Is your water heater suddenly not working? Water heaters are an essential feature of a cozy home, so panic ensues when the heat goes out! Thankfully, we’re here to simplify common water heater problems so you can tackle them head-on. After all, many homeowners want to understand their house maintenance problems before calling a Minnesota plumber for help. So take a look at these top five common water heater problems and how to troubleshoot them.
1. No hot water in the shower
Nothing is worse than jumping into the shower only to find the water is freezing cold. Having no hot water is extremely frustrating, and this problem has several potential causes.
- The pilot light won’t stay lit. First, try to relight the pilot light. Before you relight it, turn off the gas supply to let it dissipate and hit the pilot light reset button. Once five minutes have passed, turn the gas back on to the “pilot” setting and hold the reset button. While holding the button down, use a long match to relight the pilot light. With luck, this will solve your pilot light problem.
- Gas pressure problems. If your pilot light still won’t stay lit, it may result from low gas pressure or a broken gas valve. Because working with gas can be hazardous, both problems should be addressed with a trained Minneapolis plumber.
- The thermostat is not working. A faulty thermostat can also cause ice-cold water to flow instead of hot water. Before pulling out the toolkit, check the power supply and reset the thermostat. If the thermostat still isn’t adequately heating water to the set temperature, it may need to be replaced altogether.
2. Running out of hot water
Whether the hot water is inconsistent or not hot enough, there’s a reason for the variability. Consider these causes for there not being enough water in your home.
- Sediment buildup. The heating process is far less efficient as natural minerals accumulate in your water heater. Thankfully, this is a simple fix. Flushing your water heater every six months prevents heavy buildup at the bottom of your heater tank. You can break down any existing sediment by flushing your water heater and following it with a gallon of vinegar.
- The water heater is too small. If the hot water runs out fast at home, you might need a bigger water heater. The size of the heater affects the quantity of hot water that can be produced. Consider upgrading to a more extensive heating system to avoid having no hot water.
3. Water heater leaking
If water is dripping or pooling under your water heater, it’s a sure sign that something is amiss. So stop water leaks as fast as possible by identifying these common defects in your system.
- Cracks in water heater tank. Over time, corrosion can cause cracks in the water heater tank that reduce efficiency and lead to water damage in the surrounding areas. While water heaters have some protection, like the coat of paint separating the tank walls from the water, corrosion is inevitable. First, search for signs of erosion like cracks or rust. Then call a technician to replace or repair any damaged parts.
- Water heater leaking from the top. Leaking from the top of the heater might just be caused by a few loose screws. See if the water stops trickling by tightening the nuts near the valve. If this doesn’t do the trick, the valve may be broken and need replacing.
Leaks are a serious issue that can cause water damage like mold growth in your home. Several things can cause a water leak in your heater, including corrosion or a faulty valve. Regardless of the cause, you should first turn off the water supply to avoid further damage.
4. Water heater making noise
Water heaters are known for creating some commotion. However, if your water heater makes loud rumbling or hissing sounds, you might have a bigger problem on your hands. Here’s why your heater might be making loud noises.
- Rumbling or banging noises. Chances are that the rumbling noises from your water heater result from sediment at the bottom of your tank. Since mineral buildup causes so many symptoms in water tanks, this is yet another reason why scheduled tank flushes are paramount to the health of your heater.
- Hissing noises. Unfortunately, hissing noises in your water heater might indicate more complicated underlying issues. Typically, hissing is caused by condensation from overheated water contacting hot surfaces. This sound might mean the temperature is too high or there’s a leak dripping water. Thankfully, if you don’t have any leaks, you can simply reduce the temperature to stop the noise. However, the latter issue will require an inspection from a technician and possible repairs.
- Whistling noises. If your hot water heater is whistling, it’s time to call an HVAC pro immediately. A whistling water heater likely means high pressure in the tank or a broken valve, which both require emergency maintenance. High pressure can lead to explosions, so contact a Minneapolis plumber stat if this is the case!
5. Water heater smells like gas
Does your water smell like gas or rotten eggs? While this might be worrisome, this problem has a simple fix. Hydrogen sulfide is likely the cause of smelly water from your water heater.
- Hydrogen sulfide gas. The bacteria in your water may be releasing hydrogen sulfide gas, a foul-smelling compound. While it’s not at all dangerous to you or your water heater, it’s certainly unpleasant. You can rid your system of smelly water by having your tank flushed and disinfected.
How to maintain your water heater
As mentioned, flushing your tank twice yearly is a simple at-home preventative solution to keep your water heater pristine. In addition, clearing your water heater of debris prevents corrosion and keeps your heater running efficiently. However, nothing beats the expertise and assistance of an HVAC technician.
The best step to increase your water heater’s lifespan is to schedule routine inspections with a Minneapolis plumber. A trained technician will spot any existing problems in your heater and take measures to further protect your system from wear and tear.
Guarantee hot water year-round with regular HVAC maintenance.
A healthy heating system starts with preventative upkeep. So if you’re seeking professional routine inspections to protect your water heating system, we’re here to help. Our team of emergency plumbers in Minneapolis has the know-how and tools to get the job done speedily. Please reach us at (763) 568-7148 or contact us here for additional information about our HVAC maintenance membership program.
