Common Water Heater Problems and How to Fix Them

The Water Heater Isn’t Heating the Water Effectively

There are many components of a water heater. If the water isn’t heating properly, it can be caused by different components. If you have an electric heater, ensure the power connection is secure, and the heating element is intact. A minor breaker can trip unexpectedly and cause these problems. Reset the circuit and replace the breaker. If you have a gas heater, check that the gas connection is intact and the burner is functioning efficiently. Look at the pilot light; if it is on and the water is still cold after some time, the problem may be caused by the lines. Calling a professional plumber may be a good option in such a case.

Hot Water Comes With A Foul Odor

When you turn on hot water, does a sudden foul smell come? If so, this can indicate that the water hasn’t been circulating correctly. Open the cold water and see if the smell persists. If not, it can indicate a problem with the water heater. Bacteria will grow in water that sits in a tank for a long time. Flushing the tank should resolve the issue.

The Water Is Colored

If you see rusty or discolored water, it can indicate sediment or corrosion in the tank. Over the years, the minerals in hard water can coat around the plumbing fixtures. This eventually leads to the formation of thick layers of limescale that slow down water flow. Treatment of this problem includes getting a water softener and cleaning the tank.

The Water Heater Is Leaking

A leaking water heater is a significant problem commonly seen in many homes. If your water heater leaks, it can be caused by various issues, including but not limited to the failure of the pressure valve and sediment buildup. If a pressure valve is old or incorrectly installed, it can fail. This can cause the pressure inside the tank to increase without any control and can result in leaks of the water heater. The best solution to this problem would be to install a new working valve into the tank. The other issue is sediment buildup. As sediment buildup can cause water discoloration, it can also cause cracks inside a water heater tank. Preventing this problem isn’t as simple as installing an appliance. Homeowners are recommended to get maintenance like annual flushing and install a water filtration or softener system to reduce the minerals that can cause the sediments to form.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing (Morgantown)

Are you looking for a plumbing service to help with water heater problems? You are at the right address. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we always put our customers first. We know how stressful facing issues with water heaters can be and are here to help. Call us today to learn more about us and our services, or get estimates for your next water heater repair right away!