Common Water Heater Problems and How to Fix Them

When your water heater suddenly malfunctions, and you have no hot water in the house, it can be a very disruptive situation. Your routine will probably be disrupted because if you are like most of us, you are accustomed to the comfort and convenience of hot running water in your home. Before your daily hygiene routine falls to pieces, you will need to remedy the situation, but if you are googling “why is my water heater not working,” you don’t have the knowledge and skills to fix the water heater on your own. Don’t worry! Sewer and Drain Champion has the expertise to tackle water heater issues, and we have some tips on basic troubleshooting.

Common Water Heater Issues

Let’s be honest. Most people don’t think about their water heaters until something goes wrong, but there are a few fairly common issues.

• No Hot Water: The job of a water heater is to heat water, so if it’s not accomplishing that, it’s a pretty big issue. If your electric water heater is not working, it could be the result of power loss or a heating element failure. If you have a gas water heater, the problem is likely a faulty gas connection, a bad burner, or a bad pilot light.
• Water Heater Is Leaking: A leaky water heater can have different causes, but most commonly, it’s a problem with the pressure valve or sediment buildup. The pressure valve is also called the relief valve, and if it fails, is installed incorrectly, or breaks, it can cause a leak. Sediment buildup, from a failure to regularly flush the tank, can cause cracks to form in the walls and floor of the tank.
• Foul-Smelling Hot Water: If your hot water smells bad, it usually means that the water has been sitting for too long in the heater. Run cold water to make sure that only the hot water smells bad, and if this is the case, you can confirm that the problem is likely bacteria in the water heater. Flushing the water heater is the only way to get rid of the odor.
• Water Temperature Problems: Sometimes, the water will be too hot or too cold. This can mean a broken thermostat or heating element, or it can simply be an incorrect setting. The factory setting for water heaters is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but if your water is too cold, try turning it to 140 degrees and testing again after an hour. If your water is too hot, turn it down. If it doesn’t change, there is probably a problem with the thermostat or the heating element, and you should call in professional help.
• Limescale Buildup: When hard water flows through your pipes and appliances, the minerals in the water coat the plumbing fixtures, eventually in significant enough layers to slow the flow of water. Water heaters are the appliance most likely to develop limescale buildup, which can cause banging or crackling sounds in the heater, rust colored, bad-smelling water, and heating element failure.

Troubleshooting Steps for Homeowners

If you are facing any of the problems mentioned here, there are a few steps you can take that might resolve your issues. Note: if you have a gas water heater, pay attention to make sure there is no smell of gas in your home as you begin to troubleshoot the appliance. If you do smell gas, leave the house without attempting to use your phone. Call the gas company from a safe location, away from the gas smell. Otherwise, try these steps to get your water heater working.

• Resetting the Circuit Breaker: If your electric water heater isn’t working, check the breaker and reset the circuit, if necessary. If that doesn’t fix the problem, you probably have a faulty heating element that requires the skills of a professional.
• Relighting the Pilot Light: For a gas water heater that isn’t producing hot water, check the pilot light. If the temperature outside is very low, check the gas lines, too, to make sure they are not frozen. IF the lines are not frozen and the pilot light is on, you need an expert to determine the issue.
• Flushing the Tank: To flush a water heater, turn it off and close the cold-water valve at the top of the tank. Let it sit for at least two hours to cool down, then connect a garden hose to the drain valve. As long as the water is cool, you can drain it into your lawn or a drain. Turn on a hot water faucet inside the house so the pressure will not build up in your lines while you drain the tank, Open the drain valve and let the water completely drain from the tank, paying attention and noting any noises or leaks.

Turn on the cold water and let it run through the hose until the water is completely clear, then turn it off. Close the drain valve, remove the hose, and fill the tank, keeping the hot water faucet in your home on until the tank is full. You will know the tank is full when the hot water faucet runs in a steady flow, without fluctuation. Once the process is complete, turn the water heater off.

When to Call a Professional

If you are uncomfortable working with your water heater on your own, call in a professional. Working on a water heater either means dealing with a gas appliance or working with electricity near water, and it’s perfectly acceptable to decide you would rather not. Additionally, if the water heater can’t be managed by the methods mentioned above, call in a professional plumber to service the appliance.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Water heaters should be flushed every six to twelve months to prevent buildup. Additionally, you should be checking your water heater regularly, checking the valves, and looking for leaks. The best thing you can do to ensure that your water heater is properly maintained, though, is to schedule regular service visits from a professional plumber. Your plumber will do a full inspection to make sure your water heater is working as it should and there are no problems on the horizon.

Hot Water Heater Not Working? Call Sewer and Drain Champion

If you have plumbing issues and you live in the Sacramento area, Sewer and Drain Champion can help. Our local, family-owned plumbing company has been serving the community for nearly a decade, providing 24/7 plumbing services for residential and commercial customers.

When dealing with something as important as plumbing, it is important to rely on the skills of a professional to prevent property damage and even injuries. DIY plumbing mishaps can make problems worse, but our experienced team is knowledgeable, experienced, and equipped to handle your biggest sewer and drain challenges. We are a full-service company, and as a locally owned company, we are proud to be a part of the Sacramento community. Deeply invested in our community, we provide free estimates for all sewer and drain services and always give our customers fair, upfront pricing. When you need fast, friendly, reliable sewer and drain solutions, contact us through our website or fill out an online form to schedule an appointment.