Most Common Water Heater Problems

To be in the plumbing business for so many years, we have had the chance to deal with almost every water heater concern, and we have written down the five common water heater concerns for you.

Your water heater is one of the most important tools of your home's comfort system. Taking a bath, doing the laundry and dishes aren't possible if your water heater can't keep up. When it is acting weird, it is important to act fast and find a solution to the problem, or maybe even get a new boiler altogether. Here are the five common problems.

No Hot Water

If your water heater is not functioning well, the initial thing to do is to make sure that your pilot light is on. If the pilot is working but no hot water, there might be a bigger problem. Then, you should contact your plumber for help.

Not Sufficient Hot Water

Running out of hot water is disappointing. In this problem, the thermostat may not be working properly, or the water heater is too small. Think of getting a bigger water heater or even have a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters are a bit more expensive, but you will never run out of hot water, and it’s worth the investment.

Water Temperature is Too Hot or Cold

Normally, the thermostat may just be placed too high or too low. Adjust it to your wanted temperature. If it doesn't solve the problem, or maybe there is debris in your tank, call your plumber to do an evaluation.

Discolored Water

Discolored water is a sign that your water heater is now rusty and corroded. You need to change the anode rod. An anode rod acts to stop rust from gathering in your tank, or you may need a water heater replacement.

Water Heater is Leaking

It is the most common and the most annoying problem. It may be due to a broken drain valve, or too much water pressure in the tank, rust, or build-up. If you think there is a leak, it is best to contact a professional help. With the help of an expert, it will save you time and money.

Low Water Pressure

Not having enough broader pipes, it causes low water pressure. So, contemporary houses usually use ¾” pipings, and older homes use ½” pipings. If you dwell in older houses, the boiler may not cause the problem. You may need broader pipes to solve this problem.

Smelly Water

If your water smells strange, bacteria might be the suspect for that. It is usual if your water is from a well. Emptying your tank can help, or you can boil water to its highest temperature to eliminate the bacteria.

If it does not work, try using chlorine to clear out the tank. If the smell becomes slike a rotten eggs, your anode rod could start failing- in this case; you should change it.

Tank Makes Noises

There are several reasons the water heater makes strange noises. Usually, a build-up of scales in the tank and on the heating components is making gurgling, babbling, and banging sounds as the water heats.

In this case, try flushing the tank and descaling. To stop this problem happening in the first place, you should drain the tank every few months.

If the issues turn serious, you may have to change the tank completely. Sometimes the water heater and the pipes create sound by normal expansion and contraction due to heat. It is not dangerous, but there is not much you can do about the noise.

Pilot Doesn’t Light

If you are having a problem with the pilot light, there are some reasons for this.

It will not light if the pilot light tube is blocked, or it might need changing. Also, the thermocouple is loose or broken. There might also be an air in the gas line, or the gas valve is damaged.

Pilot Lights And Then Goes Out

If it lights then goes out, the cause could be the same. The thermocouple could need changing, you could have a bad gas valve, or the vent could have become obstructed.

Burner Goes Out

It is probably the same problem with pilot light. It may be a blocked tube, a problem with the thermocouple, or a dirty vent.

No Hot Water For Bathtub

If you do not encounter problems while taking showers, using the dishwasher or washing machine, still, there is no hot water in the tub. The problem may be the kind of water heater you use. If you use a tankless water heater, it might be the root cause of the issue. As it flows through, it gives you a limitless supply of hot water. But, if the water runs too fast, it does not have time to be heated.

Showers and other applications don’t need such a high flow of water, so as you expect, there will be hot water. The water run for running a bath, on the other hand, is much higher, and your tankless heater might not be able to keep up.

If this the problem, you will need to examine other heating alternatives for your bath since your tankless unit cannot give the hot water you need.

Identify The Problem Early

Often, the most important thing you can do is to recognize the problem early and take steps to amend it. If you disregard it, it will only get more dangerous and will likely end up costing you more later. And with this guide, now you have a good idea of where to start looking.

A water heater is a useful appliance in your area, so you should be wary with its common water heater problems. If you recognize any issues with your plumbing system, do not hesitate to call GPS Plumbing for your plumbing needs. We diagnose and fix your plumbing problems right away.