It’s hard to believe that a time existed when you couldn’t just turn on your faucet and have hot water on demand. Fortunately, in today’s day and age, hot water is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. Every time you take a shower or do the dishes you have your hot water heater to thank for making these tasks easier and more comfortable.
But, what if your hot water heater stops working? Although they are usually very reliable, like all appliances, they eventually wear out or things happen to make them malfunction. Here are a few of the most common hot water heater problems and what you can do about them.
One of the biggest, and most common problems with hot water heaters is not producing hot water. There are several reasons why this might happen. Some problems you may be able to troubleshoot on your own while others may require the help of an experienced hot water heater repair technician.
If you’re only getting cold water coming out of your faucet or shower, here are some things you can do:
If neither of the two above steps works, your problem may be linked to a faulty heating element, gas valve, or thermostat. If that’s the case, you’re better off calling in a water heater repair technician to fix it.
Have you noticed that your hot water seems to be getting increasingly hotter? Having water that is too hot to the touch is not only annoying, but it can also be downright dangerous. To remedy this problem, first start with the simple things – check to make sure someone in your house hasn’t adjusted the thermostat. Hot water heaters should be set at no higher than 140 degrees.
If the thermostat setting isn’t the issue, then you might need to call in a professional. The thermostat could be broken or maybe your hot water heater just needs a good servicing to remove mineral buildup. For more information on keeping your water at the right temperature, check out our previous article titled “Why is My Hot Water Getting Too Hot?”
Maybe your water heater is still working as it should but you’ve recently noticed water leaking from around the top or bottom. Water leaks are a common problem and should be addressed right away – before they have a chance to cause significant damage to the surrounding area.
The first thing to do is to try to determine the source of the leak. Sometimes it can originate from the tank itself while other times it may be due to a loose water hose connection, bad gasket, or faulty pressure relief valve. If the leak is coming from the tank, it might be a sign that it’s time for a new hot water heater. Either way, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look.
Water should be colorless and odorless. Unfortunately, minerals and sediments can build up in your pipes and in your hot water heater causing an off-color and bad odor. If you notice that your water is looking or smelling a little funky lately, it could be a sign that your hot water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan. However, this isn’t always the case.
Dirty-looking water could be due to a bad anode rod, which is a fairly simple fix. Problems caused by mineral or sediment buildup can usually be remedied with a thorough flushing of your hot water tank. The best way to avoid many color- and odor-related water problems are to ensure you’re keeping up with regular maintenance of your system to ensure it stays clean and in proper working order.
Looking for a trustworthy water heater repair company in Dauphin county? WM Buffington provides installation and maintenance services for water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and more. For a full list of our services, or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website.
