7 Common Water Heater Problems

common water heater problems

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It’s normal for your water heater to act up after using it for a while. So if it does, there’s no need for you to panic. These water heater problems are more common than you’d think, and anyone with a water heater is likely to experience them sooner or later.

Fortunately, there are easy fixes to these common water heater problems, and you really have nothing to worry about. Almost every household in the U.S. has at least one water heater, which means you’ll find a water heater in about 27 million homes across the country.

Whenever you have any issues with your water heater, the best move would be to address them as they occur. These seemingly harmless issues may spiral out of control, and some could potentially harm you.

In this post, we’ll be highlighting some common issues with water heaters that you should look out for. That way, you can take the necessary steps to address the issues before they get out of hand.

Here are a few common water heater problems and how to fix them.

1. Water Heater Leaks

A water heater leak could drive you crazy, but fixing it is a piece of cake. You should act fast if you ever have a leaking water heater. That’s because these leaks could damage your floor and electrical components close to the heater.

If you have a tiny leak, then you can simply tighten pipe connections using a wrench. Use adhesive tapes for tiny cracks or holes, and see if it solves the issue.  However, for more substantial leaks, you may have to hire a professional plumber to do your bidding.

2. Water Smells Like Rust

When your water has an awful odor, then it means that your water tank either has rust or bacteria. The severity of the smell depends on your specific situation. For instance, if an animal dies inside your water tank, then the smell will be unbearable.

Sometimes it’s not the tank that’s the problem, and here’s how you know. Turn off the heater and run cold water for a while and check for any smells. Then turn on the heater and check for any smell.

If your water smells in both cases, then the problem is with the water tank. If it only stinks when you have your heater on, then the problem is with the heater.

If it’s the second, then the best bet is to get a professional to take care of the issue. The professional will replace the anode rod, which is responsible for cleaning any bacteria from the tank.

3. Inadequate Hot Water

Maybe your house has too many occupants, and that’s why there’s not just enough hot water. The problem isn’t really with the heater or the water tank. In this case, there are just too many people that need hot water, and the water heater can’t keep up.

The easiest way to fix this is by reducing the temperature on the dial and waiting for half an hour. This will give the heater enough time to heat the water to the newly set temperature. This is a good fix because overworking the heater may lead to electrical surges that may make the electrical circuits to trip.

If you have frequent electrical surges, then you should call an electrician to check it out. The problem might actually be with your wiring. Another fix is draining all the water in your tank to get rid of any hard water that may be making your heater to run less efficiently.

4. Sporadic Temperature Changes

It’s very frustrating when you can’t get your water heater at just the right temperature, or if you do, it doesn’t stay at the right temperature for long.  You won’t like it, especially if you’re trying to unwind in the shower after a stressful day.

If you have this issue, the first thing you should do is check the thermostat if it’s at the correct temperature. If it is, then the problem may be with the thermostat itself.

Another reason for this issue may be the size of the water heater compared to the tank capacity. If it’s not that, then it’s something to do with the heating unit. Regardless of the case, your only option is to call the electrician to sort things out.

5. Inconsistent Water Flow

Sometimes the water from your shower or wherever many not flow as it should when you have the heater on. This may be because there’s a lot of sediment build-up at the bottom of your tank. The best fix is to drain the tank and get rid of any hard water sediments.

If you do so and the problem persists, then it’s time to call the plumber. The issue may have to do more with the pipes than with the water heater.

6. Rumbling Sounds

Any rumbling sounds from your water heater indicate a serious underlying issue with your system. Two things may be the reasons for this unusual noise from your heater. The first reason may be burning sediments in the water heater, and the second may be malfunctioning electrical components.

If your heater makes any unusual sounds, then you better turn it off as quickly as you can. It may be a sign of a build-up of pressure within the system. If you don’t take care of the issue, the tank could explode.

Draining your tank is one way to solve the problem. However, the best move would be to call a professional.

7. Pilot Light Goes Out

The pilot light is what ignites the gas to warm the water. If your pilot light shuts off, then you can try to reignite it. If it still doesn’t light, then you may have an issue with your heater.

The issue may be a malfunctioning thermostat or faulty gas valves. Try cleaning the pilot light and igniting it yourself. If that doesn’t do the trick, then it’s time to call in the pros.

Solve These Common Water Heater Problems Early to Avoid Costly Expenses

When it comes to common water heater problems, the earlier you act, the better it is for you. If you delay, you are putting your safety and risk and making the repairs much costlier. Also, don’t attempt to do the more complicated repairs on your own; you may do more harm than good.

What’s more relaxing than a warm shower in the evening after an exhausting day at work? While not a lot of things, except the other enticing pieces on the site. Make sure you check them out and expand your knowledge.