Ok this morning when I woke up I heard a hissing sound. I went into my closet and noticed my water heater was leaking water out of the hose bibb. So I quickly shut the water off and changed the bibb.Then when I turned the hot water on it started hissing and spitting out water sparatically.The water then started coming out consistent but the water is getting no better than luke warm.Is it time for a new water heater?Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks.
2007-06-23 20:37:58 · 6 answers · asked by marc130927 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is an electric heater and it was not the drain that was leaking, just the hose bibb. And it has a new one now.
2007-06-23 20:56:33 · update #1
Also, no I didn't turn the electric off while changing the bibb.
2007-06-23 20:57:20 · update #2
Electric heater? Probably lost one of the elements. Did you turn the electric off while you changed the boiler drain? Boiler drain is the proper term for the valve and hose connection at the bottom of the heater.
A new element will cost between $8 and $15, depending upon the wattage and type. If the heater is otherwise in good condition, I would replace the element (once that is verified as the problem). Given that you had to replace the boiler drain, it may be best to replace the heater.
In the process of replacing the drain, you would have allowed the top element to go dry while energized. Not good. On a good note, you should have eliminated most of the sediment in your heater in the process, so that should not be a concern.
Replace the top element. If the heater is more than 8 or 10 years old or in otherwise poor condition, buy new.
2007-06-23 20:45:01 · answer #1 · answered by be_a_lert 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You changed the hose bib on the electric water heater and didn't turn off the heater? that means that both or one of the elements burned out, I'm guessing one if the water gets "warm" as you say.
Now, go back and do the whole thing over, this time turn the electric off. A new element will run you about $20.00 check to see which one burned out, check them both to make sure. Then make sure the heaters full of water before turning the electric back on.
2007-06-23 22:26:02 · answer #2 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You probably burned out the top element when you changed the bib. You were supposed to turn off the electricity before changing the bib.
Then before turning the electricity back on you were supposed to turn on the water supply to the water heater.
While the water tank was refilling you should have had a hot water faucet open upstairs to let out the air so the water heater could refill completely.
Now you need to test and probably change the top heating element.
Look on the water heater and try to find the age. Replacing the element is pretty easy. And cheaper than a new tank. I've had water heaters that lasted 20 & 30 years.
2007-06-23 21:26:01 · answer #3 · answered by Gender Different 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Sounds like you may have burned out an element or thermostat, I would check that first. Myself I would replace the water heater if it is 10 years old, otherwise would try to repair it.
2007-06-23 22:05:23 · answer #4 · answered by nicholasvillebear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without seeing and checking thoroughly one can not say what the problem is. It is better to call an electrician show him the piece. Postal repaiors are not advisable as far as the electrical gadgets are concerned.
2007-06-23 20:50:54 · answer #5 · answered by Joymash 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
All the other answers are incorrect. Go to http://appliancequickfix.com/ to find out how your heater works and how to easily check it. Sometimes it has built up
too much sediment in it and its easiest to just replaced the
heater. Check the other stuff first though, if you can.
2007-06-24 02:42:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