Common Problems with Your Water Heater

What would cause hot water to stop working? The water heater in your home or business could go out for several reasons. Some problems are rooted in the same cause, others are completely unrelated.

No hot water – If there is no hot water coming from your taps, then you likely have a problem with your water heater’s heat source. For gas heaters, this is the pilot light; for electric, it’s the heating elements inside the tank. For gas water heaters, you might also have a faulty thermocouple.

• Solution – For gas water heaters, check if the pilot light has gone out. Next, check the gas supply line to see if it’s still on. If the problem is your thermocouple, then the thermocouple will have to be replaced. For electric water heaters, you should check the circuit breakers to ensure electricity is still flowing to the heater. Then, check the high-temperature cutoff by opening the panel and pressing the reset button. If it doesn’t reset, the switch is faulty and you’ll have to call a water heater technician.

Water isn’t hot enough – Sometimes, your water heater only heats the water to a lukewarm temperature. This is often caused by an incorrectly set thermostat. Another possibility is a faulty dip tube. The dip tube sits inside the water heater and pushes cold water to the bottom of the tank so it can be heated. A broken dip tube might keep the cold water from reaching the heating elements, resulting in only lukewarm water.

• Solution – Check your thermostat to ensure it’s set properly. If the problem is your dip tube, you’ll likely have to call professionals to have it replaced.

Smelly water – If your hot water smells like rotten eggs, then it’s caused by bacteria in the tank. These bacteria, found in your water, reacts with the magnesium and aluminum sacrificial anodes to produce hydrogen sulfide gas.

• Solution – You can usually remove the smell by flushing the tank and filling it with hydrogen peroxide and water solution. After the solution sits in the tank for two hours, flush it again with clear water. If it still smells, then call a professional.

Rusty water – The water coming from your faucet may have taken on a rust color. This is usually an indication that there’s rust somewhere – either in your tank or in your pipes. If the tank itself is rusted, then it should be replaced.

• Solution – Check your pipes and your tank for rust. If you can’t find any, then it’s probably in your tank. Your tank will have to be replaced if that’s the case.

Rumbling noises from the tank – If you hear noises in your water tank, it’s likely that there’s sediment gathered at the bottom and your heating element is burning the sediment. Another possible cause is that your heating element is starting to burn out.

• Solution – Drain the tank to flush out the sediment. If it’s the heating element, you should have a water heater technician replace it.

Leaks – If you spot a leak in your tank, there’s no repairing it. You’ll have to purchase a new water heater.

• Solution – Unfortunately, a new water heater is the only solution to a leaky tank.

Hot Water Problems? Call At Your Service Water Heaters!

Experiencing problems with your hot water heater can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know the cause. If you’re ever unsure of how to handle your water tank heater problems, the best action you can take is calling a professional.