Imagine when you are getting ready to go to work and you hop in the shower only to discover the water is icy cold. If you are facing this situation, your water heater most likely needs repair. Understanding the most frequent issues with water heaters and how to fix them is the first step.

With high quality water heater repair and maintenance from professionals, you’ll be able to enjoy uninterrupted morning showers again with hot water. A malfunctioning water heater can have issues that range from minor to major problems. Let us take a deep dive into some of the most common water heater concerns.

Leaky at the Top 

There are possibly two reasons for water collecting or leakage on the top of your water heater. The first explanation could be loosened hot water outflow and cold water inflow pipelines. A loose pressure and temperature relief valve could be another reason. You must consult an expert if securely tightening the valves does not resolve these issues.

Leakage at the Base 

When you notice water dripping from the base of your water heater, don’t panic. There might be a few elements at work here. Condensation may be to blame for leaks from an electric water heater. Raise the thermostat to resolve this issue.

Another scenario could be water flowing from the overflow pipe to relieve pressure. Connect the pipeline to a drain. The lifecycle of a water heater is generally ten years. Consider a replacement if you notice water dripping directly from the water tank.

There is No Hot Water 

Most people enjoy taking soothing showers. You cannot control your desired temperature if you don’t have hot water. It could be a simple solution for homes with electric water heaters. See if the electric breaker tripped. There is a possibility that the entire tank could be cold, based on how long since it happened. The best solution for gas water heaters is to ensure the pilot light is on.

Inadequate Hot Water Flow 

It’s likely that the pipes and the house are older if you are not experiencing enough hot water pressure. For years, galvanized pipe with half an inch width was the plumbing standard in older houses.

Getting an entire re-pipe is the only option to resolve this problem in an older home; use three-quarter-inch PVC piping. Examine the showerhead and filtration if the pipe work is recent. Sometimes showerheads develop calcification or rust buildup.

Water Heats Too Much 

Though having no hot water is undoubtedly an issue, overheated hot water is equally unpleasant. To reduce the heat, adjust the settings on the thermostat.

Many people tend to crank up the water heater’s temperature in the winter but neglect to lower it in the summertime. When the thermostat cannot get reset, it may be damaged. If you think there could be a circuit issue with the water heater, have a specialist check it.

A Noisy Water Heater 

Did you hear the water heater making banging or thumping noises? Although it may seem somewhat alarming, more often than not, it may not be serious.

The silt deposits in the tank and accumulation on the heating elements are the main reasons for the noise. You may hear various noises coming from the pressure within the tank. Contact a specialist for advice if you can plainly see the tank becoming unnaturally big.

Reheating the Tank Takes Forever 

You could experience many additional issues if your water heater requires a bit too long to reheat. Check if your thermostat setting is low, in which case your burner isn’t producing sufficient energy to warm your water efficiently. 

Also, there may be an issue with your gas line, like low gas pressure, a filthy venting duct, or a dirty burner opening that restricts adequate gas flow. You can have the issue resolved by cleaning these elements.

In some instances, a water heater doesn’t have the ability to accommodate a home. As a result, the water heater takes too long to warm. Tepid water flows through the pipes because it drains out and never gets an opportunity to properly replenish and reheat before being drawn up again. Due to the insufficient time, it appears as though your water heater never heats up anymore.

Water Heater Issues that Cause an Unpleasant Smell 

If you smell something odd when you turn on the hot water, there’s a potential that bacteria has accumulated in your tank. Homeowners who use hard water from a well may frequently experience issues with their water heater. If you need to clean the tank fast, raise the temperature to approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit; all bacteria in the tank will then perish from the heat. You will momentarily resolve the issue for guests or visitors.

But, be careful to refrain from using hot water while using this service since exposing your skin to such hot water might cause severe burns. When running any hot water, set the temperature up, delay for an hour or more, and bring it down. Then wait a few hours for the temperature to fall.

There are a few other ways to resolve this problem. Every few months, you can flush the water heater. This fix will last longer if you replace the anode rod.

Insufficient Hot Water

If you are receiving hot water, but it is not sufficient to satisfy you, the thermostat is usually to blame for the shortage of hot water. Simple temperature changes are the initial course of action. The thermostat often lies hidden beneath a panel on electric water heaters. 

Ensure all the electrical components are functioning if adjusting the thermostat still doesn’t work. When there are too many faucets or outlets requiring hot water, a gas water heater may not be able to supply you with enough.

Strange Color of the Hot Water

If your water tank or anode is rusty, it will result in the strange color of your hot water. When you change the anode rod and still observe dirty water, the tank may be rusty and require replacement. Another scenario is sediment formation in the tank is leaking into the water outflow.

Enjoy Your Continued Hot Water Supply with Todd’s

Are you still experiencing plumbing issues with your water heater and cannot resolve them? Say “no” to getting stuck dishwashing with cold water or taking chilly showers. Put an end to regular water heater problems. Call the professionals immediately at +1-303-569-6211. Todd’s Water Heater Repair is just a phone call away.