What Are the Most Common Water Heater Problems?

The water heater is one of the essential home appliances that people often use but barely maintain. As long as the water coming from the heater is hot and of the right quantity, many people don’t even bother to check if the heater has other issues.

Most water heaters come with long-term warranty policies and won’t develop issues for many years. But that’s not to mean a water heater will last forever. It may develop problems once in a while.

The good news is that some of these water heater problems might need simple troubleshooting skills and you’re good to go.

Here are some common water heater problems and a simple guide on how to repair a water heater.

Leaking Water Heater Problems

Water leaking from your water heater is a problem you should never overlook. Different things may cause your water heater to leak. It may be due to overheating, poor plumbing, loose bolts, bad gasket, or leaking water tank.

Consider tightening the bolts and the plumbing connections to solve this problem. If the problem persists, hire professionals to replace the gasket or fix connections around the storage tank.

Noise From the Water Tank

Hearing strange problems from your water tank can be a nuisance, especially if you don’t know the source.

A noisy water tank can be a result of different problems. One of the causes is sediments collecting at the bottom of the water tank. When the water heats up, it produces bubbles that push the sediments up and down as it escapes the sediments layer.

If this is the case, you should drain the water tank. In fact, you should be draining it once a year as a maintenance procedure.

Another reason for the noise could be because the heating elements are burning out. If this is the case, then search for a water heater installation near me service to help you resolve the problem.

No Hot Water Heater Problems

It can be frustrating to wake up on a chilly morning ready to take a warm shower only to realize that the heater is not working. One of the reasons why you might not be getting the hot water is a tripped circuit breaker.

Another cause of the problem may be failed heating elements that need immediate replacement. Or the problem may be the limit/reset switch found in the thermostat. The switch may also trip if the water is too hot or it needs replacement.

Water Takes Too Long To Heat

Are you getting the hot water but after a very long wait? What if you’re late for work and you need to take a quick shower?

You need to find the cause of the problem immediately, so you don’t deal with such inconveniences.

The amount of time your water heater takes to heat water may vary with different models. But you’ve had your heater long enough to know the exact time it normally takes.

If it’s longer than usual, then you need to check the heating elements. There may be sediment buildup or thermostat issues. If you replace the elements and still no change, you might want to consider replacing the entire system.

If your household has grown, get a large capacity water tank or install a water heater close to the water source. Also, consider getting a tankless water heater model as it may work better than a tanked water heater.

Water Not Hot Enough

Sometimes you’ll notice that you don’t have enough hot water. The first thing to consider as a possible cause of the problem is the size of your water heater. If you have a large household, the tank may not be large enough to meet your needs.

But what if there’s enough water for everyone, but the heater stops heating or doesn’t heat enough water? There are probably some failing elements that need immediate replacement. Sometimes the heater may not be powerful enough to meet your heating needs.

You must know that your heater may have to work harder during winter because the water underground is cooler than normal. If you experience such a problem during winter, consider upgrading your water heater to a much powerful one.

You’re Getting Extremely Hot Water

Another common problem with your water heater is when you get too hot water. This is a common problem when your thermostat is set too high. If this is the case, you don’t have to worry because you’ll only need to turn down the thermostat.

If this doesn’t work, check if the temperature-pressure valve is faulty. If this is the case, then the heater won’t turn off even after reaching the maximum required temperatures. Replace the valve immediately because the problem can be catastrophic.

Foul Smell

Of all the hot water heater issues, you don’t expect strange odors. Well, when bacteria attack your water tank, you’ll likely get water with strange odors. The sulfur and rotten egg smell will not allow you to enjoy your hot showers.

Often, flushing off the water heater with hydrogen peroxide and a water solution may give you a temporary solution. Allow the solution to rest for two hours, flush out, and rinse with clean water. For a long-lasting solution, consider getting a powered anode rod to replace the existing one.

Know When To Call a Professional

Most of these water heater problems require simple DIY projects. But sometimes the problem may persist, or you may face a more serious one. If this is the case, you should call professionals to give you a long-lasting and better solution.

Regular maintenance of your water tank and the heater is also necessary to protect your appliance from future problems. Preventing problems before they occur saves you a lot of money you’d have used for repairs or replacement.

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Biswajit Raskhit

Biswajit Rakshit is a professional blogger and writer. He loves to write on various topics.