8 Reasons Your Hot Water Heater is Not Working & How to Fix
When compared to other household equipment such as dishwashers and washing machines, the hotwater heater in your home is utilized on a regular basis. Using this equipment, you can wash dishes, shower, do laundry, and wash your hands in warm water, all of which are common everyday duties. As a result of the high volume of water that your family uses on a daily basis, it is not uncommon for difficulties to arise. Tank-style hot water heaters, on the other hand, are designed with a bare minimum of parts to ensure long-term reliability.
Our experts have put together a list of common problems with hot water heaters, as well as instructions on how to remedy them.
Water Heater ProblemsSolutions
Hotwater heaters are used on a regular basis, in contrast to other equipment such as dishwashers and washing machines in your house. Using this equipment, you may wash dishes, shower, do laundry, and wash your hands in warm water, all of which are common everyday activities. As a result of the high volume of water that your family uses on a daily basis, it is not uncommon for issues to arise. Tank-style hot water heaters, on the other hand, are designed with a bare minimum of components to ensure long service life.
Our experts have put together a list of common problems with hot water heaters, as well as suggestions on how to resolve them.
Damaged Pressure Relief Valve
The majority of water heaters are fitted with a pressure relief valve, which is designed to release pressure from the water tank when the pressure in the tank becomes excessive. If the valve on the top of your water heater begins to leak, we recommend that you replace it either online or at a local store as soon as possible. A pressure relief valve is easily removed and replaced, and the procedure is straightforward. Find out more about what size heat pump to buy by reading this article.
No Warm Water
If you have an electric water heater in your house, the most common reason of a lack of warm water is a faulty heating element, which may be repaired or replaced. Your water heater is equipped with two heating elements, each of which is responsible for heating the incoming water in the water tank to a comfortable temperature. After a heating element begins to fail, you will have little to no hot water to use for showering, cleaning, or doing laundry once the problem is identified. On the other hand, there are a range of issues that might prevent the generation of warm water from a gas water heater from functioning properly.
A thermocouple that has failed in your home may potentially be the source of your lack of hot water.
With the purchase of replacement components, each of these components may be quickly and simply replaced. It is recommended that if your hot water heater is not functioning properly that you either purchase replacement components or call a certified plumber for assistance with water heater repair.
Low Supply of Hot Water
Do you find yourself running out of hot water on a regular basis? Having a fractured dip tube may have resulted in this problem. Designed to move cold water to the base of your water tank so that it may be heated, this tube is a need. A fracture or hole in the dip tube may begin to appear when the incoming supply of cold water is discharged towards the top or center of your tank. Consequently, the cold water stored on the tank’s top will be distributed to the faucets and showers around your home.
Because the procedure of installing a new dip tube is complicated, we recommend that you get assistance from a professional expert.
The minerals in water, such as magnesium and calcium, will begin to accumulate at or near the bottom of the water heater’s tank as it approaches the middle of its life cycle.
In order to remedy this issue, you should cleanse your water heater to eliminate the surplus minerals.
Water is Too Warm or Cold
It is possible to modify the temperature of your shower water if the water seems too hot or too cold in your shower by adjusting the settings on your thermostat. Increasing the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit may allow you to save money on your power costs in the long run. In the event that you are concerned about burning or skin irritation, this is an appropriate temperature to employ. Is this temperature a little too chilly for you? You may also lower the temperature of your shower to 140 degrees Fahrenheit to make it more enjoyable to shower.
Find a competent plumbing or heating contractor in your region as soon as possible to repair or replace your broken thermostat.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is not usually the result of a faulty water heater, as previously stated. It is possible that the flow of water will be stopped before to reaching our kitchen or bathroom walls if you reside in an older property with smaller waterpipes. The only method to completely address this hot water heater problem is to install new 34 inch water pipes in your system’s distribution system. Calcium deposits in water pipes are another sort of issue that can have a detrimental influence on your water pressure.
Water from your water heater will be unable to reach your sinks or appliances in a time-efficient manner as a result of this.
Because repairing water pipes necessitates the removal of drywall, a typical homeowner who does not possess a plumbing license will be unable to resolve the hotwater heater problem. Continue reading: 3 Types of Furnace Vents and How They Work
Discolored Water
The water that comes out of your sink in your home should be crystal clear. Do you have water that is discolored in your residence? If you see this, it indicates that the water tank or the anode rod of your water heater is deteriorating. Fortunately, if this problem is discovered in its early stages, it may be resolved. Repair or tune-up services for the hot water heater in your house may be obtained by contacting a local plumber in your neighborhood. A qualified plumbing or HVAC specialist will be able to simply remove and replace the anode rod in your system without causing damage to the system.
Water will seep through the cracks in your house’s floors and furnishings as a result of this.
A fresh new system, which will be specifically designed to suit this hot water heater problem, will be necessary.
