Water heaters are essential for our daily comfort, providing hot water for showers, dishes, and
laundry. But like any appliance, they can run into issues over time. Understanding common
water heater problems can help you address them quickly and keep your hot water flowing
smoothly. Here are ten common water heater problems and how to troubleshoot or fix them.
- No Hot Water
One of the most frustrating problems is a complete lack of hot water. This issue can be
caused by a tripped circuit breaker or a faulty thermostat. Check your electrical panel to
see if the breaker has tripped and reset it if necessary. If the breaker is fine, the
thermostat or heating elements may need to be inspected or replaced. Depending on the age of the unit, it may not be worth attempting a repair. - Inconsistent Water Temperature
If your water temperature fluctuates between hot and cold, it could be due to a failing
thermostat or heating element. A malfunctioning thermostat might not regulate the
temperature correctly, while a faulty heating element might not heat water evenly. If the
issue is local to (1) fixture such as a faucet, the cartridge/stem inside the faucet itself
may not be working properly. - Strange Noises
Water heaters can produce various noises, including popping, rumbling, or sizzling.
These sounds are often due to sediment build up at the bottom of the tank, which can
cause the water to overheat and create noise. Flushing the tank regularly can help
prevent sediment build up and keep your water heater operating quietly. - Leaking Water Heater
A leaking water heater can be a serious issue, potentially causing water damage to your
home. Leaks may originate from the tank itself, the valve, or the pipes. Check for rust or
corrosion on the tank, which could indicate a more serious problem. Tighten any loose
connections and replace any faulty valves or fittings. If the tank is leaking, it will need to
be replaced. - Discolored Water
If your hot water has a rusty or discolored appearance, it could be a sign of corrosion
inside the tank or sediment buildup. Rusty water often indicates that the anode rod,
which helps prevent corrosion, may need to be replaced. Flushing the tank can also help
clear out sediment and improve water quality. - Water Takes Too Long to Heat
If it takes an unusually long time for your water to heat up, the heating elements or
thermostat might be failing. Fixtures that are far away from the water heater may take
time to receive hot water as it needs to run through all of the piping to those fixtures.
Zeek Plumbing would be happy to provide pricing for a circulator pump to help bring hot water to the extremities of your home quicker. - Hot Water Smells Bad
A sulfuric or rotten egg smell in hot water often indicates the presence of hydrogen
sulfide gas, which can be caused by bacteria in the tank. Flushing the tank and installing
a new anode rod can help eliminate the odor. - Water Heater is Too Hot
If your water heater is producing scalding hot water, the thermostat may be set too high.
Adjust the thermostat to a safer temperature, usually around 120°F (49°C). If the
thermostat seems to be functioning properly but the water is still too hot, you may need
to replace it. Zeek Plumbing does not recommend adjusting the temperature yourself as you can raise it too high and injure yourself. - Pressure Relief Valve Issues
The pressure relief valve is a critical safety feature that prevents excessive pressure
buildup. If you notice water dripping from the valve, it might be releasing excess
pressure. Check if the valve is functioning correctly and make sure the pressure settings
are within the recommended range. Replace the valve if it’s faulty. - Pilot Light Out (for Gas Water Heaters)
For gas water heaters, a pilot light that goes out frequently can be a sign of a draft, a
clogged pilot orifice, or a faulty thermocouple. The gas valve may not be providing
adequate gas to allow it to light either. If you are experiencing a pilot light that is not
staying lit, contact Zeek Plumbing at 866-635-0200.
Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help extend the life of your water heater and prevent more serious issues. If you’re unsure about any repairs or maintenance tasks, consult Zeek Plumbing for water heater repair in NJ, and we can ensure your water heater remains in top condition!
