If you’re experiencing issues with your home’s hot water supply, there’s a good chance your water heater is malfunctioning. Contacting a professional is the best way to find out. They can inspect your water heater and the lines connected to it, followed by fixing any problems they find.
If you notice any unusual sounds or puddles around the water heater, it’s definitely time to contact a professional to prevent any further damage. The following are some of the most common water heater problems to watch out for when determining if it’s time to call a plumber to help.
Fluctuating Water Temperatures
Your water heater may struggle to provide water with consistent temperatures for a variety of reasons. When sediment builds up in the tank, it creates an insulating layer that hinders efficient heating. A failing heating element can also result in fluctuating temperatures. Problems with heating elements often arise because of corrosion inside the tank. It could also be due to electrical issues, like loose connections.
Replacing the heating element may be necessary to ensure the home has safe and reliable water temperatures. If the thermostat isn’t working as it should, a plumber will fix it, which may also fix the inconsistent temperature issue. When the fluctuating temperatures stem from sediment buildup, a plumber will need to drain and flush the tank.
Not Enough Hot Water
Faulty thermostats and broken heating elements do much more than cause fluctuating temperatures. They can also lead to a home not having access to enough hot water to meet its demands. The same will happen if the sediment buildup inside a tank gets too severe.
Another reason homes experience hot water supply issues is if the water heater isn’t big enough to meet their demands. In this type of situation, the best thing to do is to install a bigger water heater. If sediment buildup is causing the problem, a plumber will need to flush the tank. Many homeowners in Sacramento find it best to install a tankless water heater to meet their hot water demands.
Strange Noises
Weird noises coming from a water heater are a definite reason to schedule a tune-up. Sediment that builds up at the bottom of the tank is a common culprit for noises like rumbling or popping. As the water gets warmer, trapped air bubbles explode out of the sediment and into the water, making a noise. Having a plumber flush the tank is generally all that’s needed to make the system quieter and more efficient.
The presence of a high-pitched shrieking sound is often indicative of a partly closed valve or a blocked entrance that is limiting the water flow. Plumbers fix this by checking for clogs in the system or by adjusting the valves.
If you have a gas-powered water heater and the gas line is leaking or the burner isn’t working properly, the unit might make a hissing sound. Plumbers address this problem by cleaning the burners, fixing loose connections and looking for leaks.
Water Leaks
Leaks in water heaters are somewhat frequent and can have many different origins. Corrosion inside the tank is a common cause because leaks develop when rust eats away at the tank’s liner. If a plumber inspects the unit and finds the corrosion to be extremely severe, it might be best to replace the whole unit. If the corrosion is mild, a plumber might recommend cleaning the affected area. They may also suggest applying a protective coating inside the tank to keep it from corroding even more.
The inlet and output pipe connections being loose or broken is another typical reason for water heater leaks. When this happens, plumbers fix it by either tightening or replacing the fittings, which stops the flow. Excess pressurization or a malfunctioning T&P relief valve can also cause a leak. To fix the problem, plumbers will either change the valve or raise or lower the water pressure.
A worn-out drain valve is another common source of leaks; plumbers can fix this by replacing the valve. Keeping up with regular water heater maintenance will help avoid many of these issues.
Discolored or Rusty Water
The presence of rust or discoloration in your home’s water supply is usually an indication of a plumbing or water heater issue. The water heater tank corroding and releasing rust particles into the water supply is a typical cause. The deterioration of the anode rod, which is responsible for preventing rust, is usually to blame for this. To make the tank last longer, a plumber can check the anode rod and replace it if needed.
Another common reason is sediment accumulation, which happens when minerals and other particles accumulate in the tank and start to tint the water. An ideal way to address this problem is to flush the tank to eliminate any silt. Rusty water might also be the result of rusted pipes or fittings, which a plumber can fix. The best way to keep your water clear and safe to drink is to have your water heater serviced regularly.
Foul-Smelling Water
If the water in your home is very smelly, it probably has something to do with the water heater. Bacteria can grow in the tank, which might create a smell somewhat similar to eggs or sulfur. This usually happens when the anode rod of the water heater interacts with the water and provides a perfect microclimate for bacteria. If this is the reason behind the smelly water, a plumber can clean or replace the anode rod.
Standing water in the tank might also be to blame. To alleviate the odor and eliminate any stagnant water, you can have a plumber flush the tank. Another potential source of unpleasant smells is a problem with the plumbing system, such as polluted pipes. A plumber can inspect the whole plumbing system to ensure they choose the best solution.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure from a water heater can make taking showers and doing water-based household tasks a challenge. One of the most common reasons that this happens is mineral accumulation in the tank or the pipes leading to the heater.
The gradual buildup of these minerals eventually makes the water pressure worse and worse. Draining and flushing the unit can sometimes fix the problem. Since malfunctioning pressure regulators are another common cause of low water pressure, the plumber may decide to inspect it as well.
Pilot Light Issues
The pilot light is an essential component of gas water heaters. It ignites the gas burner, which in turn heats the water. Water heaters can stop working altogether if the pilot light keeps going out or won’t light at all. Problems with the gas valve, thermocouple, or pilot tube are common causes of pilot light issues. The pilot light could also go out if it experiences exposure to air drafts or an inadequate gas supply.
A plumber will start the pilot light repair process by cleaning the pilot tube and checking the pilot light assembly for any obstructions. They may repair the thermocouple if it’s broken to make sure it detects the flame properly and instruct the gas valve to remain open. The next step involves making any required adjustments to the gas valve and checking the gas supply to make sure everything is working as it should.
The team at Huft Home Services has more than 20 years of experience helping homeowners in Sacramento with water heater services. We take much pride in building lasting relationships with our clients. We are a one-stop shop for all of your water heater, plumbing, heating and cooling, and electrical needs.
Call Huft Home Services today to book expert water heater services in Sacramento.