Takes a Long Time to Produce Warm Water
Once your water tank is completely depleted, it should not take more than a couple of minutes to refill it with warm water again. If it takes an hour or more for you to obtain warm water from your water heater, this is an indication that the burner orifice has been polluted. A poor supply of hot water, on the other hand, may be resolved by boosting the gas pressure in your water heater. In order to acquire immediate assistance with this hot water heater problem, call a professional technician in your region for aid with cleaning a burner orifice or regulating gas pressure.
The residences in your community can benefit from the services of our team of highly qualified professionals that provide water heater repair and water heater installation.
For all sorts of HVAC and plumbing projects, WM Henderson provides up-front pricing.
In addition, we promise your 100% pleasure with any assignment we perform on your behalf.
How to Troubleshoot Electric Water Heater Problems
In a house full of people, if you’ve ever been the last to shower, you’ll know what’s in store for you before you ever step into the bath: bone-chilling, teeth-chattering ice cold water. If you’re having water troubles, even when there aren’t a lot of people in the house, it’s time to take a closer look at your electric water heater.
Symptoms of an electric water heater malfunction might include low water temperature, leaks, discoloration, odor, and noise, amongst other things. An illustrated procedure to guide you through the process of troubleshooting your water heater problems is provided below.
Before you start: turn off the power
First and first, safety must be prioritized. First and foremost, make sure that the electric water heater is completely turned off before doing any troubleshooting. This can be accomplished by turning off the fuse or circuit breaker that is attached to the heating unit, as appropriate.
Water temperature problems
Many different sorts of electric water heater difficulties might result in problems with the temperature of the water. The symptoms might range from a lack of hot water to insufficient hot water to water that is too hot. Having no hot water can be caused by a number of factors, including a shortage of electricity, a malfunctioning electric thermostat, or a malfunctioning top electric heating element. To begin, rule out any potential power issues. To begin, reset any tripped circuit breakers and replace any blown fuses that have been discovered.
- Replace the element if it is found to be defective after it has been tested.
- It is possible that the problem is caused by an inadequately sized water heater, crossed hot and cold connections, or a broken heating element or thermostat when the water does not heat up sufficiently.
- To rule out a crossed connection, switch off the water supply and turn on a hot water faucet; if water continues to flow, the problem is most likely a crossed connection.
- Finally, if all of the elements are operational, check the higher thermostat first, followed by the lower thermostat, and replace if either of them is not operational.
- Check to see that the upper and lower thermostats are set between 110 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit on both the higher and lower levels.
Leaks
Several factors contribute to water leaks, including a malfunctioning temperature and pressure relief valve (T P), high pressure, overheating, a jammed valve, a leak coming from an above or nearby plumbing connection, loose heating element bolts, a damaged gasket, or a leaky water storage tank. Check the T P valve by placing a bucket beneath the above pipe, opening the valve and flushing it clean; if it is still leaking, fix or replace it. Lowering the thermostat setting will therefore be necessary to alleviate excessive pressure or heat.
After that, inspect the heating element bolts and tighten them as necessary.
Finally, determine whether or not the storage tank is leaking.
Storage tanks can leak as a result of corrosion or other difficulties, such as faulty o-rings, that can occur. Keep a supply of spare o-rings from a reputable provider such as Apple Rubber on available in case you need to replace an o-ring.
Discoloration or odor
A malfunctioning temperature and pressure (T P) relief valve, excessive pressure, overheating, a jammed valve, a leak from an above or nearby plumbing connection, loose heating element bolts, a poor gasket, or a leaky water tank are all possible causes of water leaks. Check the T P valve by placing a bucket under the above pipe, opening the valve and flushing it clean; if it continues to leak, repair or replace it. Lowering the thermostat setting will therefore be necessary to alleviate excessive pressure or warmth.
Check the bolts that hold the heating element in place and tighten them as necessary.
The last step is checking to see if the storage tank has a leak.
Make sure you have a supply of spare o-rings on hand from a reputable provider such as Apple Rubber in case you need to replace one.
Noise
A deep, rumbling sound may suggest boiling water, which is produced by overheating as a result of sediment accumulation. This can be resolved by flushing the water heater. When scales accumulate on electrical heating components, a high-pitched, whining noise can be heard in the background. First, cleanse the water heater to get rid of the problem. After that, flush out the scale from the water heater tank and heating components. Finally, use low-wattage heating components with a bigger surface area to improve the efficiency of heat transmission.
Refinance your home
A deep, rumbling sound may suggest boiling water, which is caused by overheating as a result of sediment accumulation in the tank. Flushing the water heater will take care of the problem. The accumulation of scales on electrical heating components can result in a high-pitched, whining noise. First, cleanse the water heater to get rid of the fungus. Wash out the water heater tank and components to remove any scale that has built up over time. Installation of low-wattage heating components with a bigger surface area will improve the efficiency of heat transfer in the room.
