6 Common water heater problems and solutions

One of the most invaluable appliances in our homes is our water heater. The water heater in your home is an essential appliance you might not always notice or think about, yet it’s central to our daily comfort and convenience. It provides the hot water you rely on for numerous activities, from cooking and cleaning to showering. 

Therefore, even a minor issue with the water heater can significantly disrupt your routine, making it evident just how crucial it is for maintaining your home’s harmony. When hot water is absent, tasks become challenging, underscoring the importance of a fully functioning water heater for a smooth-running household. Here are a few of the most common water heater issues you may face, what causes them, and what you should do to get them fixed so you can get your hot water back.

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1. Water Leaks

One common issue that homeowners may encounter with their water heater is water leaks. A leak can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a corroded tank or loose connections. Water leaks from a water heater can be due to various reasons, such as a loose connection, corrosion in the tank, a faulty pressure relief valve, or a leaking water supply pipe. It’s crucial to identify the leak source to address it effectively.

How to solve it

• Tighten Connections: Check all connections for tightness with a wrench, but be careful not to overtighten.

• Replace Faulty Components: If the leak is from the tank itself or a valve, it may need replacing. Especially if corrosion is the culprit, the tank will need to be replaced.

• Use sealants: For minor leaks at joints or fittings, applying a pipe sealant might be a temporary fix.

Regular maintenance checks can prevent leaks. Inspecting the anode rod, ensuring the pressure relief valve is functioning, and checking for signs of corrosion or wear can mitigate the risk of leaks.

2. No Hot Water

Another frustrating problem that can occur with a water heater is the lack of hot water. When you turn on the tap and only cold water comes out, it can be a major inconvenience, especially during the colder months. This could be due to a malfunctioning heating element (in electric heaters), a faulty gas thermocouple, or a pilot light that won’t stay lit in gas models.

How to solve it

• Check Power Source/Gas Supply: Ensure the heater is connected to power or has a gas supply. For electric heaters, reset the circuit breaker. For gas heaters, check the gas supply and pilot light.

• Replace Heating Element or Thermocouple: If the problem is with a faulty component, replacing the heating element in electric heaters or the thermocouple in gas heaters might be necessary.

• Adjust Thermostat: Sometimes, simply adjusting the thermostat to a higher setting can resolve the issue.

Regularly checking the thermostat, ensuring the pilot light is operational in gas heaters, and scheduling periodic maintenance can prevent this issue.

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3. Strangely Smelling Hot Water

If you notice a strange smell coming from your hot water, it could be a sign of bacteria growth in the tank. This can not only be unpleasant but also unhealthy. This can be due to bacteria in the tank or corrosion and sediment build-up. The smell is often described as “rotten eggs” when caused by bacteria.

How to solve it

• Flush the Tank: Draining and flushing out the tank can remove sediment and bacteria.

• Increase Temperature Temporarily: Raising the water temperature to over 140°F for a few hours can kill bacteria. Be cautious and ensure to lower it back to prevent scalding.

• Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide: Adding hydrogen peroxide to the water tank can kill bacteria without the safety risks of high temperatures.

Flushing the tank regularly and adding a water treatment solution can help eliminate the odor and prevent future bacterial growth.

4. Tank Takes Ages to Reheat

Is your water heater taking ages to reheat after each use? This could be a sign of a malfunctioning heating element or a buildup of sediment in the tank. This could be due to sediment build-up, a malfunctioning heating element, or an undersized tank for your needs.

How to solve it

• Flush the Tank: Regularly flushing the tank can remove sediment that hinders heat transfer.

• Check/Replace the Heating Element: Inspect the heating elements and replace them if they are not functioning correctly.

• Upgrade or Supplement the Water Heater: If the tank is too small, consider upgrading to a larger tank or supplementing with a tankless water heater.

Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank and checking the heating elements, can prevent this issue. Also, choosing the right size tank for your needs is crucial.

5. Low Hot Water Pressure

Low hot water pressure can also be a frustrating problem that can affect your daily routine. This issue can be caused by a clog in the pipes leading to your water heater or a faulty pressure regulator. This can be due to sediment build-up in the tank, clogged pipes, or malfunctioning fixtures.

How to solve it

• Flush the Tank: Removing sediment can help improve water pressure.

• Inspect and Clean Pipes/Fixtures: Check for and clean any clogs in pipes or fixtures. Replacing the aerators on faucets can sometimes resolve pressure issues.

• Install a Pressure Booster: If the issue is systemic, a pressure booster pump might be necessary.

Regular tank maintenance and keeping an eye on the condition of pipes and fixtures can help maintain consistent water pressure.

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6. Water Temperature Issues (Too Hot or Too Cold)

Water temperature problems in heaters can stem from incorrect thermostat settings, malfunctioning heating elements (in electric heaters), or gas supply issues in gas models. Sediment buildup can also affect temperature stability.

How to solve it

• Thermostat Adjustment: Modify the thermostat setting to a recommended level, typically around 120°F, to resolve too hot or too cold water.

• Component Inspection and Replacement: Check and replace faulty heating elements or gas burner components if the water temperature is inconsistent.

• Regular Maintenance: Flushing the tank to remove sediment and ensuring the gas supply is consistent and the pilot light is operational (in gas heaters) can help maintain the desired water temperature.

Regularly monitoring and adjusting the thermostat, along with routine heater maintenance, can prevent water from being too hot or too cold. Ensuring the heater is appropriate for your usage needs can also help maintain consistent water temperatures.

Got a water heater problem? Get it fixed by the experts at Vossler Plumbing Co. Schedule an inspection or repair service by calling us at 346-712-0050 today!