Common Attic-Housed Water Heater Repair Issues That Are Common During The Summer | Irving, TX
Water heaters typically have more issues during colder months. However, summer can present some unique problems. This is especially true for water heaters located in attics or garages that don’t have air conditioning. It doesn’t matter what type of water heater you have, gas, electric or tankless – all types will need water heater repair services at some stage, especially if they’re kept in areas with poor ventilation, such as garages and attics. Water heater repair appointments attended by plumbers in Irving, TX, often include investigating and repairing issues with the pilot light, resolving ventilation problems, and identifying and repairing leaks.
Pilot Light Problems
You may notice that the pilot light on your water heater often goes out when temperatures exceed 100 degrees F. This can be due to two reasons:
The gas valve won’t open if the temperature in the area around your water heater exceeds the thermostat temperature. Alternatively, if the pilot light flame’s heat is too weak to create a natural draft, this causes any oxygen available to quickly burn up. The pilot light then goes out and needs reigniting. If this occurs frequently, you will benefit from a water heater repair service.
Incorrect gas combustion can be caused by poor ventilation. This is because hot air rises, taking oxygen from the heater’s burner. This will cause the pilot light to go out.
Ventilation Issues
Proper ventilation will solve pilot light and incorrect gas combustion issues. If your heater is located in your attic, you can improve these issues by installing a fan or vents to improve air circulation. Insulating your attic may also be a good idea to keep the hot air from entering your living area.
Another way to resolve continuing ventilation issues that cannot be solved through a standard water heater repair service is to replace your existing water heater with a newer, more appropriate type. Replacing your hot water heater with a tankless model gives you the option to install the new heater in better-ventilated locations. A tankless heater has many benefits, including:
- It takes up less space than a tank-mounted hot water heater.
- You save money because you use less energy than older models that have tanks
- Hot water is available on demand
- A tankless water heater requires less maintenance
How to Tell If Your Water Heater Has Combustion Issues
You can check the heater’s sight glass to confirm you have a fuel combustion problem. The gas flame will change from light blue to yellow, and then to red. Despite improper combustion, at first glance, the burner may appear to be lit properly, which is why some householders in Irving, TX, go longer than they should before calling a plumber about water heater repair. When there is improper combustion, the flame will eventually look flattened. If you see any warning signs of irregular combustion, it should be addressed swiftly. Combustion issues can not only cause problems with your water heater, but they could also pose a danger to your home.
Water heaters are found in the attic of many homes across the country. Storing a water heater in the attic is a good solution that helps homeowners to avoid taking up usable spaces in basements and garages. However, it can be problematic if you suspect that your water heater is leaking.
Why Is the Attic so Important?
Attic water heaters are often installed in homes built on pad foundations; homes with no basements or crawl spaces. Although they are inexpensive to install, the repair of attic-housed units can be difficult due to their location. Water heaters in homes can also be installed in garages, depending on type. The presence of flammable liquids in gas-fired water heaters, for example, makes alternative locations, such as the garage, inadvisable.
The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety identifies several factors that can increase your chances of requiring water heater repair services:
- Age: Water heaters more than a dozen years old are more likely to fail. Nearly 75 percent of water heaters stop working by the age of 12.
- Poor Maintenance: Flushing the water heater every six months to remove sediment, and having a plumbing professional inspect and replace the sacrificial anode rod in the tank as part of routine inspection and maintenance, will prolong the water heater’s life
- Water Heater Location: Although attic leaks are rare statistically, they can be costly and extensive. Third-floor leaks resulted in 33 percent more losses than basement leaks. Extrapolating from the above, attic leaks can cause more damage, resulting in more extensive repair costs.
Diagnosing a Leak
You should immediately investigate the possibility that your attic water heater is leaking. Most water heaters don’t burst easily, they develop slow leaks that can go unnoticed for several months before a professional plumber is called to provide water heater repair and maintenance.
Luckily, a gadget can be purchased that is designed to sit in the existing metal pan under your attic heater. When it gets wet, it will set off an alarm, indicating that there’s a leak that requires investigation. The metal pan is not meant to stop a 40- to 50-gallon water loss. Its purpose is to drain water from small, slow leaks. If it overflows, it can cause massive damage to ceilings and other parts of your home. Leakages most often occur at the valves and pipe joints, not in the tank, so it can be hard to spot until it’s too late.
You may have a slow leak if you see wet ceilings or drywall. It is possible to limit the damage by moving all furniture and other items away from the area where a leak is occurring. This will increase airflow and help dry out the affected area, but will not resolve the overall issue. A plumber capable of water heater repair will need to isolate and fix the leak.
Repairing a Leak
To repair a leak, you should take the following actions:
Turn off the water supply. Look for the water shutoff valve on the top of your water heater.
Turn off the gas supply. Instructions for gas shutoff can be found on the water heater or in supplied paperwork.
Call a plumber at Tioga Plumbing & Electric in Irving, TX, and book a water heater repair service. Prompt water heater and pipe repairs are available 24/7/365.
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