Troubleshooting Checklist for an Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters have a similar appearance to their gas-fueled counterparts. In order to limit heat loss from the heated water, they both employ an insulated steel storage tank jacket, with insulation between the storage tank and the tank jacket. The primary difference between electric and gas water heaters is the source of heat used to heat the water. Electric upper and lower heating components that extend into the water tank heat the water in an electric water heater, which is powered by electricity.
When it comes to electric water heaters that provide little or no heat, the most common problem is a faulty heating element, which is a pretty affordable component that is quite simple to repair.
Other issues may arise as a result of incorrect settings, excessive household water pressure, or a failure to perform regular tank maintenance.
Watch Now: How to Repair an Electric Water Heater
Limited warranties are provided with both residential and commercial hot water heaters. Every tank is equipped with a rating plate that displays the tank’s model and serial number. These numbers specify the year in which the tank was manufactured, and they will decide if the tank is covered by a prorated warranty, which may include the provision of a new tank or replacement parts at no cost or at a discount. Take a picture or write down the information, then contact the manufacturer if the tank is leaking or the element is not working correctly.
The following is something that you can perform before you start diagnosing the issue.
Warning
Working with electric water heaters when the power is on is risky since they are high-voltage (240-volt) equipment that can cause electrocution. Turn off the electricity to the water heater’s circuit by turning off the relevant breaker in your home’s service panel before inspecting any electrical components of the water heater (breaker box). Also, use a non-contact voltage tester to check all of the wires in the water heater to ensure that the power is turned off before touching any of the wires.
How to Fix
The Spruce Tree
No Hot Water
A water heater that does not generate hot water might be due to a lack of electricity, a tripped limit switch, or one or more faulty heating components, to name a few possibilities. As a first step, make sure that the circuit breaker for your water heater is not tripped on your panel of electrical circuit breakers. Switch off the circuit breaker and then turn it back on if it has been tripped. If the heater’s breaker does not trip (i.e., if it is still turned on), attempt the following steps to reset the high-temperature limit:
- Turn off the circuit breaker for the water heater’s circuit at the service panel if necessary. Removing the access panel for the water heater’s upper heating element is a good idea. Carefully remove all of the insulation and the plastic safety shield, taking care not to come into contact with any of the wires or electrical connections
- To reset the high-temperature cutoff, press the red button above the higher thermostat, which is positioned above the upper thermostat. Reinstall the safety guard, the insulating material, and the access panel. Turn on the circuit breaker for the heater. Test each heating element and replace it if required if this does not resolve the problem
“The Spruce” is a song by Candace Madonna.
Inadequate Hot Water
If your water heater is producing hot water but not enough of it, it is possible that your unit is too small to satisfy the hot water demands of your home. Take precautions to ensure that the water heater’s capacity does not exceed the demand.
How to Fix
The water heater should be able to provide hot water to a capacity of 75% of its total capacity. For example, a 40-gallon water heater is appropriately suited for a 30-gallon demand. If the demand exceeds the capacity of the heater, attempt to restrict the length of showers, install low-flow showerheads, and spread out dishwashing and laundry to different times of the day rather than doing them all at the same time to reduce the strain on the heater. The failure of one or both of your unit’s heating elements, even if your unit is not undersized, might indicate that one or both of its heating elements have failed.
When hot water runs out rapidly during a shower, it is an indication of a faulty bottom heating element in the shower.
Water Temperature Is Too Hot
When there is too much hot water, it may be almost as annoying as when there is not enough hot water.
If you’re encountering this problem, it’s possible that one or both of the thermostats on your water heater are set too high.
How to Fix
To double-check the thermostat settings, do the following:
- In the service panel, turn off the electricity to the water heater to conserve energy. The access panel, insulation, and plastic safety shield from each heating element on the water heater should be removed before continuing. Do not come into contact with any wires or electrical terminals. Using a non-contact voltage tester, check the cables to ensure that the power has been turned off. Ensure that the heat is set correctly on both thermostats: Both of them should be at the same temperature as each other. 115 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit is the acceptable temperature range. Make use of a flathead screwdriver to adjust the temperature to the correct level
- And Set the other thermostat to the same temperature as the first
- For each element, replace the safety guard, insulation, and access panel as needed. Turn on the circuit breaker for the heater.
“The Spruce” is a song by Candace Madonna.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are often caused by leaking valves and plumbing connections, but they can also be caused by difficulties with the tank’s drainage system. Water leaks may cause substantial damage to a property, which is why it is critical to repair the leak as soon as it is discovered.
How to Fix
Leaking valves and plumbing connections are the most common causes of water leaks, although they can also be caused by issues with the tank. In order to prevent serious damage to a property, it is critical to repair any leaks as soon as they are discovered.
