Solutions To Common Water Heater Problems

Water heaters have improved the living standards of people since they provide a suitable alternative to traditional heating options. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can opt for an electric, gas, or solar water heater. Water heaters are easy to install, have low maintenance costs, and are very efficient.

But just like any other home appliance, water heaters could also get damaged due to overuse and lack of maintenance. Homeowners could manage less complex problems, but the experts at Expert Plumbing, Heating, Air and Electrical say that professionals could manage more serious problems like the ones below.

Leaking Water

This kind of water heater problem is often experienced in homes or offices with water tanks. Leaks at the bottom of the water heater could be due to normal condensation or damage in the heater’s gasket. But a leak from the top of the water heater could be an indication of loose piping or an issue with the inlet valve. A Salt Lake City water heating company explain that you may need to have the leaks repaired with the help of a licensed professional.

Inadequate Hot Water

As hot water heaters get older, they tend to produce less heat and hot water. However, if during normal use, you experience extreme loss in hot water, your thermostat could be faulty. To resolve this, you may need to test your thermostat first by adjusting it to the water heater. After several hours, you can test the water temperatures’ from a faucet, and if that does not resolve the issue, you may need to check for a leak around your unit.

Since leaks could substantially lower your hot water flow, it is highly advisable to carry out leaks repairs. On the other hand, if there are no leaks and your thermostat is working properly, you should try flushing your tank as there have been incidences where mineral build-up inhibits flow. Sometimes flushing can clean some of that deposit. However, if the problem persists, you should seek the services of a professional plumber.

Extremely Hot Water

If the temperature of the water jumps from room temperature or scorching, there could be a problem with the thermostat. You can try fixing the problem by first turning the thermostat down to a lower temperature then wait a few hours before testing the water on a faucet. A faulty unit will not turn off once it reaches the set temperature, hence the need to contact a technician to either repair or replace the water heater.

Rusty Or Smelly Water

The last thing you would want to deal with when you turn on the faucet is brown or smelly water coming out. Rusty water could be an indication of a corroded water tank, and if left untreated, it could result in leaks in the tank. To resolve this, you may need to replace the tank. In regards to the smelly water, there could be an issue with your water heater if only the hot water smells.

If that is the case, then you may need to flush your heater tank. If that does not work, then your pilot light may be off. You may, therefore, need to turn off your gas valve and wait for a few minutes for the gas to recede. A strong smell of gas should not be disregarded as that is an indication of a more serious issue, hence the need to contact your gas company and subsequently, your plumbing technician.

If the above tips do not seem to help you in fixing your water heater problems, you should consider seeking professional assistance from a reputable plumbing contractor. A good technician will carefully assess the issue at hand and offer recommendations.