How can you troubleshoot problems with your water heater installation?

When your home isn’t yet ready for occupancy, you’ll likely find yourself focusing on small details. However, when you plan to move in and start living in your new residence, everything will become much more complex. This is when you will need to know how to troubleshoot problems with your water heater installation. Having a working plumbing system that runs smoothly is essential for any home or business. If your water heater isn’t working properly, it can have a huge negative impact on your living situation. Keep reading to learn more about water heater issues and how you can troubleshoot problems with your water heater installation so you’re ready to take full control of your home once again after any disruptions from home construction or plumbing issues that may arise throughout the process of moving into your new residence.

Is your water heater leaking?

The first problem to troubleshoot is a leaking water heater. You’ll likely notice a significant drop in your water pressure shortly after your water heater is installed. This can be a sign that the water heater is leaking, so it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. If you notice that water is leaking from the tank or out of the pipes at the base of the water heater, you should immediately contact a plumber. This type of water heater issue should be fixed as soon as possible to avoid potential property damage and water damage.If you notice that you’re constantly running out of hot water, you should suspect that your water heater is leaking. You can test for leaks by installing a water meter in your home and timing how long it takes for the water to reach the water heater from the main line. If the water takes significantly longer to reach the water heater than normal, a leak may be the issue.

Problems with the hot water side of your water heater

If you have problems with your water heater’s hot water side, you have a few options to consider. If you have a gas water heater, you may have a faulty pilot light. This issue can be difficult to troubleshoot as a novice homeowner, so it’s advised to hire a plumber for this type of issue. If you have a gas water heater and still can’t get hot water, you should switch to using electric hot water. If you still can’t turn on the water, you may have to contact a plumber.If you have a gas water heater and can’t get hot water, you should contact a plumber to repair or replace the water heater. If you have an electric water heater, you can troubleshoot the issue on your own by turning off the breaker and then turning the water back on. If the water is still not coming out hot, call a plumber to come out and repair the problem.

Problems with the cold water side of your water heater

If you have problems with your water heater’s cold water side, you have a few options to consider. If you have a gas water heater, you may have a faulty burner. This issue can be difficult to troubleshoot as a novice homeowner, so it’s advised to hire a plumber for this type of issue. If you have a gas water heater and still can’t get cold water, you should switch to using electric cold water. If you still can’t turn on the water, you may have to contact a plumber.If you have a gas water heater and can’t get cold water, you should contact a plumber to repair or replace the water heater. If you have an electric water heater, you can troubleshoot the issue on your own by turning off the breaker and then turning the water back on. If the water is still not coming out cold, call a plumber to come out and repair the problem.

Problems with the temperature of your water heater

If you have problems with your water heater’s temperature, you have a few options to consider. If you have a gas water heater, you may have a faulty thermostat. This issue can be difficult to troubleshoot as a novice homeowner, so it’s advised to hire a plumber for this type of issue. If you have a gas water heater and still can’t turn on the water, you may have to contact a plumber. If you have an electric water heater, you can troubleshoot the issue on your own by turning off the breaker and then turning the water back on.If you have a gas water heater and can’t turn on the water, you should contact a plumber to repair or replace the water heater.

Problems with the pressure relief system in your water heater

If you have problems with your water pressure, you have a few options to consider. If you have a gas water heater, you may have a faulty regulator. This issue can be difficult to troubleshoot as a novice homeowner, so it’s advised to hire a plumber for this type of issue. If you have a gas water heater and still can’t get water, you should switch to using electric water. If you still can’t get water, you may have to contact a plumber.If you have a gas water heater and can’t get water, you should contact a plumber to repair or replace the water heater. If you have an electric water heater, you can troubleshoot the issue on your own by turning off the breaker and then turning the water back on. If the water is still not coming out, call a plumber to come out and repair the problem.

Problems with the circulation system in your water heater

If you have problems with the circulation system in your water heater, you have a few options to consider. If you have a gas water heater, you may have a faulty float valve. This issue can be difficult to troubleshoot as a novice homeowner, so it’s advised to hire a plumber for this type of issue. If you have a gas water heater and still can’t get water, you should switch to using electric water. If you still can’t get water, you may have to contact a plumber.If you have a gas water heater and can’t get water, you should contact a plumber to repair or replace the water heater.

Conclusion

Problems with your water heater can be inconvenient and even dangerous. Thankfully, you don’t need to install a new water heater from scratch. Instead, you can troubleshoot problems with your water heater installation and get your system working again in no time. Keep reading to learn more about water heater issues and how you can troubleshoot problems with your water heater installation so you’re ready to take full control of your home once again after any disruptions from home construction or plumbing issues that may arise throughout the process of moving into your new residence.

Frequently Asked Question

​Can I install a hot water heater myself?
While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
​Why is installing a water heater so expensive?
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
​What is done when replacing a hot water heater?
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
​What is the average cost for a 50 gallon water he
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
When is the best time for a new water heater?
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
Should I set my water heater to very hot?
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Does turning up the temp. make hot water last long
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
What shortens the life of a water heater?
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
Why does my hot water last 10 minutes?
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Does a water softener reduce the life of a water h
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.