Rust-Colored Water or Bad Odor
If your water has a brown, yellow, or red tinge to it as it comes out of the faucet, corrosion might be occuring within your water heater tank or in the pipes in your home. If your water comes out smelling like rotten eggs, it’s possible that bacteria has built up in the tank of your hot water heater. A professional plumber may be required to replace the anode rod in the tank, which is something that you should avoid doing unless absolutely necessary. courtesy of KariHoglund / Getty Images
Tank Making Noises
Is your water heater making noises? If so, what are they? Is there a low rumbling or popping sound when you turn it on? What if it’s a high-pitched whine instead? It’s possible that the sounds you’re hearing is the sound of boiling water. When there is a significant amount of sediment building in the bottom of a tank, it can cause the bottom of the tank to overheat, which can result in the water boiling.
How to Fix
In order to remove the silt from the tank, the first thing to attempt is to empty it. The tank may need to be replaced if this does not alleviate the problem. “The Spruce” is a song by Candace Madonna.
Pete the Plumber – Calgary Plumber
Consider the following scenario: it’s Monday morning, and you’ve just dragged yourselves out of your cozy bed to start your week. You turn on the shower and walk away to allow it to heat up, only to return and hop in, only to be met with the most shocking sensation of the day: ice cold water. You’re not sure what to do because your water heater isn’t working. First and foremost, do not panic. Despite the fact that it is not a pleasant way to begin the day, a water heater failing is a rather typical occurrence.
It can also be beneficial to be aware of what to look for in order to provide a full description of the problem to the plumbers—or, better yet, to attempt to remedy the problem yourself.
5 Common Hot Water Heater Problems
A hot water heater that isn’t operating properly might be caused by a variety of factors. It is critical to understand how to address the problem, or at the very least how to communicate the situation to a professional plumber, in order to resolve it.
In the best-case situation, a water heater that isn’t operating is merely due to the pilot light having gone out. If this is the case, relighting the candle may be sufficient to resolve the problem. If it doesn’t work, we’ll have to do a little more research to find the answer.
1. Water Temperature Issues
One of the most typical complaints about water heaters that aren’t working is that we’re having trouble with the temperature of the water. This can be caused by either the water not heating up sufficiently or the water being much too hot. Most of the time, all you have to do is go to the water tank and adjust the thermostat on the tank. It’s possible that it was accidentally bumped, causing the temperature to fluctuate. During the warmer months, it is also usual practice to reduce the temperature of the water tank in order to conserve electricity.
If the water does not heat up when you increase the temperature, you may be dealing with a broken thermostat, according to the manufacturer.
Among the other concerns we’ve seen when it comes to water temperature changes are the following:
- There is a leak in the water storage tank. It is possible that the gas control or burner unit has been damaged. It is possible that mineral deposits will reduce the effectiveness of the heater
- It appears that there is an issue with the temperature-pressure relief valve.
It is usually possible to replace individual components, such as the temperature-pressure relief valve. It is, however, necessary to bring in a professional to replace the tank if it has developed a leak. Attempting to repair these issues on your own without the right equipment and skills might result in personal injury, significant damage to the devices, and even harm to your house. More critically, it has the potential to result in natural gas seeping into your home, posing a serious threat to you and your family’s safety.
2. Discoloured/Smelly Water
Another issue that we frequently see with water heaters is the presence of odorous or discolored water. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, you must ask the following questions:
- Is this something that has been going on for a while? Is this water produced by all of the faucets in the home
- And Have you had a chance to utilize the water recently? How long does it take for the problem to go gone after you’ve ran the water? Is this a problem with both the hot and cold faucets?
By responding to these questions, you will be better equipped to identify and address the source of the problem. Discoloration For example, if the problem is water discolouration, the problem is most likely caused by excessive mineral levels, such as iron and copper, which cause the pipes to rust. Water in Calgary is classified as ‘hard’ because it includes significant quantities of magnesium and calcium, which originate in the Rockies and flow into the city. The installation of a water softener system in your home is a typical solution to this problem.
- Eventually, scale accumulates in the system, forming deposits of ‘lime’ that can obstruct the flow of water in pipes (as well as in shower heads and faucets) and cause problems with the water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher.
- Strong odors emanating from the water There are a variety of possibilities as to what is causing the strong water odors coming from the faucet to appear.
- If the water smells like rotten eggs or sewage, it may be an indication that bacteria is developing within the water tank and causing the smell.
- If it doesn’t work, it’s possible that the anode rod has been corroded and has to be replaced instead.
Finally, if the odor is really strong, it is possible that there is a problem with the gas line. When this occurs, you must immediately switch off the unit, air the space before departing it, and contact a plumber as well as the gas utility provider for assistance.
3. Water Heater Making Noises
You will be able to address the source of the problem more effectively if you answer these questions correctly. Discoloration For example, if the problem is water discolouration, the problem is most often caused by excessive mineral levels, such as iron and copper, which causes the pipes to rust. Due to high quantities of magnesium and calcium in Calgary’s water – which originates in the Rockies – it is classified as “hard water.” Installing a water softening system in your home is a frequent remedy for this problem.
