Water Heater Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Water Heater Maintenance:
- Check the incoming pressure to insure it is between 55 and 80 psi.
- Check to make sure a thermal expansion tank has been properly installed.
- Check the t&p (Temperature and Pressure) valve for proper operation.
- Check the anode tube for build up and scaling and replace it if necessary.
- Check the dip tube to make sure it is not broken or cracked and replace it if necessary.
- Remove and clean the burner assembly and the combustion chamber of debris from the flue to ensure no damage to your burner assembly and also keep the combustion inlet holes clean at all times.
- Hook up a water hose to the bottom of the heater and drain out any sediment that has accumulated. You want to do this about every 90 days for about ten minutes or so.
Electric water heater maintenance:
- Keep the top of the heater clear of household items at all times.
- Check for proper operation of your thermostats with a voltage meter.
- Replace your heating elements and thermostat once every two years.
- Drain down the heater with the power off and the water on every 90 days to remove sediment. Make sure you fill the heater back up and remove all of the air from the system before you turn the power back on or you will ruin your heating elements (this is called dry firing so remember that)
- Turn the power off and change the anode tube to remove scaling and buildup every yr.
General Water Heater Troubleshooting Tips
Busted Tank
A busted tank is a common problem with tank type water heaters. The underlying cause must be addressed or it will happen again after the installation of a new water heater.
You must determine if the incoming pressure is regulated properly and you need to consider the age of the water heater as well.
Many times a water heater that has busted is just old, however an old water heater properly maintained will most likely not cause a busted tank.
Many homeowners have not got any idea of how to maintain a conventional tank type water heater.
- You need to drain it every 90 days or so with the water on to remove the sediment in the bottom of the tank
- You need to make sure your Pressure Regulator is functioning properly
- You need to have a properly inflated and working expansion tank
- You need to keep the area around the bottom of the tank clean
Dripping Sound
A dripping sound in a conventional storage type water heater is usually a sign of a leaking tank.
Sometimes dripping is condensation and will go away.
This may be from too much pressure caused by either a bad pressure reducing valve or this may be caused by a improperly inflated thermal expansion tank.
Open up the inspection port and look inside you should see the water if thats the case cascading down on the water heater burner assembly.
Failure to maintain proper incoming pressure is high on the list of premature water heater tank failure.
It is critical to ensure that your thermal expansion tank is functioning properly.
You have four variables that your water heater depends on to function properly.
Pilot Problems
Pilot problems may include not staying lit but for a short time.
Or not staying lit at all
If the pilot stays lit for a short time then its possible your fresh air intake is clogged
It may also be caused by a faulty gas valve
It may also be caused from debris falling down from the flue reducing the life and functionality of the part itself
The thermocoupling may also be too tight in the gas valve assembly
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Troubleshooting
