A malfunctioning water heater can be a frustrating issue for any homeowner. The good news is that some common water heater problems can be easily identified and fixed before you need to call a professional. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot your water heater before calling a professional, giving you some simple steps to follow to get your hot water running again.
Understanding Common Water Heater Problems
Before you dive into troubleshooting, it’s helpful to understand the typical issues water heaters face. Most water heater problems revolve around a few key components, such as the heating element, thermostat, or pilot light. By checking these, you can often resolve the issue without needing to hire a technician.
Common Water Heater Issues
- No hot water
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Leaking water heater
- Strange noises from the unit
- Low water pressure
Let’s explore how to troubleshoot your water heater before calling a professional based on these common problems.
No Hot Water
If your water heater is not providing hot water, the issue might stem from the power source, thermostat, or heating element.
Electric Water Heaters
- Check the power supply
Ensure that the unit is receiving power. Check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If so, reset it and wait to see if your water heater powers back up. - Test the thermostat
Most electric water heaters have an adjustable thermostat. If your water is not heating, the thermostat may be set too low. Adjust the setting and give it some time to see if the water temperature rises. If it’s still not working, the thermostat might need replacing. - Inspect the heating element
If there’s still no hot water, the heating element may have burned out. You can test it with a multimeter to confirm if it needs replacement.
Gas Water Heaters
- Check the pilot light
A common cause of no hot water in gas water heaters is an extinguished pilot light. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, the issue may be with the thermocouple, which detects whether the pilot light is on and triggers the gas valve. - Inspect the gas supply
Ensure the gas valve is open and that your gas supply is not interrupted. If you’re still having trouble, contacting plumbers in Orem UT may be necessary to inspect the gas lines.
Inconsistent Water Temperature
If your water temperature is fluctuating, it could be due to a few different factors.
Thermostat Issues
An incorrectly set thermostat could cause your water heater to produce inconsistent temperatures. Ensure the thermostat is set to your desired temperature. If you’re still experiencing issues, the thermostat could be malfunctioning and may need replacing.
Sediment Build-Up
Over time, minerals in the water can build up as sediment inside the tank. This build-up can affect the heating efficiency, causing the water temperature to fluctuate. To resolve this, drain and flush your water heater to remove the sediment.
Leaking Water Heater
A leaking water heater can cause damage to your home, and it’s important to address this issue immediately.
Check the Connections
If you notice water pooling around your water heater, the first thing to do is check all the connections, including the cold-water inlet and the hot-water outlet. Ensure they are tight and not damaged.
Inspect the Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve helps prevent the tank from building up too much pressure. If it’s leaking, it may be faulty or there may be excessive pressure in the tank. Replacing the valve is a relatively simple fix.
Look for Tank Damage
If the tank itself is leaking, this is usually a sign that it has corroded from the inside. Unfortunately, this means the water heater will likely need to be replaced. In such cases, you’ll need to call a professional plumber to assess the situation.
Strange Noises
Is your water heater making banging or popping sounds? This can be an indicator of sediment build-up at the bottom of the tank.
Flushing the Tank
Sediment build-up can trap water beneath it, leading to noisy operation. To troubleshoot this, drain the water heater and flush out the sediment. Regular maintenance like this can prevent long-term damage and extend the life of your water heater.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be caused by various issues, including mineral deposits in the pipes or problems with the water heater itself.
Check for Blockages
Inspect the pipes connected to your water heater for blockages. Mineral deposits from hard water can build up in the pipes over time, restricting water flow. Flushing the system and cleaning out any blockages can help restore pressure.
If you’re still experiencing problems with low water pressure, you may want to consult plumbers in Orem UT for further assistance.
When to Call a Professional
Knowing how to troubleshoot your water heater before calling a professional can save you time and money. However, some problems require the expertise of a qualified plumber, such as:
- Severe leaks from the tank
- Repeated pilot light issues
- Electrical problems
If you’re unsure about any part of the troubleshooting process or if the fixes above don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call a professional. Experienced plumbers in Orem UT can diagnose and fix any issues you face with your water heater.
FAQs
How often should I flush my water heater?
To maintain efficiency and prevent sediment build-up, it’s recommended to flush your water heater at least once a year. If you have hard water, you may need to flush it more frequently.
What temperature should my water heater be set to?
The ideal temperature for most households is between 120°F and 140°F. This is hot enough to prevent bacteria growth but not so hot that it increases the risk of scalding.
