Plumbing

Water Heater Repair Basics

Water heaters are crucial equipment in any home, but sometimes they can break down. Usually, these units are relatively inexpensive and easy to fix for the homeowner.

Water Heater

Before you start working on the water heater, make sure that the power is completely cut off. You will need a voltage tester to check for line voltage, and you should also remove the plastic safety guards and access panels from each element. However, if you need professional help, contact Water Heater Repair Denver now!

The thermostat controls the temperature of the water in your hot water heater. If it is set too low, the water will cool before being distributed to your faucets. If the temperature is too high, your hot water may be scalding. A tripping thermostat can be caused by many things. One common cause is a dirty anode rod. This can be easily fixed by flushing it out. Another common reason for a tripping thermostat is a defective upper heating element. When the upper element fails, the water heater no longer heats. The problem can be corrected by locating and pressing the reset button located on the front of the tank.

If you are unable to get the upper thermostat to reset, it is probably time to replace it. To do this, shut off the power to your water heater and remove the access panel and insulation on the top of the tank. Locate the two wires positioned above the reset button, and then use a multimeter (try the UEI UTL33T digital) to check for voltage. The upper element should be receiving 240v.

Next, locate and remove the lower thermostat by unscrewing it. Be careful not to pull it out by the wires. You can find a new replacement at a hardware store, home center, or plumber’s wholesaler. Make sure you buy a model that fits your specific water heater. Once you have the new thermostat, turn the power back on and reconnect the wires. Finally, replace the thermostat cover and insulation.

If the thermostat is working correctly, the meter should return a zero value when you touch it to each terminal screw. A wide difference between the setting and the actual water temperature will indicate that you need to replace it. Occasionally, the temperature setting can get loose or even fall off entirely. This should not affect its function, but it is a good idea to periodically clean the thermostat to remove any sediment. This will help prolong the life of your water heater. In addition, you should also flush the tank regularly to keep the sediment out.

Pilot Light

The pilot light is a small flame that heats up the gas inside your water heater. This helps the thermostat detect that it’s time to turn on the heating elements so that you can have hot water. A service technician can make sure that the flame is burning at a proper rate and that it’s using as much gas as necessary. This can prevent your utility bill from going up unnecessarily.

If the pilot light won’t stay lit, it could be a sign that there’s a problem with the thermocouple or that the pilot itself needs an adjustment. It could also mean that the gas supply isn’t reaching the flame — a kink in a flex line or a gas valve that isn’t open properly can cause this issue.

A leaking pilot light is a dangerous problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. This can cause the tank to leak gas, which can lead to an explosion or a fire. If your pilot light is leaking, you should turn off your water heater immediately and call a professional.

You can try to relight the pilot light yourself if you follow safety precautions. First, shut off your water heater by turning the gas valve to the “off” position. You should also turn off the electricity to your water heater. Next, use a lighter or match to apply flame to the tip of the pilot light. Continue applying flame until you see the pilot light glow, and then wait a minute or so to ensure that it stays lit.

Water that smells or looks discolored can indicate a problem with your water heater. A clogged filter may be the culprit, or there might be a problem with the incoming water. In some cases, these issues can’t be fixed and you might need to replace your water heater.

If your water heater is making loud noises or sputtering, it’s probably time to call in a service technician. These are all signs that your unit is overheating and that it’s time for a repair or replacement.

Dip Tubes

A dip tube is the unsung hero of a water heater. The tube transports cold water to the burner located near the bottom of the tank. Without it, a water heater would only provide tepid water. Dip tubes are often made from heat-resistant plastics to prevent metal corrosion and damage to the sacrificial anode rod.

Like many plumbing parts, a dip tube is prone to breakage and should be replaced as needed. However, the task of replacing a dip tube can be daunting for those who don’t have the experience and knowledge required to perform the job properly. This is where a professional plumber can help.

Replacing a dip tube can be as simple as switching off the power to the heater (circuit breaker for an electric unit or gas control dial for a gas water heater), draining the tank, opening a hot water faucet in the home to release air, disconnecting the dip tube from the inlet port nipple on the water heater, and installing a new one. A new tube should be cut to length so it extends below the nipple and off the bottom of the tank. It should also be positioned so it points away from the drain valve to avoid mineral deposits.

Depending on the manufacturer, different tubes have different curves. Some have a mark that indicates the direction it should point so that the tube can swirl water around inside the tank. A curved tube is better at resisting rust and corrosion but requires more maintenance because it may require periodic flushing.

The last thing you want is to discover a piece of disintegrating plastic in your hot water! This is what happened to some units during the ’90s, when a water heater manufacturer produced defective dip tubes. These tubes would deteriorate into a variety of sizes of plastic debris that clogged strainers and screens in appliances and faucets.

