While the typical water heater will last often for a number of decades without any issues, however when issues do arise it is essential to spot them early and to troubleshoot fast. Whether you have a gas-operated or electric heating unit, there are some universal signs that a problem may be lurking. We often think that when a hot water heater is not working, it is normal to call the professionals to help sort the issue out, but many problems, including leaks inadequate hot water, or rust-colored water can often be fixed on your own, without the need of professionals. This article will help you to learn more about what steps can be taken for some common water heater problems. 

Often in some cases, the issue may just be that you need to adjust a setting or the issue can be resolved by the click of a button. Some other common causes for a hot water heater not working could be due to a faulty heating element, sediment build-up, or even a bad thermostat. 

hot water

Common Water Heater Problems and How to Fix Them

No hot water: 

A water heater that produces no hot water may not be getting enough power or it might have tripped a switch or there may be one or more failed heating elements. 

Here is how you can diagnose the cause:

  • Firstly, check the water heater’s circuit breaker in the service panel to make sure that it hasn’t tripped. If the breaker has tripped, turn it off and back on again.
  • If it did not trip, try resetting the high-temperature limit on the heater. In order to do this, you will need to turn off the power to the water heater in the service panel and then to remove the access panel, and press the high-temperature reset button, which more often than not, is red.

Inadequate Hot Water:

If your water heater is producing hot water, but not enough hot water, the heater could be too small to meet the household’s hot water demand. If this is possibly the case, some solutions may include: 

  • Limiting the length of your showers
  • Install low-flow shower heads.
  • Spread out dishwashing and laundry to alternative times of the day.

However if your water heater unit is not undersized or it suddenly starts to produce less hot water than before, one or both of its heating elements may have failed. 

Water Temperature is Too Hot:

Having too much hot water often means that one or both of the hot water heater’s thermostats are possibly set too high. 

To fix this: 

  • First, turn the power to the water heater in the service panel
  • Next, remove the access panel and check that the heat setting on both thermostats is not more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Lastly, try to adjust to the desired setting by turning the set screw with a flathead screwdriver.

Water Heater is Leaking:

Water heater leaks are often caused by leaking values and plumbing connections. If you touch the water and the water is either warm or hot then it is likely the result of a leaking outlet pipe. 

To repair leaking valves or plumbing connections, try these steps: 

  • First, inspect the water heater for loose inlet or outlet pipes;
  • If you find loose connections, simply tighten these with a wrench and it should fix the leak.

Rust Coloured Water or Bad Odor: 

When brown, red, or yellow-colored water flows from your taps, the water heater tank may be internally corroded. Often when the water comes out smelling like eggs, the hot water heater tank could possibly contain bacteria. 

To try to fix this issue: 

  • Have a plumber replace the anode rod in the water heater tank. This is a metal rod in the center of the water heater that often corrodes more easily than the tank itself.

We do not recommend waiting until something goes completely wrong to maintain your hot water heater, having and conducting regular maintenance is necessary and can prevent problems that may arise if regular maintenance is not done. However not all issues are a quick fix, sometimes you may need a professional to assist and possibly replace your hot water heater. 

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