A water heater is one of the appliances most frequently used in your home but which gets little attention until they develop a problem. Like any other equipment used often, a water heater can have issues that need fixing.

It is essential to understand some of the problems that water heaters develop and how professional plumbers fix them. With such knowledge, you can fix some of these problems on a DIY basis without having to call a plumber. You can also seek the help of a plumber if the problem warrants an expert’s attention. Below are details about ten water heater problems and how to fix them. 

 

• The equipment is not producing hot water

 

If your water heater is not providing hot water, this means that its heating function is not working. In electric water heaters, it is, in most cases, heated by two heating elements. The most likely reason why your electric hot water does not produce it is that the circuit breaker has tripped. Another possible problem is that the heating elements are faulty and need replacement. 

In gas-powered water heaters, the most common cause of no hot water is a damaged pilot light. The pilot light can blow out because of a faulty thermostat or a damaged control valve. The remedy is, therefore, to replace the defective pilot light and the related components such as thermostat and control valve. 

 

• Leakage at the bottom of the water heater

 

If an electric water heater has leakage at its bottom part, it is likely due to issues such as normal condensation. It could also be due to the release of a small amount of water through the overflow pipe due to the temperature and pressure valve getting open and releasing excess water into the pressure tank, and a leaking gasket of the heating element. Troubleshooting is required to identify the exact cause of the leak and fix the problem appropriately.

 

• The water from the equipment is too hot

 

If the water heater is producing water that is too hot, this means that the temperature has been set too high or the thermostat is faulty. The solution is to get access to the thermostat and adjust the temperature as required. If the temperature does not change as desired, it may be necessary to replace the thermostat or inspect the equipment for any wiring problem. 

 

• Not producing enough hot water

 

A water heater not providing enough hot water is also a problem that is related to the thermostat. The thermostat temperature may have been too low, meaning that you will have to raise it appropriately. It is especially vital to slightly increase the thermostat temperature during winter because cold pipes quickly cool hot water as it moves through the plumbing. 

 

• The device produces strange noises

 

If you hear banging, hissing, knocking, exploding, or other unfamiliar sounds from your water heater, it is possible that there is a buildup of scale in the equipment’s heating elements. Another cause of strange noises in the water heater is the accumulation of sediments at the bottom of the equipment’s tank. The presence of residues at the bottom of the tank implies that the water heater burns the deposits when you turn it on.

Once there is the identification of the exact cause of the strange noises, the problem is fixable. Possible solutions include cleaning the water heater’s heating elements, replacing the heating elements, and draining the tank to remove any sediments.

 

• Smelly hot water 

 

Smelly hot water indicates the presence of bacteria in the water heater’s tank. You can tell the presence of bacteria in your container if the water has a sulfur or rotten egg-type smell. Homes that use well water are more susceptible to their water being smelly. 

You can solve the problem of smelly hot water from your water heater by periodically flushing the equipment’s tank and cleaning the tank with an appropriate cleaning agent. It is essential to replace the anode rod or to use a powered anode rod to get rid of the smell for a more extended period. Periodically raising the temperature of the water heater to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit or 60 degrees Celsius can also help in eliminating bacteria. 

 

• Water from the equipment is rusty colored or dirty

 

Dirty or rusty colored water is often an indication of rusting or corrosion of the water heater’s anode or tank. If this problem is left unaddressed, the water heater will be damaged and may need replacement.

It is essential to clean the water heater regularly to avoid the buildup of sediments on the heating elements and corrosion of the tank, which may eventually lead to leaks. Replacing the anode can also help prolong the life of the water heater.

 

• Hot water pressure is low

 

Low hot water pressure is frequent in homes that use narrow pipes such as those whose diameter is 0.5 inches.  The solution to this problem is to replace the thin pipes with wider ones that have a diameter of 0.75 inches. 

Low hot water pressure may also be as a result of the accumulation of sediments and minerals such as calcium in the plumbing, in which case it is necessary to clean the pipes. The use of sink aerators may also cause low hot water pressure. 

 

• The water heater is too slow at heating 

 

If the water heater takes too long to heat water, the heating elements or thermostat may be faulty. The faulty components will also need replacement.

 

• Leakage at the top of the water heater

 

A leak at the top of a water heater could be due to faulty T&P valves, loose hot outlet or cold inlet pipes, or a leaky inlet valve. You can promptly fix these components or seek help from a qualified plumber.  

Conclusion

Understanding some of the water heater problems is key to ensuring that that the equipment is always in tiptop condition. With this knowledge, you can quickly fix your water heater whenever it develops a problem or get to know when it is necessary to call a plumber.