The best way to prevent this is by switching to a higher-quality tube from a reputable manufacturer like AO Smith, Rheem, or Bradford White. These companies use patented technology to manufacture dip tubes that are less prone to corrosion and have a longer lifespan than traditional plastic ones.

Tank

Your water heater has a tank that holds the hot water that powers your home’s plumbing and appliances. If your hot water isn’t working, there could be a problem with the tank itself.

Water tanks are prone to corrosion from the sediment and minerals in your water. This can be especially bad if you don’t drain your water heater about twice per year to remove this material. If your water has a sulfur smell or is discolored, this could be the result of this. If this is the case, turn off your water and drain your tank. If this doesn’t get rid of the odor or discoloration, you may need to replace your anode rod.

Another common problem with water heaters is that they simply don’t produce enough hot water. This can be caused by a number of factors, including an undersized water heater or crossed hot and cold connections. A professional plumber can help you determine if your tank is the cause of this issue and can recommend a solution.

If you have a gas water heater, you should check the temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR). This is a safety device that releases excess pressure from your water tank. If this isn’t working correctly, it can lead to a dangerous leak. This is usually a simple fix, but you’ll need to contact a professional plumber to take care of it for you.

Lastly, if you notice a lot of puddles around your water heater, it’s likely that there is a leak somewhere. This is a serious issue that can quickly lead to a flood. It’s important to shut off the water supply and power to your water heater, drain it, and then call a professional for inspection and repair.

Loans

Mortgage Brokers – Buying a Home Or Refinancing a Commercial Building

Whether you’re buying a home or a commercial building, hiring a mortgage broker can help you find the best loan. They can work with various lenders to find a loan tailored to your needs. They can also help you negotiate terms and ensure you get the lowest interest rate possible.

Loans

Make sure they have the right credentials for your level of experience. Whether buying a home or refinancing, it is important to ensure that your mortgage broker has the right credentials for your experience level. Boise Mortgage Brokers are licensed professionals who know what lenders look for when evaluating a home buyer’s qualifications. They have excellent communication skills and can guide you through the mortgage application process. They can also provide you with tips on improving your chances of approval.

Whether you are looking to buy a new home or refinance your current one, it pays to be armed with the knowledge to find the best loan for you. A mortgage broker is one way to make your life a little easier, but don’t discount your capabilities. While some brokers may help you find the best deal, others may take a hands-off approach that leaves you in the dark.

There are hundreds of mortgage brokers, so be sure to do your homework before signing up. While it’s tempting to cut your losses and sign on the dotted line, you should do everything in your power to avoid a bad deal.

Obtaining the lowest interest rate for your home can save you thousands of dollars. The best way to get the lowest rate is to shop around. There are a number of mortgage brokers who can help you shop among lenders to find the right loan. However, doing your own research before relying on these professionals is important. If you blindly trust them, you could end up with a higher rate than you would have otherwise.

When comparing rates, make sure to include any discount points, which reduce the interest rate by one-eighth to one-fourth of a percent. Discount points are an upfront cost, so you do not want to purchase them if you aren’t planning to stay in your home for long. The other way to get the lowest mortgage rate is to have a sizable down payment. You can also find government-backed loans, providing competitive rates to people with less-than-perfect credit.

In addition, compare lenders, which will give you a Loan Estimate, which includes all upfront costs, interest rates, and annual percentage rates. This will allow you to compare loans side-by-side. You can also adjust your down payment amount, loan term, and credit score to get a better idea of what your monthly payment will be.

Buying a home has always been challenging, thanks to the proliferation of mortgage brokers, but getting the best rate still entails some elbow grease. Fortunately, there are a few companies out there that can get the job done right. The best mortgage brokers are adept at negotiating with multiple lenders and often have flexible compensation packages. The best mortgage brokers also use the best possible loan products. Getting a lower interest rate can save you significant money over the long haul. If you are in the market for a new home, check out the mortgage brokers at your local bank.

Choosing a mortgage broker can help you get the loan that’s right for you. However, you must pay attention to the way brokers are paid. Pay them via borrower fees or on commission from a lender. The difference between paying a broker via borrower fees or on commission from a lender may affect the outcome of your mortgage.

Brokers paid on commission from a lender can earn 1% of each loan amount. This is equivalent to $15,000 to $25,000 per loan. This may not sound like a lot of money, but it’s significant for buyers on a smaller budget. Borrowers who pay mortgage brokers via borrower fees can save about $3,000 by getting multiple mortgage quotes. That’s because lenders typically charge borrowers an average of $1,387 in lender fees.

Brokers who lenders pay may try to push clients to sign with the highest commission they can get. That’s because they want to earn more money for each loan. However, brokers who pay lenders need to stick with their compensation plan for three months before they can change it. Borrowers should also make sure that a broker doesn’t overcharge them. Check to see if the broker has a license. Also, ask for a lower commission.