Commercial water heaters are installed in almost all sectors of businesses, such as restaurants, malls, and apartments.
A breakdown of a commercial water heater results in major inconveniences, a slowdown of operations, and possibly health hazards.
Therefore, it is important for business people to learn how best to handle problems with commercial water heaters since this can avoid major downtime and disruptions in business.
Here is a detailed guide on everything you need to know about commercial water heater repair, step-by-step.
Why Commercial Water Heater Repair is Crucial for Businesses?
Hot water is not only a luxury for many companies, but rather a mandatory requirement for their operations.
In various sectors such as the hospitality, healthcare, and food service sectors, commercial water heaters supply the hot water necessary for business processes.
Commercial water heater breakdowns can range from regulatory regulation violations to customer dissatisfaction.
It is essential to take preventive measures regarding water heater maintenance and know what could be done in the worst case.
Quick Summary of Commercial Water Heater Repair Steps:
- Identify the Problem: Diagnose common issues like no hot water, inconsistent temperatures, leaks, unusual noises, or rusty water.
- Turn Off Power/Gas Supply: Shut down the water heater to avoid further damage or risk.
- Turn Off Water Supply: Stop water flow to prevent worsening leaks or flooding.
- Drain the Water Heater (If Necessary): Attach a hose to safely drain water, especially if dealing with sediment buildup or internal component issues.
- Inspect for Damage: Check heating elements, valves, connections, and tank exterior for any obvious signs of wear or damage.
- Decide on Repair vs. Replacement: Consider unit age, cost of repairs, and frequency of issues before proceeding.
- Call a Professional: If unsure or the issue is complex, consult a licensed technician.
- Perform Regular Maintenance: Flush the tank, inspect the anode rod, and regularly check for leaks to prevent future problems.
Step 1: Identifying Common Commercial Water Heater Issues
Before starting the repair process, it’s important to understand what issues commonly affect commercial water heaters.
This will help you quickly diagnose potential problems and decide on the next steps.
- No Hot Water: Your commercial water heater may not be providing hot water for several reasons. Some of the main reasons are a malfunctioning thermostat, heating elements, or a faulty gas pilot light.
- Inconsistent Water Temperature: Changes in water temperatures may be caused by a bad thermostat or the accumulation of minerals within the heater tank.
- Water Leaks: One of the biggest issues with commercial water heaters is leaks, and they can be a big issue. A leak may be caused by corrosion, a loose valve, or a failed gasket.
- Unusual Noises: Any sort of vibration or noise, including rattling, banging, or popping sounds, is a sure sign of sediment within the tank, which can soon cause inefficiency and harm to the unit.
- Rusty or Cloudy Water: If the water from the commercial water heater is rusty or discolored, it may mean that the heater’s interior is rusting and needs to be replaced soon.
Knowing the problem at this stage will enable one to determine if a repair can be made or if it is time to seek professional help.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater
After you conclude that there is an issue, the initial process in the repair is to shut down the water heater.
It is important to avoid augmenting the damage or posing additional risks to people’s lives.
Depending on the type of water heater you have—electric, gas, or tankless—the process will differ slightly:
- Electric Water Heaters: Locate the breaker that controls the water heater and turn it off. This avoids shocks during the repair and maintenance of the equipment.
- Gas Water Heaters: Find the gas supply valve and open it to switch off the gas supply to the water heater. This aids in avoiding any leakage or even at times, toxic gas build-up.
- Tankless Water Heaters: Similar to electric heaters, most tankless systems are electrically controlled, and therefore, shutting power at the circuit breaker is crucial.
Step 3: Turn Off the Water Supply
The following procedure is to turn off the water supply after switching off the power or the gas supply. This helps to reduce further water entry into the tank and aggravates the situation.
The cold water shut-off valve is usually found near the top of your commercial water heater. Screw the valve as tight as you can to stop the flow of the fluid.
