Hot water tank repairs can be inconvenient and costly. When your hot water tank breaks or leaks, you may not be able to take a hot shower and have to rely on cold water only for washing dishes and cleaning. In some cases, the damage caused by a broken hot water tank can be serious enough that it requires a visit from a plumbing contractor. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, different repair solutions will be applied. To help you understand the different types of hot water tank repairs so that you know what to expect when your tank breaks or leaks, we have outlined below some of the most common types of repairs and maintenance that require specialized knowledge and equipment as well as a permit from your local building inspector:

Hot water tank replacement

If the plumbing system in your home is old and the hot water tank is nearing the end of its useful life, it may be time for a replacement. If the damage caused by the broken hot water tank is too extensive, a new tank will be installed at the same time.In many cases, a new hot water tank can increase the flow of hot water to your home and reduce the time it takes to bring the water to a usable temperature. This can be especially useful in places where you have a large family and/or high water usage.In some cases, the cost of a new hot water tank may be less than repairing the old one. A new tank will also last longer than a tank that has been fixed with duct tape and glue. However, you will need to factor in the cost of the new tank and the materials needed to repair the old one.

Hot water tank repair

If the damage to your hot water tank is minor, you may be able to perform a repair yourself at home. This will depend on the cause of the problem and the type of repair required. For example, if your hot water tank has sustained damage from a build-up of calcium deposits, you will need to visit a plumbing contractor to remove the deposits and patch up the tank.If the damage to the tank is extensive, you should call a plumbing contractor to have the tank repaired. In some cases, the entire tank may need to be replaced. This will depend on the cause of the problem and the type of repair needed.

Hot water tank cleaning

Hot water tanks are used to store and supply hot water to your home. As a result, they can become dirty over time. If the water in your tank is discolored, has a bad odor, or contains limescale deposits, it may be necessary to clean the hot water tank.If your tank is made of cast iron, lead, or galvanized steel, you will need to use a specialized cleaning solution and chemicals. However, plastic and metal-framed tanks can be cleaned with a simple solution of water and baking soda.To clean a plastic or metal-framed hot water tank, you will need to shut off the water supply to the tank and open the access panel on the top of the tank. Next, use a garden hose to direct a stream of water from the faucet at the top of the tank. This will flush out the deposits and clean the inside of the tank.

Hot water tank repair - Ductwork

If the pipes in your home are old and could potentially break, you may need to repair the ductwork that connects the hot water tank to the rest of the home. This will depend on the type of damage to the pipes and the hot water tank. If the pipes are leaking, you will need to replace the ductwork.If the pipes are damaged, you may be able to repair the ductwork by patching up the holes and covering them with duct tape. Ductwork repair is best done by a professional contractor. This will depend on the cause of the problem and the type of repair needed.

Hot water tank repair - Installation

If the pipes in your home are old and could potentially break, you may need to repair the pipes leading from the hot water tank to the rest of the home. This will depend on the type of damage to the pipes and the hot water tank. If the pipes are leaking, you will need to replace the pipes.If the pipes are damaged, you may be able to repair the pipes by patching up the holes and covering them with duct tape. Pipe repair is best done by a professional contractor. This will depend on the cause of the problem and the type of repair needed.

Hot water tank repair - Coating and painting

If the coating on your hot water tank is peeling off, you may be able to repair the tank by removing the coating and painting it. If the coating is leaking and causing damage, you may need to replace the coating and the tank.If the coating is peeling off because of the age of the tank, you will need to replace the tank. Otherwise, you will need to repair the coating and the tank.

Hot water tank repair - Replacement

If the damage to your hot water tank is so severe that it requires replacement, you will need to hire a plumbing contractor to replace the tank. This will depend on the type of damage to the tank and whether the tank is still in good condition.If the tank is still in good condition, you can save money by repairing it and extending its lifespan. However, if the tank breaks or leaks, you may be required to replace it.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon hot water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)