Common Water Heater Problems

Don’t let your water heater become out of sight and out of mind! By regularly maintaining your water heater and ensuring you tackle problems before they even crop up, you can keep your water heater running smoothly for years to come. If you do notice a problem, you can read the tips below to learn what to do next. Mr. Rooter® Plumbing is comprised of licensed plumbing experts who are committed to customer satisfaction. You can count on our team to provide the insightful guidance you need for your home plumbing system.

Identifying Problems with Your Water Heater

In some cases, you may be able to take care of your water heater issues without ever having to call a plumber. In other situations, the problems are best left to the professionals. How do you know when? Start by reading our tips below to get a better idea about the water heater problem you’re dealing with.

Some of the most common issues with water heaters:

• Not enough hot water. Hot water is a great commodity in any home. When there’s not enough to go around, it can be frustrating. A water tank may produce too little hot water when the temperature isn’t adjusted correctly. This may be solved by simply turning up the temperature—however, make sure you don’t go too high, as this could become a dangerous hazard.
• No hot water at all. Not getting any hot water through your faucet? If you have a gas water heater, you may have a blown out pilot light. There are several issues that could have caused this, from a faulty thermocouple or damaged pilot control valve. You could also have a damaged heating element if you have an electric water heater that requires replacement. If you aren’t trained in replacement, make sure you leave it to the pros!
• Strange smelling water. If your hot water is smelling foul, it may be due to a bacteria issue. This may smell like rotten eggs. You could easily solve this smell water issue by flushing the water tank out and filling it with a simple solution of water and hydrogen peroxide. You should let this solution sit for several hours. Once it has been in the tank for around two hours, make sure you flush it out with clean water. Still notice a smell? Time to call in the plumber.
• Noisy, loud water tank. A noisy water tank can be a nuisance—and an indication of serious plumbing problems. Your water tank may have a buildup of sediment at the bottom near the heating element. Whenever it fires up, it could be burning the sediment. You can fix this by draining your water tank. This is could practice for yearly maintenance in general. Another reason your tank may be noisy is if the heating element has begun to burn out. You’ll need a service expert to replace this damaged part.
• Leaking water tank. This is one of the most deadly water heater issues. Once there is a leak in the tank, it’s time for a new water heater. Even a small leak should be taken seriously, as this can lead to a costly plumbing / flooding issue down the road. Your water heater simply won’t be able to work like it should when the water source is constantly being drained. A simple call to Mr. Rooter is all it takes for a fast replacement.

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