Water Heater Repair: Things to Consider

Sometimes, water heater repair requires only something simple, such as dead batteries in a leak detection alarm. Before you get started, do these two things to save time and aggravation: attempting to fix it yourself or calling someone for water heater repair service.

Though water heaters are complex appliances, there are several common causes professionals look to first during troubleshooting. The most common problems with water heaters include the following.

Water Isn't Hot Enough

Several problems cause your water to not heat up enough, with the easiest being one or both elements are set too low. Also, your water heater may not be big enough for your space, or you may have a leak in your home's pipe system. If the problem only occurs on single showerheads or faucets, you may have a faulty thermostatic mixing valve. When it's none of these things, check for a bad lower heating element or thermostat. 

No Hot Water at All

When your faucets deliver no hot water at all, it's typically due to two main reasons. First, your home's electrical wiring systems and circuit breakers may have issues. Sometimes, overloads in one area can cause downstream effects. If this isn't the problem, you may have a burned-out upper heating element.

Water Temperature Is Too Hot

If your water temperature is too hot, you may have your thermostat set too high. Though you can adjust the temperature yourself, it's probably best to find a service provider who can perform water heater repair service on your unit.

Hot Water Runs Out Too Fast

Installing a unit that can't handle a home your size is the most common cause of this problem. If you run out of hot water frequently, use our water heater selector tool to find a unit more aligned with your needs. This tool considers flow rates based on your model, hot water use per occupant, how much hot water each uses at the same time, and your bath and shower sizes.

Rust-Colored Water or Bad Odor

The presence of a non-toxic sulfate reducing bacteria, Divibrio Sulfurcans, can cause rust-colored water and water that has a bad odor. This bacterium creates the energy it needs to survive by converting sulfate(SO4) to hydrogen sulfide(H2S) gas you smell in the water. 

The simplest treatment available is the shock-chlorination of the system. This is a surface treatment, and often requires repeated trials in heavily infected systems. The chlorination of a system requires that you follow each step explicitly to avoid an untreated portion of the piping system from reinfecting another part and needs to be done by a professional.

Tank Is Hot to the Touch

An issue with a hot-to-the-touch water heater may be a malfunctioning thermostat, but it's best not to take chances. The T&P valve is blocked, professionals will be required. Remove if you don't know what you are doing.

Water Leaks

Loose fittings and connections are the most common causes of water leaks. A faulty pressure relief valve, however, may be the culprit, as can be a corroded or cracked tank.

Tank Making Noises

Popping noises in your hot water tank usually mean you have sediment in your water heater, while pressure in the system may cause a banging noise called a "water hammer," which requires professional help. Whistling noises may indicate a blocked valve, and hissing usually means you have sediment inside the tank. Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank also causes vibrating noises.

Low Water Pressure

Many times, faulty pressure regulator valves cause low water pressure. When this issue is caused by your water heater, however, it's typically due to a blocked or damaged hot water shutoff valve.

Status Light Flashing (Gas)

When the status light on your gas water heater flashes, it usually indicates a lack of power to the unit or an empty tank. Other issues include problems with your thermostat or a pilot light that's gone out.

Checking the Water Pressure

Checking the water pressure keeps the pressure from getting too high and damaging your water heater and other appliances. Fortunately, this task is easy to do and requires just a few minutes of your time and a pressure gauge, which typically costs between $10 and $20. 

Corrosion Protection

The two most common ways your water heater corrodes are through thermal expansion and high water pressure. Replacing your anode rod regularly is a simple DIY repair that costs about $50 and takes only 15 minutes, but if your water is corrosive, you may need to call a professional for water softener installation. This can cost anywhere from $200 to $6,000, depending on the size and quality of the system.

Water heaters do so much around our homes that we rarely think about, and taking care of them on a regular schedule ensures they continue to perform up to our expectations. Keep these appliances in good working order by following all manufacturer maintenance recommendations. 

Let’s look at how regular water heater maintenance benefits you in key ways.

Optimum Performance and Efficiency

Water heaters that are well maintained typically perform at peak efficiency to save you money on energy costs. This means ridding your unit of sediment buildup and preventing potential corrosion by flushing the tanks as needed as well as checking and cleaning the heating elements. While performing maintenance, visually inspect the overall unit to ensure there are no issues.

Increase the Life of Your Water Heater

Water heaters are an expensive investment, so maintaining your existing unit extends its lifespan. The way sediment and minerals accumulate in your system has the potential to damage key parts and reduce its efficiency. Routine maintenance enables smooth operation and monetary savings over the long term.

Peace of Mind & Protection

Peace of mind is worth more than gold, and knowing you’re protected helps you sleep better each night. 

When you know your water heater is well-maintained, you can feel confident in taking a hot shower before work, running your dishwasher as you leave and knowing you can wash a load of clothes when you return. 

A proactive approach also protects your family should issues with a gas water heater create a potentially dangerous situation.