Most of us take our water heaters for granted until they start to malfunction. If your water heater is nearing the end of its typical eight- to 12-year lifespan, it may be time to consider replacing it instead of repairing it. Contact Water Heater Repair Spring TX for professional help.
Gas water heaters have thermocouples and a gas control valve that need to function properly to light the pilot. Repairing these components can save you from having to replace your entire water heater.
The thermocouple is a crucial component in the operation of gas hot water heaters. The device converts the heat from the pilot light into an electrical signal that allows the gas control valve to know when the pilot is lit. This is important for safety and to prevent unnecessary gas use. However, over time, the thermocouple can develop problems that will require replacement. These issues can include soot build-up, broken thermocouples or a lack of temperature change. Fortunately, the replacement process is fairly simple and easy to do on your own.
Thermocouples are made of two dissimilar electrical conductors that form an electrical junction when they are exposed to different temperatures. When the water heater’s pilot light is on, the thermocouple receives a small voltage from the pilot flame, which causes a current to flow through it. When the pilot light goes out, the voltage across the thermocouple drops and the gas supply valve shuts off. This prevents gas from entering the water heater and keeps it safe from fires and other hazards.
Soot or debris build-up on the thermocouple can interfere with its ability to sense a pilot flame. This can lead to a lack of hot water, delayed ignition and poor flame quality. Additionally, the thermocouple may experience physical damage due to corrosion or wear and tear over time. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to replace the thermocouple.
In order to replace the thermocouple, first make sure that the gas supply is turned off. Then, disconnect the burner supply tube and the pilot supply tube from the gas control valve using open-end wrenches. Once the old thermocouple is disconnected, it can be slid out and the new one pushed in its place. It’s important to note that the replacement thermocouple should be the same size as the old one so that it can fit properly. This can be determined by measuring the old thermocouple and then locating a replacement that matches in size. After the replacement is inserted, it should be tightened using a wrench to ensure that it stays in place.
Dip Tube
The dip tube is an unsung hero of the water heater, transporting cold water to the burner located at the bottom of the tank. Without this critical component, your hot water could be cold and your appliances would suffer from low pressure.
As the water heats and cools in your tank, it causes thermal expansion and contraction that weakens the dip tube’s materials. Repeated cycles of expansion and contraction can cause the tube to crack, break, or deform. Moreover, water quality issues like hardness and acidity can accelerate dip tube deterioration. Regular inspections and professional maintenance by a licensed plumber can help identify problems before they become severe.
Modern non-metallic dip tubes are made from polypropylene and are installed in most newer water heaters. This type of tubing is preferable to older galvanized metal because it can withstand corrosion and does not accelerate the rusting of the steel tank. However, plastic tubing can also deteriorate over time, causing the dip tube to leak or deform.
If your water heater’s dip tube is damaged, it is important to replace it immediately to avoid leaks and reduce the risk of contaminating your household plumbing with plastic fragments. To replace your water heater’s dip tube, shut off the power or gas supply to the tank. Then drain the water by connecting a garden hose to the valve at the bottom of the tank and running it to a floor drain or sump pit. Next, disconnect the cold water pipe connector and nipple at the top of the tank using a pipe wrench. Finally, remove the old dip tube carefully, as it may crumble and fall into your tank.
Once the new dip tube is in place, close the drain valve and reconnect the cold water supply line. Be sure to use plumber’s tape to seal any leaks in the threads of two parts that screw together. Then, flush the tank to remove any remnants of deteriorated dip tube material and restore water to your tank. Inspect the new dip tube for signs of wear and tear and schedule a professional appointment to have it repaired as needed.
Pressure Valve
If the pressure valve fails, it can cause the tank to explode, releasing hot water all over the place. This could damage your home or property, and it’s important to check the pressure regularly to ensure that it stays within a safe range. If you have a gas water heater, it’s even more important to check the pressure because an explosion can destroy the entire unit and cause significant damage.
The pressure valve works by senses the pressure and temperature of the water in the tank and opens when this becomes too high. When the pressure reaches about 150 psi or the temperature reaches about 210 degrees Fahrenheit, the valve will open and release the excess heat. The water then flows through the spout and out of the drain tube, which lowers the internal temperature and pressure of the tank.
A failed pressure valve is usually caused by rust or corrosion on the inside of the tank and on the valve components, mineral deposits, and other debris. The valve may also become ‘frozen’ or stuck due to a previous surge of pressure in the system. The discharge piping from the safety valve should be as direct and simple as possible and should be supported to withstand reactive thrust forces when the valve relieves.
Water heaters with large amounts of sediment buildup in the tank can suffer from a variety of problems, including lack of hot water. If you’re constantly having to wait for hot water or you have to plan your showers around other family members’ schedules, it might be time to consider a new unit.
Strange noises from your water heater can indicate that the anode rod has become caked in sediment and is corroding internally. This should be checked every three years, and the rod replaced when necessary.
If your water heater is leaking, the leaks are usually from loose inlet or outlet pipes. This is easy to fix and can be done by tightening the connections with a wrench. If the leaks are due to a ruptured tank, you’ll need to replace the entire unit.
Pilot Light
When your water heater pilot light goes out, it can be easy to get frustrated. However, in most cases, it is an easy fix. The first step is to look for any drafts or airflow that could be impacting the flame. Then, you can start to troubleshoot what is causing it to go out consistently.
For starters, you can look at the access panel that covers your unit’s gas valve. It’s often found near the bottom of the tank. Then, remove it and look at the pilot nozzle that is located on the end of a small tube. If you don’t see a flame, the pilot light is out.
Next, you can try relighting the pilot light by holding down the gas control knob that is near the pilot. If you still don’t see a flame, you may need to replace the thermocouple, which is relatively easy to do, but will require a professional to take a closer look at your unit.
You can also look for the ignitor button, which is usually a square button near the gas control knob. Press and hold this for up to 90 seconds, or until you see a flashing status light. Once you see this, you can release the ignitor button and turn the gas back on.
If you do smell a sulfurous odor, like rotten eggs, or your carbon monoxide detector has gone off, shut off the gas supply immediately. This is a sign that there is a problem with your gas line and should be professionally checked and fixed.
If you continue to have problems with your water heater, contact us for help. Our experienced technicians will be able to assist you with any issues. They will be able to help determine what is causing your water heater to malfunction and get it working again. In addition, we offer a full range of plumbing services and can help you with any other issues you might have. So don’t hesitate, give us a call today!