Welcome to Water Heater Repair GuideWant to learn how to repair your water heater? Maybe you just want to know what's wrong with it before you call a repairman.
In most areas you can expect to pay $100.00 to $150.00 for a simple water heater repair. Many problems are easy fixes. Some are more complicated. You should only attempt repairs if you feel confident to do so safely.
Most hot water problems are covered on this site. If you find yourself with limited resources and no hot water, you should find the information you need here Here are some of the things you'll find on this site: • How to solve low hot water pressure problems. • How to check or replace a relief valve. • What to do when a drain valve is clogged. • Water heater sizing guide. • Maintenance tips for both gas and electric water heaters. • How to light a pilot light. • Best price on under sink water heater.
Storage water heater
Gas units are popular among larger families because of their quick recovery. Operating cost of a gas unit depends on the area you live in and time of year. Liquid propane ( lp ) can range from $.80 a gallon during the summer months to more than $3.00 a gallon in winter months. Natural gas prices do not fluxuate as much.Gas units have generally become more complicated and less reliable over the last several years. With the event of digital gas valves, inaccessible fresh air vents mounted in the bottom of the unit, hard to find unusual parts, homeowners find themselves paying for high price service calls for what was once a simple do-it-yourself repair. If you are shopping for a new gas unit, keep it simple if you expect to do future repairs yourself. Look for a heater with the old tried and true manual gas valve. Fresh air vents should be on the side of heater where the filters are easily accessible. 0 The thermocouple should have standard right hand threads that have been used for the last 70 or so years. Left hand thread thermocouples are hard to find and cost much more than the standard thermocouple.Improvement to electric units have been great for consumers. Low watt density elements create less seditment and last much longer than standard high watt density elements. Less seditment means longer tank life. Two anode rods instead of one also increases the life expectancy of the tank. Heat Pump Water Heaters 
Heat pump water heaters pull hot air from the surrounding area and use it to heat the water. The unit will then exhaust cool air back into the room, unless its vented outside. A heat pump can be added to your existing water heater. It can be mounted on top of the heater or near it.Complete systems include a heat pump and tank.The heat pump itself can be 120 volts or 240 volts. All heat pump systems come with a back-up heating elements. The heat pump will shut down if the room temperature drops below a preset range. The heating elements will then take over and keep your water hot. With 60 degree incoming water temperature and a room temperature of 80 degrees, a heat pump will heat 12 to 18 gallon of water per hour to 130 degrees and cool your home or garage at the same time. New systems prices start around $1000.00. Thanks to GE for the pic. above In an area with very warm or no winters, these systems could heat your water and cool your home at the same time. Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless, also called "on demand" or "Instant" water heaters have become very popular over the last several years. Unlike a storage or tank-type water heater, tankless units only heat water when you need it. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of tankless units is a never ending supply of hot water. You could, literally, fill a swiming pool with hot water if you wished, not to mention long hot showers. Tankless units are sized by gallons per minute of hot water produced. Smaller units that produce one to four gallons per minute are very popular. They are used for hand washing sinks, outdoor kitchens, camping showers, work shops and many other apiclations.Larger units are used for whole house water heating. Seven to nine gallons per minute will meet the needs of most families Mid winter incoming water temperature plus hot water needs must be considered when sizing a tankless unit. Tankless water heaters take up much less space than a conventional storage water heaters. The larger units are smaller than the average size suitcase.You can purchase a tankless unit that operates on electricity, natural gas or liquid propane. Gas units are popular, especially for whole house water heating. Outdoor units are also available, eliminating the need for complicated venting. How much can you save on your water heatimg bill? Estimates run from twenty to fifity percent.
Table Of Content Scroll down for dozens of step by step repair guides with pictures.
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Also referred to as tank-type or tank style water heaters. Residental water
heating units range in size from 2 1/2 gallon to 120 gallons.
Most common are electric and gas ( natural and lp).
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