Knowing what to check when a water heater isn’t working properly can help you catch potential repair or maintenance needs early. If your unit isn’t functioning well, is emitting noise or is delivering brown or foul-smelling water, check the following factors and elements:
Check your water heater’s tank for sediment buildup and leaks. Sediment can accumulate on your water tank’s inner walls. If you hear rumbling, knocking or popping sounds coming from your water heater, you may need to drain and flush the tank to remove mineral deposits.
If you notice water on the floor around the tank’s base, you may need to address one of the following complications:
Your water tank’s size can also cause a low hot water supply. As your family expands, you most likely use more hot water than you used to. In this case, upgrading to a larger water heater is the best solution because it can supply the hot water your household needs.
A gas line leak can hinder your water heater’s performance, and it presents a fire hazard. Address a potential gas leak in the following steps:
If there are no signs of a gas leak, the gas inlet valve or supply tube may be the cause of your low hot water. If there are no signs of a potential gas leak, ensure the gas is turned on and that your inlet valve is in the proper position. You can also secure the valve if it seems loose.
If your gas valve and supply tube are not to blame, you may need to check your pilot light. The pilot light is a constantly burning flame that ensures the water heater’s gas ignites properly. If this light goes out, turn your gas supply off. Wait at least five minutes, then follow your water heater manual’s instructions to reset it. If the pilot light continues to extinguish or flicker out, you may need a new thermocouple or professional repair.
A water heater’s thermostat is typically set between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A faulty thermostat can cause inconsistent water temperatures, excessively hot water or insufficient hot water. Check if your thermostat displays the right setting, and contact a plumber if issues persist or if the thermostat setting fluctuates.
If you have an electric water heater, your circuit breaker may cause malfunctions. Check your circuit breaker panel to see if the water heater’s breaker tripped, and reset it. If this doesn’t restore your hot water, you can test the water heater’s power supply with a voltmeter.
A faulty heating element is another common complication in electric water heaters. You can call a professional to inspect your heating element or check it with a multimeter in the following steps:
A multimeter reading that falls outside the proper range indicates that you may need a new heating element.
If you notice a rotten egg smell or a yellow, red or brown tint to your water, the water heater tank may contain bacteria or corrosion. Contact a plumber to check your tank’s anode rod and replace it if necessary. This component corrodes faster than a water heater’s tank because it attracts corrosive elements and sacrifices itself to protect the tank. You should inspect the anode rod every three to four years to extend your water heater’s life span and maintain efficiency.
Cold temperatures can reduce your water heater tank’s performance and efficiency, resulting in insufficient hot water. If your water heater performs poorly in the winter, you can insulate it with a water heater insulation blanket. You may need to wait a few hours for your water heater to recover, and avoiding hot water use during this process helps prevent a prolonged recovery period. Electric water heaters typically take longer to recover than gas water heaters.
If you have a tankless water heater, blockages in the vents or air intake channels can affect your water temperature. Check all vents for dust and debris, and clean them regularly to ensure operational efficiency.
Tankless water heaters initiate operation when they sense water flow. Your unit’s minimum flow rate is the amount of water that needs to flow through it each minute so it can heat water effectively. Try turning your faucets up when you use hot water to ensure an adequate flow rate.
Using multiple hot water appliances at one time can reduce a water heater’s ability to deliver hot water. Temporarily pause some functions if you notice inadequate hot water when multiple appliances operate. If you often need to use more than one appliance or hot water faucet at a time, consider installing two or more tankless water heaters.
Preventive maintenance can help you avoid the most common problems of water heaters, and it offers the following advantages:
Schedule water heater maintenance at least once a year to maintain efficiency and extend its life span.
Whether you need help troubleshooting water heater problems or notice a repair need, IT Landes Home Service Team is here for you. Our plumbers have the skills, experience and continuous training to deliver expert workmanship and ensure your system operates efficiently. We offer preventive maintenance and repair services with transparent pricing, convenient financing options and excellent customer service to meet your needs. Request an appointment or contact us to learn more about our plumbing services.