- A buildup of ‘lime’ in the system causes scale to accumulate, causing water to become obstructed in pipes (as well as in shower heads and faucets) and causing havoc with the water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher.
- The smell of water is quite intense.
- It is possible to test the hot water tank by turning on the hot water for a few minutes if you feel it is the cause of the problem.
- Whenever this occurs, the first step you should take is to fully clean out the water tank.
- Garlic is another common odor, and it merely indicates that the pilot light needs to be re-ignitted.
- As soon as this occurs, you must switch off the unit, air the area before leaving, and call a plumber and a representative from your natural gas provider.
- Poor plumbing installation, poor maintenance, and a leaking drain valve are all contributing factors. The tank’s pressure is measured in pounds per square inch.
A leak may be easily identified by the presence of water pools surrounding the unit and the presence of drips from the unit or the pipes leading to it. The replacement of loose valves or the tightening of loose valves can be accomplished by the homeowner on their own. The water tank will need to be replaced if it has been rusted in any way.
5. Damaged Gas Control or Burner Assembly
Water pools near the unit, and it may also be leaking from the unit or the pipes leading to it, indicating the presence of a water leak. The replacement of loose valves or the tightening of loose valves can be accomplished by the individual. The water tank will need to be replaced if it has been rusted over time.
Need a New Hot Water Tank? Call Pete the Plumber
Occasionally, there is no simple solution, and hot water tank problems are simply the consequence of the necessity for a completely new unit. A new water tank installation is not a simple task, which is why having a professional on hand to do the job is vital.
We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and a 2-year warranty on components and labor. Call Pete the Plumber at 403-257-1766 or fill out the online appointment request form to schedule an appointment now!
Why Is My Water Heater Not Working? 5 Possible Reasons
The Environmental Protection Agency of the United States estimates that over 2.5 million water heaters fail each year in the United States. Hot water is one of the most important things we need in our homes, and it is something that we all require. Fortunately, depending on the specific cause of the problem, repairing a hot water heater can be a rather simple and inexpensive process. A broken heater isn’t usually the end of the world, despite the fact that some sorts of damage are more expensive to repair than others in some cases.
1. Decreasing Water Pressure
Some issues with a water heater might cause it to cease operating completely. Others, such as water pressure issues, can have an impact on performance even if your water heater is still operating at least partially. Having a water pressure problem may be the cause of your just having warm water when you should have hot water, or hot water that doesn’t remain hot when you should have adequate hot water from your electric water heaters. In some instances, very high water pressure might cause the decrease of water pressure to begin.
- It is important to note that because the valve is such a sensitive device, it can easily overcorrect for high temperatures and pressures.
- One solution to this problem is to provide a safe haven for your high-pressure water to escape.
- You will be able to reap the benefits of your high water pressure and warmth without experiencing any loss of consistency in the process.
- In the event that you’re experiencing low water pressure, it’s possible that you have loose fittings someplace, a hole in your water tank, or some bolts that need to be tightened.
- However, if the water tank itself is damaged, the repair process may be substantially more expensive than anticipated.
2. Thermostat Problems
Thermostats are electrical instruments, much like any other electronic device. Modern technology has made it less probable for electrical components such as the thermostat to fail than for gaskets or pieces of pipe to break. Despite this, it is always conceivable that the thermostat will malfunction, and there are several easy techniques to determine whether or not this is the source of your difficulties. Many water heaters include two heating components to keep the water warm. It is possible for one or both to fail.
Nevertheless, when your thermostat malfunctions, it will frequently simply shut off one of your heating components.
As a result, there are frequent shortages of hot water and lengthy wait times for more hot water. These hints might assist you in determining whether or not your thermostat is the source of the problem.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
“Can you tell me why my water is not becoming hot?” Alternatively, if your water is not heating at all, the problem may be caused by an extinguished pilot light. Gas water heaters rely on a pilot light to ignite the gas in the system, which then heats the water to a comfortable temperature. Although the water heater may appear to be “off,” the pilot light remains on, providing a tiny flame ready to be used anytime the heater needs to heat up more water. Pilot lights are incredibly dependable gadgets that may be used safely for many years without ever needing to be re-lit or replaced.
Alternatively, your gas lines, like everything else, might corrode and break down with time, just like everything else.
However, while repairing faulty gas lines may be a costly endeavor, re-igniting a pilot light is a straightforward and inexpensive solution in many circumstances.
4. The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
You already have a basic understanding of the TPR valve. The temperature and pressure relief valve is the official name of this device, and it is responsible for allowing your water heater to “blow out some steam” when it is under excessive pressure or heat. The TPR is critical because, if it is not there, pressure may build up in your water heater tank to the point where it bursts. When a TPR valve fails, you may experience low water pressure and lukewarm showers on a consistent basis. If this occurs, make sure it is repaired as soon as possible by a qualified specialist.
