Water heater problems are no fun. Although Water Heater Repair is best left to the professionals, here are a few ideas of how to fix and repair the most common water heater problems. You don’t have to feel helpless during these troublesome times. Let’s talk about some ways you can take control and solve these common problems.
Common Hot Water Heater Problems include: No Hot Water, Not Enough Hot Water, Water Too Hot, Dirty or Rusty Colored Water, and Smelly Hot Water. So whether you have experienced these kind of problems in the past or may experience them in the future, these tips should educate and empower you to fix them on your own.
No Hot Water
A couple things might fix this issue. First, make sure your unit has power. The circuit breaker might have tripped, or you might have blown a fuse. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse if necessary. Second, make sure your pilot light is lit. If the pilot light has gone out, you will need to relight it. If neither of these tips work, contact your technician.
Not Enough Hot Water
Hot water heaters produce less hot water as they get older. However, if you suddenly notice a substantial loss in hot water during normal use, an easy solution may be the answer. You may have a faulty thermostat. First test your thermostat. Adjust the thermostat on the water heater. Wait several hours and then test the water temperature from a faucet. If that doesn’t fix the problem, check for a leak around your unit. Not only can leaks require necessary Leak Repairs, but it could decrease your hot water flow as well. Finally, if the other your thermostat is working properly and there is no leak, try flushing your tank. Sometimes, mineral buildup can prevent flow. Flushing should clean some of that deposit. If none of these tips help your problem, please call a plumbing professional.
Water is Too Hot
When the water is too hot, turn the thermostat down to a lower temperature first. Wait a few hours and then test the water on a faucet. If you hear boiling water sounds or hot water and steam shoot out of your faucets before turning them on, then your unit is not turning off once it reaches its set temperature. This could indicate faulty parts in your unit. Contact your technician for a Hot Water Heater Repair or Replacement.
Dirty or Rusty Colored Water
If your hot water is discolored, dirty, or rusty this could indicate a hot water heater issue. Try running to cold water only. If the cold water is also discolored, then you probably don’t have a hot water heater issue. However, if only the hot water is discolored try flushing your tank.
Sediment in your tank can discolor y our water. If some unsightly sediment is contained in your unit, flushing your tank should push it out and your water color should be back to normal. To flush your tank, first turn off the power and or gas supply. Second, connect a garden hose to the bottom of your unit and lead it outside or into a drain. Third, shut of the inlet water valves. Fourth, open the drain valve (you can also turn on the hot water on nearby faucets to help drain the water faster). Let the water tank completely drain. Fifth, close the drain valve and turn on the cold water inlet for a few minutes. Sixth, once all the nearby faucets stop making noises turn them off, then open the drain again until all the water drains completely out. You may need to repeat these steps until the water runs clean again from the drain valve. Once you’re finished, close the drain valve, disconnect the garden hose, turn the water inlet valves on, and also the power/gas. If this doesn’t solve your problem, please contact your technician.
Smelly Hot Water
Make certain only your hot water smells. If both the hot and the cold water smell or only the cold water smells, then that is not a hot water heater issue. Let the hot water run in a faucet for about three minutes, if it still smells, then you may need to flush your heater tank. If this is not the problem, your pilot light may have gone out. Turn your gas valve to OFF and wait a few minutes for the gas to dissipate. If you can smell the strong odor of gas and it doesn’t dissipate after a few minutes, then exit the building and call your gas company. If the gas did dissipate, turn your gas back on and relight your pilot light. If neither of these tips helps, you may need to replace one of the parts inside your unit. Contact your technician.
Problem Still Not Fixed?
If your problem still isn’t fixed after reading these tips, please feel free to contact us. We would love to put you safely at ease and fix your problem in a timely manner. If emergencies won’t wait, why should you? The answer is: You shouldn’t. That’s why at Neighborhood we offer 24hr Plumbing Service, 7 days a week. We see these common problems often, and we are experienced with the uncommon problems, as well.