Richmond

Set your gas or electric water heater thermostat to the right temperature for comfort, safety, and lower energy bills -- plus how to verify the actual output with a thermometer.

Calculate the right water heater size so you never run out of hot water -- covers first-hour rating for tanks, GPM for tankless, quick sizing charts, and the mistakes that leave people taking cold showers.

Flush sediment from your tank water heater to cut energy bills, eliminate rumbling noises, and add years to its life -- the most important maintenance task most homeowners skip.

Cut your water heating bill by insulating the tank with a blanket and wrapping the first 6 feet of pipe -- a $20-50 project that pays for itself within a year.

Water around the base demands immediate attention -- floor damage, mold, electrical hazards. Could be loose fittings, a failing T&P valve, a bad drain valve, or a rusted-through tank that needs replacement.

No hot water from any fixture? Cause depends on gas vs. electric. Common culprits: pilot light out, tripped breaker, failed element, faulty thermostat or gas valve.

Lights but will not stay lit? Almost always the thermocouple -- a safety sensor that detects the pilot flame. When it fails, the gas valve shuts off. Straightforward DIY repair, under $25.

Brown or rusty water? Could be corroding pipes, deteriorating heater tank, depleted anode rod, or a municipal main disturbance. First step: hot only, cold only, or both? That narrows the source immediately.