5. A Dirty Electronic Ignition
Some water heaters do not require a pilot light because they employ electronic ignitions. While a pilot light is an extremely durable instrument, electronic systems are capable of providing near-perfect dependability in many situations. Even electronic ignition systems, on the other hand, are susceptible to failure. In order to determine when it is necessary to switch on and ignite some gas, your electronic ignition water heater relies on a sensor. The ignition may function flawlessly, but a defective sensor may cause the ignition to inaccurately report that it is unable to perform its function.
Don’t Let It Get You Down When Your Water Heater’s Not Working
In this article, we hope you learned something useful about what could be going on when your water heater isn’t working and what you can do to fix the problem. Check out our other sites if you want to learn more about how to take care of your plumbing requirements and where to locate reliable support.
Hot Water Heater Not Working? Here Are 5+ Reasons
Every home is equipped with a water heater, which works tirelessly and continuously throughout the day to ensure that we always have hot water when we turn on the tap. These appliances, like any other large household equipment, are not indestructible and can experience difficulties much like any other large home appliance. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the most typical problems that individuals have when their water heaters stop operating. These can range from really simple repairs to potentially expensive replacements, so we’ll look at a variety of probable reasons in this section.
There is no need to be alarmed because the majority of frequent water heater problems are simply remedied. Let us begin by discussing why it is so critical to have a properly running water heater in the first place.
Hot Water Heater Not Working: Overview
A hot water heater that isn’t operating properly might be caused by a variety of factors, which we shall discuss later. For the time being, let us consider why a water heater is so vital. Without a properly operating water heater, your home will be without hot water in all of its many locations. This implies that you will not be able to take warm showers or wash your hands under heated faucets. When it comes to regular life, these are extremely inconvenient and a pain to cope with. However, more significant problems might occur that are far more harmful than simply not being able to take a warm shower.
Just to be on the safe side, it is critical to take action as soon as you see any signs of issue with your water heater.
Regardless of the problem, let’s take a look at some of the potential problems that your water heater might be experiencing and how to resolve them.
Hot Water Heater Not Working: What to Do
The water heater in your home is plainly malfunctioning if you are attempting to use a faucet to obtain hot water and only cold water is coming out. While this may appear to be a significant problem, it is actually one of the most straightforward concerns to resolve when it comes to water heater malfunctions. The first thing we can do to figure out what’s wrong is to check to see whether your circuit breaker is malfunctioning. Because most contemporary units rely on electricity to operate (this is true even if your water heater is fueled by natural gas), they will not create hot water unless a power source is connected to them.
It signifies that the breaker has tripped, and you should turn the power back on to the heater after checking for any defective wiring.
If that isn’t the problem, it’s possible that one of the heating components has malfunctioned.
The temperature dial can also be checked for signs that the water was too hot and destroyed the element or that it was too hot and caused the circuit breaker to trip.
Hot Water Heater Not Working: Too Little Hot Water
The lack of sufficient hot water is a very minor inconvenience. Typically, the thermometer incorporated into the water heater is to fault when the water heater does not heat up to a sufficient temperature. After reaching a specified temperature, this instructs the heater when to cease producing water. Temperature should be raised by a minimal amount under typical conditions; however, be aware that higher temperatures are frequently required in the winter to keep the water warm. Another possibility is that you have used up all of the water that can be kept in your tank and are experiencing a shortage.
Following the usage of a full tank, these tanks need around 30 minutes to reheat a full tank, which would explain the lack of hot water if you had just used a lot of hot water.
Strange Sounds
Due to the fact that a water heater has virtually no moving parts, there should be no noise emanating from them. If you notice your water heater hissing or producing unusual noises, it’s time to call a professional for assistance. The most typical source of noises originating from a water heater is air becoming trapped in the tank as a result of silt building in the tank. It is possible for silt to accumulate in a water heater, which will then hold onto air that will be released when the tank heats up.
Flush the tank thoroughly to get rid of the noise, and if the sound persists, contact a professional.
Strange Smells
Strange odors emanating from your water heater or plumbing system might indicate a number of problems. That the tank is filthy is the most apparent thing that we can deduce from this. Depending on the severity of the problem, it might be caused by sediment buildup caused by hard water or by corrosion in more severe cases. Clean out the heater by rinsing it with water to remove any debris, and then replace the anode rod. If the peculiar scent persists after cleaning and replacing the anode, corrosion is likely to have occurred, and you may need to replace the tank totally.
This might indicate the presence of a natural gas leak, which can be quite dangerous.
