El Cajon Water Heater

A GUIDE TO COMMON
WATER HEATER ISSUES
SEDCOPLUMBING.COM

WATER HEATER
Water Heaters
Human beings have long needed and used hot water. It is evident from the
ancient Greeks, Romans and Japanese communal baths.
SEDCOPLUMBING.COM

WATER HEATER
We have come a long way from the communal baths, but water heaters are
still an integral part of our lives. This is especially true if the climate is on the
colder side.
SEDCOPLUMBING.COM

WATER HEATER
Heated water is primarily utilized for bathing and cleaning. An e cient water
heater is one which is convenient, safe and easy to use. However, as with all
other machines, they can sometimes run into trouble.
SEDCOPLUMBING.COM

WATER HEATER
The most common issues with a water heater include:
1. Leaking heater.
One of the most common problems with the water heater is leakage. The
reasons behind it could range from too much pressure, corroded parts,
damaged drain valve, and condensation amongst others.
2. Water does not get heated.
When the water heater does not perform its primary duty, it is a distress
signal. Even after you’ve made sure that the pilot light and the switch is on
and it still doesn’t heat up, then it’s time to call a plumber.
3. Fluctuating temperature.
Everyone has a preferred water temperature, and the thermostat is set to it.
When the water produced in the heater is either too cold or too hot, and it
seems to be ignoring the thermostat, it is malfunctioning.
4. The water is never su cient.
If this problem occurs despite having a substantial tank, there could be some
underlying issue.
SEDCOPLUMBING.COM

WATER HEATER
5. Colored water.
It is not uncommon for the water heater to produce colored water. The color
can range from light brown to dark brown.
6. Noises.
Slight mechanical sounds are expected from the water heaters. But when
there is a cacophony of weird noises that starts to generate from the unit, it
is usually a sign of internal trouble. It can range from hissing and knocking to
banging.
SEDCOPLUMBING.COM

WATER HEATER
Repair or Replace
Having a professional plumber assess the water heater will usually allow him
to decide whether the parts and the unit need repairing or replacement.
However, you might want to consider a replacement if you encounter these
problems.
SEDCOPLUMBING.COM

WATER HEATER
1. Leaking tank.
One of the most common issues with a heater and usually the priciest is the
leakage. Unlike other problems that can be repaired, this is one issue that
can be solved only with a replacement.
2. Constant repairs.
When your water heater needs more attention than say, your pet, it is usually
time for a change. Repairing the heater is typically expensive, not to mention
time consuming and annoying.
3. Low temperature.
It can be a rude shock when you expectantly switch on the tap and be
assailed by cold water. An underperforming heater is better replaced by a
more e cient one.
4. Accumulation of sediments.
Minerals in the water can lead to the accumulation of sediments in the tank.
If regular ushing no longer takes care of this problem, then it is time for the
old unit to go.
SEDCOPLUMBING.COM

WATER HEATER
5. Rust and corrosion.
This problem can be the proverbial double-edged sword. Rusting not only
produces water that has an awful smell but it is dirty as well. If you have been
feeling like taking a dip in the gutter every time you turn on the heater,
consider a replacement.
6. An old unit.
Water heaters that are more than ten years old are way past their prime and
are time for retirement. A groaning and rickety heater is heavy on the energy
bills, unsafe and wastes a lot of energy.
How to prevent damage and extend its life
Continuous use of the heater can result in eventual wear and tear. However,
some measures can be employed to reduce it.
1. Switch it o when not in use.
Apart from the apparent wastage of electrical power, keeping the unit
switched on all the time puts it under a lot of stress and strain. It is essential
to switch o the water supply as well as the fuel or water supply when it is
not in use. It will not only reduce the energy bills but keep the unit running
smoothly for longer.
SEDCOPLUMBING.COM

WATER HEATER
2. Understand the type of heater you have.
Water heaters come in a lot of di erent varieties such as electric, gas,
propane, storage tank or tankless. Although not critical, having information
about the model number and the serial number can also prove very
bene cial.
3. Isolate the water heater.
It is a crucial step as su ocating the unit with other materials can be
hazardous. Insu cient ventilation can damage the burner, cause carbon
monoxide emissions, waste energy and be the source of a re hazard.
4. Drain the tank occasionally.
Every ten months or so, it is essential to completely drain the tank using the
drain valve. Draining the tank will get rid of residue as well as sediment build
up.
5. Vacation mode.
Whenever you plan to go away for the weekend or go on an extended
holiday, remember to set the thermostat to the “vacation” mode. It will not
only keep the unit safe but reduce your bills and save precious energy.
SEDCOPLUMBING.COM

WATER HEATER
6. Regular maintenance.
Allow a professional to assess your heater every ten to twelve months.
People only make use of them only when the unit starts groaning or begins to
shows signs of wear and tear.
By this time usually, it is already too late to save the heater. Regular
maintenance will extend its durability and keep it running in optimum
condition.
SEDCOPLUMBING.COM

Get in touch with us
Sedco Plumbing
We would love to help you and answer any
questions in regards to your plumbing issues,
needs and projects. We encourage you to give us
a call or text at (619) 994 – 2616.
Address: 865 North Second Street, #204,El
Cajon, CA 92021, USA
Email : sedcoplumbing@hotmail.com
www.sedcoplumbing.com