- For significant leaks: If your water heater is leaking profusely, you should cut the water supply immediately to avoid any accidents, such as a flood, in your building.
Step 4: Drain the Water Heater (If Necessary)
Sometimes, you may be required to drain the water heater in order to bring some repairs to completion.
This step is essential if there is a lot of sediment in the tank or if internal components require replacement.
Here’s how to drain the tank safely:
- Attach a hose: Turn a garden hose on the drain valve which is usually located at the bottom part of the water heater. Make sure the other end of the hose is connected to a safe drainage spot in the facility like the floor drain or outside.
- Open the valve: Screw the drain valve anti-clockwise to allow water to drain out of the system. This may take several minutes, depending on the size of your water heater or the reservoir’s capacity.
- Release pressure: To speed up the draining process, turn on the hot water faucet in your building to help release pressure in the system.
- Safety tip: The water that flows out of the tank can be very hot, so be careful when using the hose and the drain valve.
Step 5: Inspect for Obvious Damage
Since there is no power and water supply, you can now physically examine the commercial water heater for signs of damage. Some common areas to check include:
- Heating Elements: For electric models, check the condenser for signs of corrosion or wear on the heating elements.
- Valves and Connections: Always look for signs of leakage or loose fittings around the valves and water connection.
- Tank Exterior: Check the tank’s surface for cracks or rust, as these will show internal rusting.
This is the time when you should determine whether you are capable of fixing the problem yourself or if you are going to have to call for professional help.
Step 6: Decide Whether to Repair or Replace
When it comes to commercial water heater systems, one must consider when to repair or replace the system. Here are some factors to consider:
- Age of the Unit: Water heaters used in commercial facilities last 10 – 15 years. If your unit is old, replacing a part may be cheaper than repairing it over and over.
- Cost of Repairs: If the repair cost is above 50% of the price of a new water heater, it is cheaper to replace the water heater.
- Frequency of Repairs: However, if you are calling for frequent repairs, it is high time you replace your water heater.
Step 7: Who to Call for Water Heater Repair?
If a few cannot solve the problem, do-it-yourself measures, or if you are not sure what you can do, it is advisable to consult a commercial water heater repair technician.
A licensed technician will always have the experience required to diagnose properly and advise the most suitable course of action – repair or replacement.
- Why call a professional? Commercial water heaters are different from residential types and are designed to supply hot water to large facilities and many people simultaneously. It is understood that professional technicians are well-equipped to meet the requirements of various commercial systems and fix them properly without risking any additional damages.
- What to look for: Make sure the technician is licensed and insured and has proper experience installing commercial systems. Inquire about this repair service, as commercial water heater problems do not have to wait for business hours.
Step 8: Perform Regular Maintenance to Avoid Future Issues
The only way to avoid any commercial water heater emergencies is through maintenance.
Maintenance can help you get more years out of your water heater, increase efficiency, and prevent equipment failure.
Here are a few essential maintenance tasks:
- Flushing the Tank : Over time, sediment poses quite a threat, and yearly tank flushing helps to avoid this.
- Inspecting the Anode Rod: This rod helps to keep the tank from rusting; therefore, changing it could increase the lifespan of your water heater.
- Checking for Leaks: Check the unit on a regular basis for any signs of leaks, corrosion, or wear and tear.
Routine maintenance of the commercial water heater is important to prevent the development of major issues that will require a call to a professional service such as Finest Heating & Air.
Conclusion: Stay Proactive with Commercial Water Heater Repair
Commercial water heaters are important for establishments that require hot water for their operations.
Therefore, when problems arise, these measures can be taken to tackle them before they become disasters that may entail huge losses.
From problems that can be solved by the homeowner alone to those that require the help of a professional, this guide has prepared you for any commercial water heater repair that may come.
Whether you are having problems with your commercial water heater or need maintenance, repair, or replacement services, call Finest Heating & Air.
We have skilled technicians who are willing to provide water heater repair services for commercial buildings to avoid disruptions to business.
