Water heaters generally last for well over a decade, which means they may not need any repairs for many years. When you do encounter a problem, it can be scary, but many water heater issues are easily mended with the help of a trained technician. We’ve detailed a few of these common water heater repairs here. Make sure to call on experts at the first sign of trouble, as waiting too long may only make it worse.
Replacing the Dip Tube
The dip tube is a very simple component, a long tube that lets cold water in through the top of the tank and allows it to flow all the way to the bottom. This is where the burner is located. Or, in an electric water heater, one of the heating elements is located toward the bottom. Then, since, heat naturally rises, the warm water can rise to the top. However, the dip tube is somewhat delicate, and it may develop cracks or it can even break in half. This means that you’ll probably run out of hot water fast, but a replacement part should suffice.
Replacing the Anode Rod
The anode rod is a crucial component even though it’s not really a participant in the water heating process. However, the anode rod does serve a single valuable purpose: sacrificing itself for the good of your tank. Anode rods are made of magnesium or aluminum, materials that are more reactive than steel, which means they’ll corrode before the tank does. However, a technician should replace the water heater anode rod from time to time, before it wears down so much that corrosion reaches the tank.
Flushing the Tank
If you hear a rumbling or banging sound in your tank, it may be that sediment has built up past the point of functioning. Minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water may build up inside of the tank. Too many minerals increases the pressure and could block the pipes, which is why a professional may need to drain the tank from time to time.
Call the friendly people at Rentmeister Total Home Service for water heater repair in Salt Lake City or to schedule maintenance with a trained technician to inspect and adjust the most important parts of your unit. Call now!