Leaks
It is possible that strange odors are emanating from your water or heater area. That the tank is filthy is the most apparent thing we can deduce from this. This can be caused by sediment buildup as a result of hard water, or, in more severe cases, it can be caused by corrosion. Replace the anode rod after rinsing out the heater to remove any remaining debris. After cleaning and replacing the anode, a weird odor may persist, indicating corrosion, and you may need to replace the tank completely.
Natural gas leaks may be extremely dangerous, and this might be a symptom of a leak.
Unnaturally-Colored Water
The last thing you want in your water or on your skin is water that has been contaminated by corrosion or microbes of any kind. When you use your hot water, it should be quite clear whether the water has an unusual appearance or if it has an unusual taste. Several difficulties might cause this, ranging from a small annoyance to the need for a complete replacement of the device. Once again, it is possible that the anode that is installed in your tank is corroding and causing the water to get contaminated.
If the unusual hue persists, washing out the tank and testing the flushed-out water for excessive minerals and silt that might cause discoloration of the water should be considered.
If colored water continues to emerge in the tank, it is likely that there is corrosion within the tank. A professional opinion on this topic, as well as many others, will provide you with a more precise response than just attempting to examine it yourself will ever be able to do.
Water Heater Not Working: Conclusion
Water heaters are not immune to the effects of time and minor faults that might leave them useless, ranging from weird sounds to strange tastes. Fortunately, the majority of the concerns we discussed today can all be resolved with relative ease and can be resolved in a short period of time. It’s possible that it’s time to upgrade to a new water heater, and you’ll be more prepared than ever before to do so with your newfound knowledge!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a plethora of reasons why your water heater may be malfunctioning. The initial step should be to figure out exactly what problems you’re dealing with right now. The most common complaint we receive is regarding a water heater that isn’t providing hot water at a sufficient temperature. This might be the consequence of a faulty circuit breaker or a faulty heating element within the device, among other things.
Who should you call when your water heater is not working?
Contact a certified local HVAC contractor instead of a generic plumber or electrician to resolve your problem. As a result of this degree of specialization, you can be certain of receiving high-quality service that will truly fix your water heater. You should contact American Home Water and Air if you live in the greater Phoenix, Arizona region.
How do you tell if your hot water heater is broken?
Checking to see if hot water is flowing out of your faucet is a certain technique to determine if something is wrong. Periodically inspect your heater for any potential faults, such as leaks or strange sounds emanating from the unit. These might be indicators of impending danger.
Six Common Problems with Your Home Water Heater
Get in Touch With Us It goes without saying that your water heater is one of the most important equipment in your home. While it may not be apparent to the naked eye at all times or in the forefront of your thoughts on a daily basis, the fact is that you rely on the hot water it supplies you almost on a daily basis. As a result, even little issues can have a significant impact on the whole operation. In a household where you rely on hot water for everything from cooking to cleaning to bathing and even for usage with other appliances, a malfunctioning water heater may effectively bring your entire life to a grinding, excruciating halt.
The more you learn about these water heater problems, the more confident you will be in your ability to accurately diagnose them and then take the necessary measures on your own.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are one of the most prevalent types of water heater problems that you’ll come into. Any water heater will ultimately begin to leak due to the fact that water will corrode the tank and cause microscopic cracks or fractures over time. However, this is not necessarily an indication that your tank is the source of the leak. This might indicate that your water connections are loose if the leak appears to be coming from the very top of your tank. Ensure that your cold water inlet pipes and hot water outlet pipes are both securely linked and that none of the pipes are rattling or dangling in any way.
If your overflow pipe or pressure relief valve is leaking, you might potentially have water leaking from them. As a result, if you see this, it might be an indication of tank corrosion, and you should get your water heater replaced immediately.
No Hot Water
Is your tank brimming with water, yet none of it appears to be warm? It’s possible that there’s a problem with your heat source. If you have an electric water heater, this suggests that your heating elements may have failed or that the electrical connection between them may have been compromised. This might be caused by a malfunctioning pilot light or a poor gas hookup in a gas water heater. A problem with your burner as a whole might be the cause of the inability to ignite the gas even when the pilot light is illuminated.
Assuming this is the case, just reset the device and your water heater should ignite without difficulty.
Strange Smelling Hot Water
A growth of bacteria in the tank of your hot water heater may cause a weird scent to emanate when you turn on the hot water. Increase the temperature in the tank to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and any bacteria in the tank should die as a result of the increased heat. Make careful, however, that you do not use your hot water while operating this service, since hot water can cause significant burn damage if it comes into contact with naked flesh. Before running any hot water, raise the temperature and wait about an hour or so.
If the problem persists, you may need to have your tank cleaned with a chlorine bleach solution, which is not inexpensive.
Tank Takes Ages to Reheat
If it appears that your water heater is taking an excessive amount of time to reheat, you might be experiencing one of a number of additional issues. It’s possible that your thermostat is set too low, which implies that your burner isn’t producing enough energy to heat your water at a fast enough rate. It’s also possible that you have an issue with your gas connection, such as low gas pressure, a clogged vent flue, or a clogged burner orifice, which is preventing appropriate gas flow from occurring.
