The outer surface of a water heater gets dented quite easily. But the problem arises when the dents are near water connections. If the dents are deep, it can cause trouble to the water heater.
What are the problems that arise due to a dented water heater?
A dented water heater can create leaks in water pipes. Deep dents can damage the heating system as well. You might hear weird noises coming from the water heater. But if the dent is only on the outer shell, you don’t need to worry much.
We’ve got all the repairing processes down below. Ready to make your water heater as good as new?
Let’s proceed right now!
How Do Water Heaters Get Dented?
As stated Before, the outer shell of water heaters can get damaged easily. Especially the lower part of the heater.
This can happen while setting up the heater on its side in the house. It can fall or get hit with something heavy. Sometimes, the heater gets damaged during shipping too.
Most of the time, the shell protects the inner parts of the heater. There is an insulation layer made of fiberglass under the outer shield for protection. The insulation layer protects the inner instruments.
When the damage is deep, the inner parts of the water tank get affected.
How to Fix the Dents on the Surface of a Water Heater? [2 Different Methods]
Fixing the surface-level dents is not that complicated. If the dents are less than 3mm, the inner parts are mostly unaffected.
To fix the dents, we have two different methods for you. Just make sure to follow the instructions for whatever method you apply.
Method 1: Use Hot Water and Plunger
Pour some hot water on the dented surface. Pour for at least 6-7 minutes. Next, take a medium-size plunger and press it on the dent. It will create suction while you press.
Now, pull the stick of the plunger very fast and the dent will be fixed.
Method 2: Use Hook and Pliers
Most of the time dents appear on the lower parts of the water heater, where there are several holes. To fix the dents, put a hook inside one of the holes where it’s dented. Grab the head of the hook with the pliers.
Now, pull the end of the hook with one hand. And pull the pliers with the other hand. The dented part will regain its previous position.
That’s how you can fix the surface-level dents. But remember deep dents cause severe problems to your water heater, which needs your attention.
It’ll be best if you check the heater while buying it. Make sure it’s a good quality water heater that fits your criteria. So, you don’t have to worry about the dents later.
Dented Water Tank Problems With Solutions
The deep dents leave your water tank with some serious problems. Don’t worry, you don’t have to replace the entire water heater. They are fixable.
Here are some of the common issues with dented tanks you should be aware of-
Leaks In The Water Pipes
Dents near the connection between tank and pipe indicate the possibility of damaged pipes. Deep dents can damage the plastic cap causing it to fall off. This cap secures the connection between pipes and the heater.
Solution
First, place an empty container under the leaking area and drain all the water. In case the drained water isn’t clear, you might need to replace the heater.
If the leak is near the connection, try tightening the valve. Wrap Teflon tape around the leaking area. That should fix the water pipe leakage issue.
If the leak is too big and Teflon tape wrapping won’t work. You may have to replace the pipe. Take help from a professional to do this job.
Water Temperature Issues
Temperature issues can arise from a dented water heater. This happens for a broken or faulty thermostat.
Sometimes, the water will be too cold. At other times, the water will be hot, but it’s not enough. It’ll feel like lukewarm water.
A thermostat is installed in a water heater to control the water temperature. It’s normally found behind the insulation, with an access panel.
A dent near the thermostat can damage the device, causing temperature issues in the tank
Solution
To solve this problem, change the thermostat as soon as possible. Contact a professional to do it for you.
In case you can’t pick the right thermostat for yourself. Here are some of our recommended ones-
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
These are good-quality thermostats available in the market. Use these and never worry about the temperature issue again!
Noise Coming From Water Tank
Sometimes, you may hear weird noises coming out of the water tank. It can be a high pitch sound or a rumbling sound. You can also get the sound of running water even when the tank is filled.
It can be the sound of water boiling. But if you suspect the noise is too loud, check the tank.
Solution
Drain all the water from the tank. Look if there are any small leaks, holes, or broken pipes.
Sometimes small leaks don’t need any fixing as they heal on their own due to slow leaking. But we suggest you not take the risk. If you notice any leak, immediately call a plumber and seal the leak.
With that, we’re done! You can definitely understand how dents can create problems for your water heater from our guide.
FAQs
Question: When should a water heater be replaced?
Answer: A good water heater can run for up to 20 years without any problem. But you should often check on the heater. If you see leakage issues arising too often, you should change the faulty heater. Insufficient performance of the heater is going to increase your bills. So, change the heater when it doesn’t work even after maintenance.
Question: Why don’t I have enough hot water?
Answer: Running out of hot water can happen for various reasons. If the dip tube accidentally falls in the tank, it can make the running water cold. Because the dip tube assists cold water at the bottom of the tank, it can be heated. But if it gets damaged or falls in the heater, the process is interrupted. That’s why you don’t get hot water anymore. So, check the dip tube if you are facing this issue.
Question: What is the ideal temperature for a water heater?
Answer: Now, almost every water heater comes with a default temperature setting. If yours doesn’t have a specific setting, use the medium option on the thermostat. Normally the optimal temperature set by the manufacturers is 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. We suggest setting it at 110 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your bills down.
Final Words
We’ve made it to the end of the article. Hope you have figured out the problems with your dented water heater. For further queries and fixing, we suggest getting professional help.
And next time, before buying a new water heater, check it thoroughly at the store.
Take care of yourself, see you!