Possible Causes
Corrosion occurring inside glass lined tank
Sacrificial anode rod is failing (anode rods dissolve slowly to prevent rusting in the tank)
Possible Repairs
Replace sacrificial anode rod with magnesium anode rod. Anode rods are available from a plumbing supply house.
Less Inadequate Hot Water
Possible Causes
- Unit is undersized for water heating demands
- Broken or damaged dip tube allowing cold and hot water to mix in tank
- Faulty plumbing installation has crossed cold and hot water connections
- Gas supply or control problems
- Faulty electric lower or upper heating element or high or low heating element thermostat.
- A constant supply of lukewarm water during a shower is indicative of a defective upper heating element. Short duration hot water supply during a shower is indicative of a defective lower heating element.
Possible Repairs
- Make sure water heater is not being overtaxed by hot water supply demands. The water heater should have 75% of its capacity as hot water (e.g., a 40 gallon WH should be used for a demand of 30 gallons). To determine required capacity see Calculating Fixture Flow Rates.
- Undo cold water inlet and pipe nipple and remove dip tube. Check condition and replace if required.
- Check for crossed connection by turning off water supply to water heater. Open hot water tap at a faucet. If there is water flow, then the a cross connection exists somewhere. Check for a hot water line connected to a cold water connection on the water heater or appliances such as washer, dishwasher, faucet or shower valves.
- Check for proper flame from burner. A natural gas flame should be a bright blue with the tip of the flame having just a tinge of yellow. A propane flame should have a bluish green flame with a tinge of yellow at the tip.
- Check for power and electrical continuity at the lower and upper heating elements. Replace water heating element if necessary. Clear tank of any sediment first.
- If elements test OK, check for power at upper electrical upper thermostat. If OK check lower thermostat. Replace if necessary.
No comments:
Post a Comment