It may not be as obvious as your stove or your AC, but having a reliable water heater plays a big role in the running of your household. When it isn’t working as it should, everyday tasks like showering or washing dishes can quickly become overwhelming. The good news is that many water heater issues are fairly common and can be resolved with the help of an experienced plumber. Here are four of the most frequent water heater problems and how to identify them.
1. Water Not Heating to Desired Temperature
If your water is lukewarm or even cold, you’re probably dealing with a heater that’s not producing hot water at all. When this occurs, you might experience faucets, shower, or appliances that have stopped putting out hot water. Alternatively, you might get hot water that runs out faster than usual.
If you have an electric water heater, first look at your breaker to check if your unit has tripped your power circuit. For gas heaters, look for your unit’s pilot light, which would indicate that it’s receiving power. If you’re not having a power issue, then it’s time to call a plumber who can identify and replace any failing parts.
2. Strange Noises Coming From the Tank
Occasionally, you might hear your water heater make a faint humming, ticking or rushing sound, which is pretty normal. However, loud banging, popping, or rumbling noises often mean sediment has built up at the bottom of the tank. You may also run into screeching or sizzling noises, which might indicate a water intake issue.
3. Water Leaking
Even the smallest leaks can lead to big problems like mold, water damage, or corrosion. You might see water pooling around the base of your water heater or dripping from the tank or nearby connections. Check the temperature and pressure relief valve, the drain valve, and any pipe fittings above the tank. If the leak is coming from a pipe or valve, you may be able to fix it by tightening up some fittings. If the leak is coming from the tank, then the tank itself is probably corroded, and it will be best to have a professional replace the entire unit.
4. Water Has a Strange Odor
If your hot water smells odd, there may be bacteria growing inside the tank. To identify this problem, try running some cold water first. If the cold water smells normal, then it’s safe to assume that the off-putting smell is coming from your water heater rather than your plumbing. The easiest way to fix this problem is to flush your water heater. You should also have your water heater flushed at least once a year, which minimizes the stagnant, standing water that encourages bacterial growth in the first place.
What to Do
The best way to ensure your water heater remains serviceable for a long time is to schedule routine maintenance service calls with a professional. If you need water heater service near Fountain Valley, CA, contact the experts at Carlson Plumbing Pros.
