5 Common Water Heater Problems and How To Fix Them

Water heaters are essential for providing hot water in our homes, but they can sometimes encounter problems that need fixing. From strange noises to insufficient temperatures, all the way to smelly water, dealing with common water heater problems is an annoying, yet inevitable event. When your water heater is not heating, there are a couple of troubleshooting tricks you can try on your own, but in some cases, professional plumbing services are your best solution.

Keep reading to find out the most common water heater problems and how to fix them. Rest assured that the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver is on standby for when you need their assistance. Learn from our expert Vancouver plumber how to effectively tackle the most common water heater problems.

Water Heater Not Heating or Won’t Turn On

When your water heater refuses to turn on, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. There are several common water heater problems that could be causing this problem, including:

• Electric Heaters: To resolve a power issue with an electric water heater, the first step is to check your circuit breaker to ensure that the power switches are on. If this is not the problem, it may require electrical repairs to ensure that the unit is receiving the correct voltage to operate properly. If the issue is with damaged power wires, it is essential to consult with our professional plumber. They will be able to assess whether the component can be repaired or if a water heater replacement is necessary.
• Gas Heaters: When your gas water heater won't turn on, make sure the pilot control valve is on and try turning it off and then back on. If you're unable to get a steady flame to ignite the system, then you may be dealing with a faulty pilot light. This can be fixed by having our professional plumber inspect and repair the pilot light, as well as the gas supply line and gas valves.

When your water heater won't turn on, it is crucial to identify the root cause of the problem and take the necessary steps to fix it promptly to avoid further inconvenience.

No Hot Water Coming from the Taps

Another common water heater problem is no hot water. When experiencing cold water while using your hot water faucet, it could be a sign of underlying issues such as:

• A broken thermostat. A broken thermostat can disrupt the temperature control of your water heater, leading to inconsistent hot water supply.
• A faulty heating element. Similarly, a faulty heating element can prevent the water from reaching the desired temperature, resulting in only cold water coming out of the faucet.
• Frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can impact the supply of hot water coming through your faucet.

To fix faulty temperature issues, it is important to seek the services from our experienced plumbers so we can perform any of the following repairs:

• Thermostat replacement. For a broken thermostat, it may be necessary to replace or repair the faulty component.
• Heating element replacement. In the case of a faulty heating element, professional assistance may be required to diagnose and fix the problem.
• Frozen pipe repair. Additionally, if frozen pipes are suspected, contacting our plumbing professional can help prevent further damage and ensure a steady supply of hot water.

Addressing water temperature issues promptly can help restore hot water demands and prevent the further inconvenience of a disappointing hot shower.

Scalding Hot Water Temperatures

Another common water heater problem is overly hot water temperatures. When dealing with scalding hot water issues, it is important to consider the potential causes behind it. Here are a couple of reasons you may have scalding hot water:

• Faulty thermostat. One common reason for this problem could be faulty water heater thermostats. If the thermostat is not functioning properly, it may allow the water to heat up to dangerously high temperatures.
• Incorrect temperature set. Another possible cause could be an incorrect thermostat temperature setting. If the thermostat is set too high, it can lead to water that is hotter than necessary for everyday use. Scalding hot water is not only uncomfortable but also poses a safety risk, especially for children and the elderly.

It is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent any accidents or injuries. Regular maintenance of water heaters, including checking and adjusting thermostat settings, can help prevent overly hot water temperature problems. Being aware of the potential causes of scalding hot water and taking appropriate measures to address them is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of everyone in a household.

Water Heater Tank is Leaking

Another common water heater problem is water leaks. Water leaks in a water heater can be indicative of various underlying issues that need to be addressed promptly, including:

• Corroded tank. One common water heater problem is a corroded tank, which can lead to visible signs of damage. If you notice rusted patches on the outside of your water heater, it may be time for a replacement.
• Faulty pressure relief valve. Another potential culprit is a malfunctioning pressure regulating valve, which may require the expertise of our professional plumber to repair or replace. Pressure valve failure is also a common reason for water heater leaks. You may experience this issue due to incorrect installation, which causes a loose drain valve, or just worn-out with age.
• Loose bolts. In addition, loose heating element bolts can also result in water leaks from the water heater. These leaks are typically easier to fix, as tightening the inlet and outlet connections may resolve the issue.

It is important to address water leaks in a water heater promptly to prevent water damage and ensure the efficient functioning of your water heater.

Dirty or Stinky Water

Another common water heater problem is dirty or smelly water. A foul smell emanating from your hot water can be a sign that your water heater needs to be flushed. This rotten egg smell is typically caused by bacteria growing in the water heater due to the water sitting at a constant temperature for an extended period, which can also result in dirty water.

To determine if the odor is coming from the water heater, check if the cold water also has the same smell. If only the hot water is affected, then the issue lies within the water heater.

• To flush your water heater, start by shutting off the heater and closing the cold-water valve.
• Allow the tank to sit for at least two hours before connecting a garden hose to the drain valve.
• Open the valve and let the tank completely empty, then rinse it by running cold water through the hose until it appears clear.
• Once the tank is flushed, fill it back up and turn the heater back on.
• Regularly flushing your water heater can prevent the buildup of sediment, minerals, and bacteria, ensuring that your water remains clean and odor-free.

By following these steps, you can eliminate the foul smell from your hot water and maintain the efficiency of your water heater.

Strange Noises Coming from the Hot Water Heater Tank

Another common water heater problem is mineral buildup. If you notice that you have a noisy water heater, these odd noises coming from your water heater can often indicate sediment buildup in the system.

Sediment buildup is typically caused by hard water flowing through pipes and appliances, coating the edges of plumbing fixtures with minerals that eventually develop into thick layers. Water heaters are the most susceptible to limescale out of any other appliance, and the minerals in the water can lead to damage to the heating element and increase energy usage.

To reduce limescale buildup in your water heater, it is important to seek water filtration services from our plumbers. When we perform our water filter services, we treat the water before it reaches the tank using a water softener or filter. Once pretreatment is in place, we will clean the tank to eliminate any existing limescale. A water heater free of limescale will heat water more efficiently and reduce the risk of damage to the heating element. Addressing unusual noises in your water heater can prevent costly repairs and ensure efficient operation.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today—Schedule Water Heater Services With Our Professional Plumbers

Water heaters are an essential part of any household, providing hot water for various daily tasks. However, like any other appliance, they require regular maintenance and occasional repairs to ensure they function properly. This is where our professional plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver come in. If you are experiencing issues with your water heater, it is important to call upon the expertise of our professional plumbers.

We have the skills and knowledge to diagnose and fix any problems you may be facing. By scheduling water heater services with us, you can rest assured that your appliance will be in good hands. So, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and contact our team of professional plumbers today for water heater repair, as well as tankless water heater services. We are dedicated to providing top-notch water heater services to ensure your appliance runs smoothly and efficiently.

Call us now to schedule an appointment with our Vancouver plumbers and say goodbye to cold showers and other inconveniences caused by a malfunctioning water heater.