mean that the water in the tank is boiling. Sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank can cause the bottom of the tank to overheat, making the water boil.
Regular maintenance, including descaling, can help prevent these problems. If scale has already accumulated, a technician can clean the tank and heating elements, restoring the appliance's efficiency.
Rust-Colored Water or Bad Odor
If the water from your taps has a brown, yellow, or reddish tint, it may indicate that the water heater tank is internally corroded. If the water has an unpleasant odor, similar to rotten eggs, the storage tank may contain bacteria.
Colored Water
To resolve the problem of colored water, it's necessary to call a plumber to replace the anode rod in the water heater tank. The anode rod is a metal rod situated in the center of the water heater that corrodes more easily than the tank itself. Oxygen, which is corrosive, is more easily attracted to the anode rod than to the water heater, thus protecting the tank from corrosion.
Bad Odor
If the water has a smell of rotten eggs, it could be a sign of bacteria in the hot water tank. Bacteria in potable water, such as Legionella, can be fatal if ingested. In this case, it's crucial to consult a professional to inspect and treat the water heater, ensuring the safety of the water you consume.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems, such as loose or burnt wires, defective fuses, or tripped circuit breakers, can prevent the proper functioning of the water heater. These problems require the attention of a qualified electrician, who can inspect the electrical system, identify faults, and perform the necessary repairs to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the water heater.
Trust Servilar for Water Heater Repair
At Servilar, we are committed to providing high-quality repair services for water heaters. Regardless of the problem, our team of specialists is ready to diagnose and repair your water heater quickly and safely, ensuring you always have hot water available. Contact us today to schedule a visit or to learn more about our maintenance and repair services for appliances.