However, in many circumstances, a water heater requiring an excessive amount of time to reheat is simply due to the fact that the water heater does not have enough capacity to adequately service a residence.
This gives the impression that your water heater never heats up again, while in reality it just hasn’t had enough time to do so.
Low Hot Water Pressure
The fact that your water heater appears to be taking an inordinate amount of time to reheat suggests that you may be experiencing one of several issues. It’s possible that your thermostat is set too low, which implies that your burner isn’t producing enough energy to heat your water at a sufficient rate. It’s also possible that you have an issue with your gas connection, such as low gas pressure, a clogged vent flue, or a clogged burner orifice, which prevents appropriate gas flow from taking place.
Water heaters requiring an excessive amount of time to reheat are, in many circumstances, the result of an inadequate water heater’s capacity to serve a household.
This gives the impression that your water heater never heats up again, while in fact it just hasn’t had enough time to do so yet.
Water Too Hot or Too Cold
Do you have a water heater that has variable water temperatures? Is the water either too hot or not hot enough, no matter how you alter the temperature on your water heater? This is a telltale indicator that your thermostat is malfunctioning. It is possible that your thermocouple may need to be changed or cleaned in order for it to begin sensing temperatures properly again. Water that is too cold, on the other hand, may be an indication of a problem with the gas flow. As a result, if your gas supply is restricted or insufficient for your requirements, your burner will be unable to sufficiently heat the water in your storage tank.
Moe Plumbing has the expertise to get the job done well.
Water Heaters: Common Problems & Troubleshooting Tips – Oehlert Bros.
Your water heater works tirelessly in the background of your house, supplying hot water to your faucets and appliances while you’re not there. In certain cases, it works too hard, resulting in issues that may necessitate the use of a professional service provider. Here are four typical water heater problems, as well as some suggestions for how to resolve each one. Always remember to switch off the electricity to your water heater at the circuit breaker before doing any diagnostic work on the unit!
4 Most Common Water Heater Issues
- Providing hot water for your faucets and appliances, your water heater works tirelessly in the background of your home’s operation. In certain cases, it works too hard, causing issues that may necessitate the use of a professional service. Listed below are four typical water heater issues, along with some suggestions for how to resolve each one. Please keep in mind that before performing any diagnostic work on your water heater, you should always switch off the electricity.
- Ice cold water is frequently caused by a lack of electricity, a defective thermostat, or a faulty heating element in the water heater or faucet. To begin, rule out power as a potential suspect by resetting tripped circuit breakers and replacing blown fuses as needed. After that, double-check that all power switches are switched on and that all power indicators are on. Finally, ensure sure the thermostat is receiving electricity by checking the power cord. A malfunctioning heating element or thermostat might be to blame if your water isn’t getting hot enough. If your water isn’t getting hot enough, the problem could be caused by an undersized water heater, crossed hot and cold connections, or a crossed hot and cold connection. To rule out a crossing connection, shut off the water supply and turn on a hot water faucet simultaneously. If water continues to flow, you may have a crossed connection. Beyond that, we recommend that you consult with a professional to check the thermostat on the water heater’s heating components and to determine whether or not your water heater is adequately sized. A hot shower or bath typically indicates that the thermostat is set too high, which is a sign of a hot water heater. Consult your water heater’s owner’s handbook for information on how to modify the thermostat temperature – In order to get the optimal combination of heat and efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a temperature of 120° F.
Water leaks can be attributable to a variety of factors, including the following:
- Insufficient temperature and pressure (T P) relief valve, insufficient water pressure, overheating, a jammed valve, an unnoticed plumbing connection leak, loose heating element bolts, a broken gasket, a leaky water tank are all possible causes.
Check for any visibly loose plumbing connections and tighten (but not overtighten) them if necessary to decrease the leak’s severity. After that, inspect the loose heating element bolts and tighten them as necessary. If the gasket around the heating element is still leaking, you will most likely need to replace it (we recommendhiring a professionalto do this). Check for leaks on or around the storage tank, since storage tanks often corrode from the inside out, and you may be witnessing the beginning of the end of your water heater’s service life at this point.
The equipment lasts roughly twice as long as a traditional tank heater and takes up about a fourth of the area in your basement.
Consult with a professional water heater expert to evaluate whether changing the anode rod would resolve the issue; if not, the water heater should be replaced.
You may make an attempt to resolve this issue by flushing the water heater – watch this video for instructions on how to accomplish this.
Do you require a water heater replacement or water heater servicing for your Pennsylvania residence?
Put your trust in the professionals at Oehlert Bros. For additional information, or to receive a FREE, no-obligation quote for a water heater update, contact us now!