If your water heater is having issues, is do-it-yourself water heater repair worth it? After all, it’s attractive to try and save some money. Wouldn’t doing minor repair work on your own instead of hiring a professional do just that?
No. DIY water heater repair is never a good idea.
You’re aware that water heaters connect to both electrical and plumbing systems in your home. If you’d like to stay safe, rather rely on water heater repair professionals in Cedar Hill, TX, like Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating. Let’s look at why.
Why DIY Water Heater Repair Is Not a Good Idea
Below are just a handful of reasons not to consider DIY water heater repair (in most circumstances).
Time and Money
The two main reasons you should rely on a professional are simple: time and money.
A professional can probably get the job done faster than you can. They also ensure there are no costly mistakes, which are easy for an amateur to make. If you try to make repairs and make a mistake, you might put your water heater out of commission for longer than if you had simply called a professional initially.
Electrical Hazards
Typically, water heaters run at a high voltage to generate heat, especially if you have an electric water heater with a heating element. Messing with your water heater’s wiring and electrical connections is a surefire way to accidentally give yourself an electrical shock!
You may also wire the water heater incorrectly. If it takes too much current, you’ll have an overheating electrical appliance, which poses a serious fire hazard.
Voided Warranty
Most modern water heaters come with some kind of warranty that will cover manufacturer defects. However, warranties require regular maintenance from a professional to stay valid.
If you try to repair your water heater on your own, you might void the warranty agreement. That means you also won’t be able to use the benefits to replace the unit if it breaks.
Gas Leaks
If you have a gas model, then gas leaks are a risk with do-it-yourself water heater repair. Gas is highly combustible and can cause destructive explosions when exposed to an open flame. Gas exposure itself is also harmful, causing headaches, nausea, and difficulty concentrating – at best.
A professional plumber knows how to work safely with gas lines to avoid danger and exposure. For example, if you damage the gas burner, the water heater might start to emit carbon monoxide. This colorless, odorless gas can be fatal if you don’t realize you or a loved one are breathing it in.
Water Damage
Working with water-based appliances always runs the risk of causing extensive water damage around the property. For example, if you incorrectly connected the hot water line or the dip tube, it might start to leak.
Water heaters are often out of the way in basements or crawl spaces, so it might be difficult to notice a leak around the tank. Any size leak can quickly cause water damage. Leaks are especially destructive if the water is going into your property’s foundation slab.
Can I Ever DIY Repair My Water Heater?
Never perform do-it-yourself water heater repair! However, there are one or two smaller preventative maintenance tasks that you could do. These tasks keep your system in good condition and minimize repairs:
- Flush your water tank at least once every six months and test the pressure relief valve. Removing sediment buildup saves your heating system from damage over time.
- You can use a handheld multimeter to test electrical connections and voltages. If voltages are not within expected ranges, contact a professional for water heater troubleshooting.
- For gas water heaters, regularly clean the burner assembly to keep it blockage-free.
- Periodically tighten connections and hoses. Tight connections will prevent leaks and potential electrical problems.
- Check the pilot light color and thermocouple. Is it orange or yellow instead of blue? Contact a professional to inspect your gas burner or lines.
- Once a year, replace the anode rod. The anode rod absorbs imperfections in the water to prevent corrosion on the interior of the tank.
It’s also helpful to visually inspect your water tank system for leaks, cracks, rust, and other damage.
Professional Water Heater Repair in Cedar Hill
Do-it-yourself water heater repair might be tempting if you’d like to reduce the cost to plumb a house or maintain things, but it is often counterproductive or creates unnecessary expenses to fix your mistakes. Why not reach out to Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating online or call today to schedule water heater repair in Cedar Hill, TX?
