How to do Hot Water Heater Repair

When your hot water heater is broken, it’s tempting to want to fix it yourself to restore your hot water immediately. Keep in mind though that hot water heater repair work can be very dangerous if done incorrectly. Always turn off the power at the circuit breaker before attempting a fix (and if you have a gas heater, turn off the gas supply as well). Clean up any standing water that could get in the way of your work as well before getting started. After that, you can start doing the repair work that it needs. If you aren’t sure about what you’re doing or just want the added reassurance that a licensed plumber has to offer, give our team of local plumbers a call at 1 (800) 674-9130 and we will get it taken care of for you. We guarantee the work we do so you can be sure that it’ll get fixed right the first time!

If your hot water isn’t hot or if the unit is leaking, you will need to determine the root cause before getting started. If you still have it, your owner’s manual is a great place to get started. With information that is specific to your hot water heater model, you can begin the repair work.

If you have a gas water heater, make sure that the pilot light is lit. If it’s not lit, consult the manual for instructions on relighting it. For an electric water heater, remove the access panel and test the heating elements to make sure that they’re working. Check the thermostat to determine if it’s working correctly as well.

Water pooling near the unit or dripping from the unit is typically the result of a broken valve, although a broken tank can also be the cause. Do a visual inspection to identify where the water is coming from. If you have a broken valve, you will need to drain the tank to replace it, but it’s a relatively easy fix.

Make sure you have the right tools to do the job. Typically, you will need items like a wrench (either a pipe wrench or an adjustable wrench) and standard-size screw drivers (both a flat head and a Phillips head) for any job you’re doing. If you are experiencing cold water due to an electrical problem, you will likely also need a multimeter to test electrical connections as well. Whereas if you’re fixing a leak then you will need Teflon tape or joint compound to seal pipe connections. If a specific part is broken (like a thermocouple or the heating element) you will want to have the replacement part nearby when removing the old one so you can quickly swap it out.

After you’re done fixing your hot water heater, turn it back on and test it. Look for leaks and run hot water to ensure it’s getting hot. Then, monitor the unit closely for the next day or so to ensure you don’t have any lingering problems.

If you can’t figure out what’s wrong, or if you try to fix it and are still experiencing issues, give us a call right away at 1 (800) 674-9130. Our team is standing by! Let us help you get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

Additional Resources:
What to Do With a Leaky Hot Water Tank
Why is My Hot Water Cold?
Thermocouple Replacement Costs Explained
How Expensive is the Labor to Install a Water Heater?
Water Heater Repair and Plumbers
How Emergent Are My Plumbing Repair Needs?
24 Hour Emergency Plumbing Companies
How Expensive are Emergency Plumbing Rates?
Who Can Replace Water Heaters?
Who Does Water Tank Repair?
Water Heater Backdraft Repair Costs Explained
Water Heater Valves: Repair or Replace?
Water Heater Replacement Companies
Does My Hot Water Tank Need Replacing?
How Costly is Water Heater Repair?
Explanation of Possible Water Tank Repairs
What Might Be Wrong With My Hot Water Heater?
Who Repairs Leaky Water Heaters?
Can You Fix a Leaky Hot Water Heater?