The Short Answer Is: Common water heater issues include lack of hot water, rusty or discolored water, and strange noises (such as banging or rumbling). If there's no hot water, check the thermostat setting and reset the temperature if needed. For rusty water, flush the tank to remove sediment buildup, and if there are strange noises, it might be due to sediment too; draining the tank can often solve this issue. If problems persist, contact a professional local plumber to assess and repair the water heater to prevent further damage and ensure a steady supply of hot water in your home.
Columbus area homeowners know that water heaters are an essential piece of plumbing equipment. But like all appliances, gas water heaters and electric water heaters can occasionally experience water heater problems. Not enough hot water, bad heating elements, a faulty pilot light, low hot water pressure, and more are indications of a malfunctioning water heater.
Buckeye Heating, Cooling & Plumbing reviews some of the most common water heater issues and provides tips on how to fix them. So if your gas water heater or electric water heater is acting up, don’t despair – we’ve got you covered, whether you have a water heater tank or a tankless unit!
There are three main reasons why a water heater might fail to heat water: a lack of power, a faulty thermostat, or a faulty heating element. The first step in troubleshooting the problem is to eliminate power as a suspect by resetting tripped circuit breakers and replacing blown fuses. Next, check power switches to make sure they are turned on and power indicators are lit. Take a look at the thermostat to make sure it’s receiving power.
If you have a gas water heater, make sure that you have gas flowing to the unit. If the gas is turned off, your water heater will not be able to produce hot water. Next, check to see if your pilot light is on. If it is not, relight it following the instructions in your owner’s manual.
If the pilot light is on, but your water heater still isn’t producing hot water, the thermocouple may be the issue. The thermocouple is a safety device that senses whether the pilot light is on and ignites the gas accordingly. Over time, it can become dirty or damaged, causing it to malfunction. If you suspect that the thermocouple is the issue, you can try cleaning it or replacing it following the instructions in your owner’s manual.
If you have a gas tankless heater and you’re suddenly not getting any hot water, the gas valve may be closed. Check to see if the valve is in the ON position. If it is, then the problem may be an obstructed vent. Tankless heaters rely on proper ventilation to work properly, so an obstruction can cause the heater to shut down. Inspect the intake and exhaust vents all the way to the exterior of your home, and look for things like bird or insect nests that could be blocking the vents. Also, look for damage to the vents. Once you’ve removed any obstructions, the heater should start working again.
To reset the heating element, locate the reset button near it and press it. If the heating elements are working properly, they should restart after the reset button is pressed. If the problem persists, it’s likely that the heating element or thermostat is defective and will need to be replaced.
If your water isn’t getting hot enough, there could be a number of causes. An undersized water heater is one possibility. If your hot water demand is greater than the capacity of your water heater, the water will never get as hot as you want it. Another possibility is that the hot and cold connections are crossed. You can check for this by turning off the main water supply and turning on a hot water faucet; if the water still flows, you could have a crossed connection. Finally, a faulty heating element or thermostat could also be to blame. If either of these components is not working properly, it could prevent the water from reaching the desired temperature. Thankfully, all of these issues are relatively easy to fix. Once you’ve determined the cause, you can take steps to correct it and enjoy nice hot showers once again!
Have you ever stepped into a hot shower only to find that the water is too hot? If so, it’s likely that your water heater’s thermostat is set too high. The United States Department of Energy recommends a setting of 120° Fahrenheit for safety and efficiency. Adjusting the thermostat is usually a simple matter of consulting your water heater’s owners manual and following the instructions. However, if you’re not comfortable making the adjustment yourself, you can always call a plumber or ask a friend or family member for help. With just a few minutes of effort, you can help ensure that your water heater runs more efficiently and save yourself from future bouts of scalding hot water.
As any homeowner knows, even a small leak can quickly cause extensive damage. Water heaters are no exception. If you notice a water leak at the top of your water heater, it’s important to take quick action. The two pipes that connect to the top of your water heater are called the cold water inlet pipe and warm water outlet pipe. The water heater receives cold water from the inlet pipe and sends hot water out of the outlet pipe. If their fittings or connections are loose, this issue can lead to leaking. In this case, you can tighten them using a pipe wrench.
The temperature and pressure relief valve is a safety feature that helps to prevent the water heater from exploding under high pressure. When the pressure in the tank gets too high, the valve will open and release water. If you notice water leaking from your pressure relief valve, the first thing you should do is check the water heater’s temperature setting. If it’s set too high, adjust the water temperature to 120 degrees. If the leak persists, however, you’ll need to replace the pressure relief valve.
The drain valve is located at the bottom of the tank, and it should be completely closed when not in use for hot water heater maintenance. If you see water leaking from the bottom of your water heater, check the drain valve first. Ensure it is closed all the way. If the valve itself has come loose, tighten it slightly. Be careful not to overtighten the drain valve because doing so can exacerbate leaks. Replace the drain valves if leaks continue.
One common cause of water heater leaks around the bottom of the appliance is a corroded tank. Over time, the tank can develop rust and other types of corrosion, which can eventually lead to leaks. These types of leaks cannot be repaired, so a new water heater will need to be installed.
If your hot water has started to come out rusty, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Rusty water is often a sign of corrosion, which can damage your water heater and eventually lead to a leak.
The good news is that replacing the anode rod is an easy way to prevent corrosion and extend the life of your water heater. An anode rod is made of metal, and it’s used to attract corrosion-causing molecules in the water. Over time, the anode rod will eventually corrode away, at which point it needs to be replaced. Replacing the anode rod is a relatively simple task that anyone can do. However, if the tank itself shows signs of corrosion, it’s likely that a leak will develop eventually and you’ll need to replace the entire water heater.
Have you ever turned on your hot water and been met with a foul odor? Smelly water is a common problem, and it’s usually due to bacteria in the water heater. Homes that use well water as their primary water source are particularly susceptible to this issue.
There are some things you can do to fix the problem. One quick fix is to raise the water temperature. This will kill any bacteria that are present. You can also try flushing your water heater on a periodic basis. This will remove any build-up of sediment from the tank. However, if you want to permanently eliminate the rotten egg smell from your hot water, you’ll likely need to replace the anode rod. This is a relatively simple procedure that anyone can do, and it will protect against water smells long-term.
Over time, mineral buildup can lead to clogs in your water heater and hot water pipes, causing low water pressure. Water tanks and tankless heaters should be flushed as a part of regular maintenance to prevent sediment and mineral deposits.
If you have a tank water heater, it’s important to flush it out at least once a year to remove any sediment or mineral buildup. Otherwise, your heater will have to work harder to heat the water, which can prematurely wear it out. If you have not been regularly flushing your water heater and now have low water pressure, don’t flush the tank. Doing so could open up leaks that cannot be repaired – you would then need to replace your entire water heater.
Flushing is also important for tankless heaters, although you need to do it every six months. When flushing your heater, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Have you been experiencing any of the common water heater issues mentioned here? If so, don’t wait to call us. Buckeye Heating & Cooling can help you get your Columbus water heater repair service booked and back up and running as soon as possible. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call and schedule a repair appointment. Don’t let a faulty water heater cause further damage to your home – call us today!