Water Heater Repair Course

Lesson 1 • Energy Sources and Utility Connections

Explains natural gas, propane, electricity, and alternative energy inputs. Correct identification of energy source determines safe shutdown and repair procedures.

Lesson 2 • Personal and Job-Site Safety

Covers PPE selection, gas leak detection, electrical lockout/tagout, and burn prevention. Safety compliance is prerequisite to every hands-on task in this course.

Lesson 3 • Types of Water Heaters

Covers tank, tankless, heat pump, and solar water heaters. Distinguishes fuel sources and form factors to guide correct diagnostic approaches.

Lesson 4 • Regulatory and Code Compliance Basics

Introduces permit requirements, installation clearances, and safety-standard compliance concepts. Technicians learn which approvals to verify before beginning any repair or replacement.

Lesson 1 • Plumbing and Pipe Tools

Introduces pipe cutters, soldering torches, press-fit tools, and flaring tools. Connects pipe-joining methods to the water supply connections found on all heater types.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Diagnostic Instruments

Covers multimeters, clamp meters, and non-contact voltage testers. Accurate electrical measurement is essential for diagnosing element and thermostat failures.

Lesson 3 • Essential Hand Tools

Covers pipe wrenches, basin wrenches, element wrenches, and pliers. Proper tool selection prevents component damage and speeds up repair tasks.

Lesson 4 • Gas Diagnostic Tools

Explains combustible gas detectors, manometers, and flue gas analyzers. These instruments verify safe gas pressure and complete combustion before returning a unit to service.

Lesson 1 • Diagnosing Noise and Odor Problems

Explains popping, rumbling, whining, and sulfur odor causes. Noise and odor complaints often indicate sediment, anode depletion, or bacterial growth requiring targeted remedies.

Lesson 2 • Diagnosing Leaks and Pressure Issues

Identifies leak sources at fittings, the tank, the anode port, and the T&P valve. Pressure-related faults require immediate attention to prevent property damage.

Lesson 3 • Diagnosing Insufficient Hot Water

Addresses undersized units, sediment buildup, crossed connections, and thermostat drift. Correct diagnosis distinguishes equipment failure from installation or usage issues.

Lesson 4 • Systematic Visual Inspection

Teaches a top-to-bottom visual check covering corrosion, leaks, venting, and labels. A thorough visual inspection reveals obvious faults and guides deeper diagnostic steps.

Lesson 1 • Gas Line Connections and Leak Testing

Explains flexible connector replacement, union fitting service, and soap-bubble leak testing. Every gas repair must end with a verified leak-free connection before relighting.

Lesson 2 • Venting System Inspection and Repair

Covers B-vent, direct-vent, and power-vent systems, including draft testing and vent pipe repair. Proper venting prevents carbon monoxide accumulation in occupied spaces.

Lesson 3 • Pilot Assembly Service and Replacement

Covers thermocouple and thermopile testing, pilot orifice cleaning, and assembly replacement. Pilot system failures are the most common cause of no-heat calls on gas units.

Lesson 4 • Gas Valve Diagnosis and Replacement

Explains gas valve operation, pressure testing, and safe replacement procedures. A faulty gas valve can cause no-heat, overheating, or dangerous gas release.

Lesson 1 • Heating Element Testing and Replacement

Covers resistance testing, grounded element detection, and safe element replacement. A failed element is the most common repair on electric storage water heaters.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Supply and Panel Verification

Covers breaker sizing, wire gauge, and voltage verification at the heater terminal block. Correct supply voltage is the starting point for all electric heater diagnostics.

Lesson 3 • Thermostat Testing and Replacement

Explains upper and lower thermostat operation, continuity testing, and replacement. Thermostat failure accounts for a large share of electric heater no-heat and overheating complaints.

Lesson 4 • Restoring Service and Final Testing

Guides the technician through refilling, purging air, restoring power, and verifying output temperature. A structured commissioning process confirms the repair is complete and safe.

Lesson 1 • Water Treatment and Filtration Solutions

Covers softeners, scale inhibitors, whole-house filters, and their impact on heater longevity. Recommending appropriate treatment protects the repair and adds value for the customer.

Lesson 2 • Anode Rod Inspection and Replacement

Covers access methods, depletion assessment, and torque procedures for anode replacement. Regular anode service is the single most effective way to extend tank service life.

Lesson 3 • Anode Rod Chemistry and Function

Explains sacrificial anode electrochemistry, rod materials, and corrosion protection mechanisms. Understanding anode function is the basis for all tank longevity recommendations.

Lesson 4 • Sediment Flushing and Tank Cleaning

Teaches drain valve operation, full flush procedures, and sediment removal techniques. Sediment reduces efficiency, causes noise, and accelerates tank corrosion if left unaddressed.

Lesson 1 • Tankless System Operation Principles

Explains flow sensors, modulating burners, heat exchangers, and control boards. Understanding on-demand operation is essential before diagnosing tankless-specific faults.

Lesson 2 • Descaling and Heat Exchanger Maintenance

Teaches descaling pump setup, approved descaling solutions, and flush procedures. Scale buildup is the leading cause of reduced output and premature failure in tankless units.

Lesson 3 • Component Replacement on Tankless Units

Covers flow sensor, igniter, fan motor, and heat exchanger replacement procedures. Component-level repair extends unit life and avoids costly full-unit replacement.

Lesson 4 • Commissioning and Performance Verification

Explains gas pressure setup, temperature programming, and flow rate testing after repair. Proper commissioning ensures the unit meets rated output and operates safely.

Lesson 1 • New Unit Positioning and Connections

Covers unit placement, seismic strapping, water connections, and flexible connector installation. Correct positioning and connection quality determine long-term reliability.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Installation Planning and Sizing

Covers first-hour rating, recovery rate, and fuel-source selection for replacement units. Correct sizing prevents repeat service calls and ensures customer satisfaction.

Lesson 3 • Safe Removal of the Existing Unit

Explains utility shutoff sequence, water drainage, disconnection, and safe disposal. Proper removal prevents water damage, gas incidents, and environmental violations.

Lesson 4 • Commissioning, Testing, and Handoff

Guides filling, purging, lighting, temperature setting, and T&P valve testing after installation. A complete commissioning and customer handoff ensures safe operation and reduces callbacks.