| Water heaters are dependable appliances that just | | | | most energy efficient model you can afford. |
| fail when ignored for long periods of time. | | | | The temperature control on a gas water heater |
| Constructed with only a few working components, | | | | could be a problem, as well. In a gas water heater, a |
| they seldom cause problems. Yet, they do fail after | | | | thermocouple device controls the pilot light and the |
| some years of service and have to be replaced. | | | | water temperature. An inadequate amount of hot |
| They are relatively inexpensive as far many | | | | water, or warn water instead of hot water, is a sign |
| household appliances are concerned. If your water | | | | that the thermocouple isn't functioning as it should. |
| heater isn't working as well as it has in the past, you | | | | Thermocouples can be replaced, but if you are |
| may want to troubleshoot it by looking at those | | | | unsure of how to do it, consult a qualified technician |
| components most likely to fail. | | | | or a licensed plumber. |
| One sign of an impending problem is a water leak. It | | | | With an electric hot water heater, there are heating |
| had to come from somewhere, and there aren't too | | | | elements and a thermostat that can cause problems. |
| many options. One possibility is that the water | | | | Typically, these units have an upper and a lower |
| heater's thermostat or heating elements are leaking, | | | | heating element, either of which is likely to fail. |
| which isn't very likely. | | | | Remember to secure the source of electrical power |
| Possibly the T&PR valve, which releases | | | | before testing or withdrawing a thermostat. |
| overheated water is leaking. If the water heater's | | | | Thermostats are usually more reliable, but they too |
| thermostat malfunctions, the Temperature and | | | | can fail on occasion. You may want to consult with a |
| Pressure Relief valve discharges overheated water. | | | | service technician or plumber at this point, due to the |
| The valve protects the water heater by releasing | | | | presence of an electrical shock hazard. |
| overheated water down the discharge pipe. If the | | | | In review, this article presented some easy to follow |
| thermostat isn't the problem, consider the tank. | | | | steps for troubleshooting a gas or electric water |
| Check the water temperature for the proper setting. | | | | heater. Always keep safety in mind when working on |
| It shouldn't be set too high. A safe setting for hot | | | | your water heater. Hazards around gas and electric |
| water is 120 degrees F. A moderate temperature | | | | hot water heaters include electrical shock, scalding |
| setting won't create enough internal pressure to open | | | | and fire. Unless you are comfortable working around |
| the T&PR valve. | | | | these hazards, consider calling a qualified service |
| Once you've ruled out the T&PR, the water | | | | technician to service your heater. |
| temperature and pressure, the next step is to check | | | | I hope this article provided you with the knowledge |
| the bottom of the water heater for pinhole leaks. | | | | and understanding you were looking for. You will find |
| After discovering where the leak is coming from, | | | | more Practical Home Repair articles at Practical |
| your tank may require replacing. Consider buying the | | | | Repairs. |