Jumping into your shower for the hot warm water is the best wake up call in the early morning. Unless, that water never gets warm. No hot water is just one of the common problems that homeowners face when it comes to their water heater. Having hot water for only a few minutes is another common problem. Luckily for you, not only is identifying the problem with your water heater simple as pie, so is fixing the problem. Below are the two most common problems you will face with your water heater and how to fix it in a snap.

No Hot Water

Not having any hot water is the easiest problem to fix when it comes to your water heater. It's as simple as having a lighter. There are different models of water heaters, so the pilot light will most likely be in a different location for each one. Go to your water heater and look inside the vent to see if there is a flame. If there is no flame, you need to relight your pilot light. Look on the side of your unit for instructions on how to relight your particular water heater model.

If the pilot light isn't catching the flame from your lighter, then your problem is that the thermocouple needs to be replaced. This little piece is relatively inexpensive and can be bought at any hardware store. Before doing maintenance work on your water heater, be sure you turn the gas off. The only tool you will need for this project is a wrench.

Take off the panel that covers your pilot light, then take off the hex nut that connected the thermocouple to your unit. Once the hex nut is removed, replace the old thermocouple with the new one and refasten the hex nut.

Having Only A Little Hot Water

So, you've only been in the shower for three minutes before the hot, steamy water turns ice cold. While it will definitely wake you up in the morning, it is a sure sign that your water heater's dip tube needs to be replaced. The dip tube is supposed to regulate the hot and cold water. When this piece isn't working properly, it will mix the two temperatures. This thin tube is what transfers the cold water from the bottom to the top to get heated.

Replacing the dip tube is going to be slightly more complicated to fix than the thermocouple, but it's still a job you can do on your own. All you will need are a pipe wrench, Teflon tape and a new dip tube.

First, you want to shut off the water and a drain a few gallons. The drain valve is usually near the bottom of your tank. Releasing some water will make it easier to get to the damaged dip tube. Once the water level is low enough to get to the tube, remove the broken tube from the water valve using your pipe wrench. Next, wrap the Teflon tape around the new dip tube to prevent damage and attach it to the cold water valve.

Turn your water back on and wait about an hour before jumping back into the shower.

Jumping in the shower, expecting only hot water only to get cold water rushing down your back is one of the fastest ways to wake you up, but it's not supposed to happen. By following the simple troubleshooting steps listed above, you will be on your way to a nice warm shower in no time. For more information or assistance, contact companies like Carolina Appliance Service.

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