In any house, a water heater is a crucial element and one of the hardworking appliances necessary in maintaining a good quality of life. Sadly, most overlook its importance. Although the modern models are durable, the combination of water, heat, and other elements will eventually cause problems to develop over time.
Most issues with the water heater that might arise will require the proper repairs. Generally, providing your water heater with regular maintenance can help lengthen its lifespan, maintain its efficiency, and save you from a costly repair job. If you want to know more about maintenance services for your water heater, checking out reliable providers such as Northern Beaches Hot Water Plumber and others would be a good start.
If you’re having difficulties with your hot water supply, here are some of the most frequent problems with water heaters you’ll likely encounter, as well as some troubleshooting tips:
No Hot Water
If you don’t have any hot water coming out of the faucets, showers, washing machine, or dishwasher, it can be due to various reasons. When you have an electric water heater, it might not be receiving any power. If it’s likely that the circuit breaker tripped, you need to check it first. You may efficiently resolve this by turning it off and on again. If you’ve blown a fuse, you must replace it immediately.
If your bathtub is the only fixture in your house that doesn’t have hot water, it might be due to the type of heater you have. In most cases, when you have a tankless heater, it’s the primary cause. A tankless type heats the water as it passes through, giving you a steady supply of hot water whenever you need it. However, if the water is moving too quickly, it’ll not heat up properly. The water flow necessary to operate a bath is often higher, and your tankless heater might fail to sufficiently heat the water to the right temperature.
Insufficient Supply Of Hot Water
If the hot water supply isn’t enough in your home, there might be a problem. The current tank isn’t big enough for your requirements. If your tank is too small, there won’t be enough hot water for everyone in the household. In such instances, consider buying a new water heater soon to satisfy your family’s demand.
If the hot water supply is enough but suddenly stops or the water isn’t hot anymore, the heating element might have an issue and require a replacement. It might be due to the buildup of sediments or a faulty thermostat.
Overheated Water
In most cases, when the water is too hot, the thermostat setting might be too high. Luckily, you can readily deal with this issue by turning down the thermostat setting.
If this fails to work, you need to inspect the temperature-pressure valve. Once it’s faulty, the heater won’t turn off once it reaches the right temperature. Remember that this is a dangerous scenario and would require the replacement of the valve by a professional right away.
Low Water Pressure
If you live in an old house, it’s likely to have smaller pipes. Low water pressure is usually the concern in such scenarios due to lines that aren’t wide enough.
Generally, the problem typically affects old houses with 1/2-inch pipes. A practical solution for this problem is to upgrade to 3/4-inch piping. In some instances, it can also be due to other factors such as calcium deposits, sediment buildup, and rust within the plumbing or faucet aerators.
Water Heater Leaks
A leak is a problem most homeowners face at some point. Once you discover even a minor leak, the first task is to inspect the plumbing for any loose connections and tighten them in place. Make sure to check the gaskets along with the temperature and pressure relief valve of your unit since they might require replacement.
If water is pooling around the heater, consider it a serious issue since it’s likely that the tank will develop rust. In such instances, the best solution for a corroded tank is a replacement job.
Water Discoloration
When you have rust-colored water, it indicates that an anode rod is malfunctioning. In such instances, it requires the replacement of the anode rod to prolong the lifespan of your water heater.
If the water appears dirty, it’s a sign of scale or sediment buildup in the hot water outlet. Thorough flushing of the water heater is a straightforward measure to get rid of the sediment from the tank.
Unusual Sounds From The Water Heater
Once you notice any unusual sounds such as popping, hissing, and banging from the water heater, scale accumulation on the heating components is most likely to blame.
Excessive pressure might also be the culprit if flushing the heater couldn’t resolve the problem. Although a slight increase in the pressure within the tank is harmless, consider consulting a professional to carry out an inspection.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to issues with the water heater, timely detection and repairs can fix them before they get worse. Overlooking even a minor problem might end up in an expensive repair job. Once you encounter any of these common issues with the water heater in your home, these troubleshooting tips will come in handy for a quick fix, but don’t hesitate to call a professional if the issue seems serious.
