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8 Steps to Troubleshoot Water Heater Problems

If the problem with your water heater is the tank itself or components, it’s time to contact Home-Tech at 800-433-9740 or fill out our online request for service so we can properly diagnose and fix it for you. However, if you have fluctuating temperatures or the hot water is running out quickly, you could possibly have some sediment build up in the bottom of your tank.

Table of Contents

  1. Follow these steps to drain sediment that has built up in the bottom of your water heater
    1. Turn the Water Off
    2. Turn the Cold Water Valve Off
    3. Let the Water Cool
    4. Attach a Garden Hose to the Drain on the Side of the Tank
    5. Place the End of the Hose into a Bucket or Drain
    6. Turn on a Faucet or Two So a Vacuum Doesn’t Form in Your Pipes
    7. Turn on the Drain Valve to Start Draining the Tank
    8. Turn the Drain Valve off after the Tank Has Finished Draining
  2. Common Signs You Have a Broken Water Heater
  3. Time to Call Home-Tech?
  4. Want to Know More About Home-Tech Service Agreements?

Follow these steps to drain sediment that has built up in the bottom of your water heater:

water heater repair and replacement 1. Turn the Water Off

If you have an electric water heater, turn the power switch to the off setting. If you have a gas water heater, turn your thermostat to the pilot setting.

2. Turn the Cold Water Valve Off

This will stop water from coming into the tank.

3. Let the Water Cool

Don’t drain scalding hot water! Let the tank cool for 1-2 hours after turning off the water heater. This can take up to 2 hours for some larger water heaters.

4. Attach a Garden Hose to the Drain on the Side of the Tank

Make sure the hose is threaded on completely so you don’t end up with a mess when you drain the tank.

5. Place the End of the Hose into a Bucket or Drain

This prevents water from flowing out onto the floor.

6. Turn on a Faucet or Two So a Vacuum Doesn’t Form in Your Pipes

Specifically make sure you turn on the HOT water on your faucet(s). You won’t see a lot of water coming out. This is normal because you’ve turned off the cold water valve to your water heater so no warm water is being displaced.

7. Turn on the Drain Valve to Start Draining the Tank

Using a flathead screwdriver, turn the valve slowly, making sure that there aren’t any leaks and the bucket or drain the water is going into isn’t going to overflow.

8. Turn the Drain Valve off after the Tank Has Finished Draining

Remove the hose, turn the cold water valve on and turn the water heater back on. Your tank will fill again. Make sure your faucets are still on. Once the water flow coming out of the faucets returns to normal flow, turn them off. Wait about 30 minutes to test for hot water. The water heater should heat the gallons of water in the tank again, sediment free.

Common Signs You Have a Broken Water Heater

Of course, there could be many reasons you are having problems. Common signs that you have a broken water heater include lack of hot water, inconsistent water temperatures, foul odors coming from your water or unusual rattling sounds coming from your water heater. Home-Tech is here to help!

2 hour service call time framesTime to Call Home-Tech?

The above are just some tips to try to help you get your water heater working properly on your own. If you are unable to do so, Home-Tech’s staff of licensed and experienced plumbers can properly diagnose and fix your problem and get you back into a hot shower quickly. We work on all brands. So call us today at 800-433-9740 or fill out our online request for service.

If you have a Service Agreement with Home-Tech, your water heater is covered under the agreement! You can count on service 7 days a week – even on holidays. Log into our exclusive Member Services to schedule yourself, fill out our online form or call at 800-433-9740. Whatever is the most convenient for you.

Want to Know More About Home-Tech Service Agreements?

Our Gold & Silver Service Agreements cover all of your household major appliances, your air conditioning system and your water heater. When your air conditioning or appliances break down, our highly trained professional technicians will have you back in operation quickly, in most cases the same day.

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