9 Common Water Heater Issues: What You Should Do
When your water heater is struggling to get even a little warm, you might wonder if you can fix the problem on your own. Many common water heater issues are quick and simple to fix, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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9 Common Water Heater Issues: DIY or Professional Fix?
Should you reach out to a professional for water heater repair, or is the issue one you can fix on your own? We’ll help you pick the best option so you can get back to enjoying hot water on demand.
1. No Hot Water
One of the most common water heater problems is turning on the hot water and getting ice-cold water instead. You likely have a tripped circuit breaker, a pilot light that went out, or a broken electrical component.
If you’re dealing with a faulty pilot light, you can relight it yourself if you feel comfortable. Make sure to wait five to 10 minutes after turning your gas control valve off. Allowing residual gas to dissipate will make igniting the light safer. If you have any doubt about your ability to fix a pilot light, reach out to Beutler to get a technician on the case.
You can also reset the breaker by flipping it off and then on again.
2. Water Too Hot
Sometimes you have the opposite problem, and your water is too hot. You’ve probably got a faulty thermostat or wrong temperature setting, which is one of the easiest fixes on this list.
All you have to do is adjust your thermostat to different settings to troubleshoot what your water heater needs. Lowering the temperature should make the water more comfortable.
3. Temperature Fluctuations
Common water heater issues can include your water running hot, then cold, then hot again. This problem usually comes from a malfunctioning thermostat or sediment buildup.
You can fix this issue by flushing your water heater’s tank (which we recommend doing annually). You can also adjust your thermostat by switching to different settings. If nothing seems to work, you might need a thermostat calibration.
4. Rotten Egg Smell
The odor of rotten eggs usually points to bacterial buildup in the tank, often the result of an anode rod that needs replacing. We recommend a simple water tank flush to get rid of the smell.
If that doesn’t work, try replacing the anode rod to see if that cleans up the water.
5. Low Water Pressure
If your water comes out as a weak trickle no matter what setting you’re using, you likely have sediment buildup in your tank affecting the water flow. This common water heater issue can also stem from corroded pipes that get clogged with dirt or rust.
A tank flush might fix this problem. If not, reach out to a professional to see if your pipes need replacing. Plumbing issues are a common cause of water heater problems.
6. Discolored Water
Orange or brown water can be shocking, but it’s usually the sign of a rusted tank that needs cleaning or replacing. Try flushing the tank to see if that clears up your water.
If your water still comes out discolored, you may have corroded pipes or a larger municipal problem. A plumbing professional will help you narrow down the issue and figure out if you need a new tank so you can drink your water worry-free.
7. Noisy Water Heater
Water heaters sometimes make soft clicking or ticking sounds as they heat on and off. If you hear rumbling, sizzling, or crackling sounds, you may have sediment buildup in the tank. Whistling may point to a loose inner component or a water pressure issue.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so call for an inspection to pinpoint the cause of any strange noises.
8. Visible Leaks
If you notice any leaks near your water heater, you need to fix the problem immediately. These common water heater issues usually result from cracks, faulty connections, or a leaking valve.
Handy homeowners may be able to tighten a water heater’s valve with a wrench. A physical crack, though, is a sign your water heater is going bad and will need a replacement. Water heaters generally have a lifespan of 10 years.
9. Increased Energy Bills
Sometimes your utility bills go up without any apparent reason. You may have a malfunctioning thermostat that makes your water far too hot or an old water heater that needs replacing.
Let Beutler Fix Your Water Heater and Save You Money
Old or damaged water heaters soon become more trouble than they’re worth. Beutler can help you repair your unit or swap in an energy-efficient model so you can enjoy hot water for less. We serve homeowners throughout Northern California to make sure they’re never without the heating, cooling, or plumbing they need to stay comfortable.
Save time in your busy week by letting us handle common water heater repairs. Call us today to schedule an appointment!