You probably don’t think about your water heater often because it’s out of sight. However, behind the scenes, it works hard to provide you with hot water to shower, clean dishes, do laundry, and more. As a result, like other mechanical devices in your home, it may break down at some point in time. That said, here are five common water heater issues.
1. Little or No Hot Water
There are various reasons why you may receive inadequate or no hot water after turning on your faucet. If you get insufficient water or none at all, here are fixes you can try for electric heaters:
- Check the electric breaker to see if it’s tripped
- Check the thermostat temperature and turn it up if it’s low
- Check whether the heating element is worn out and get a professional plumber to replace it if necessary
Alternatively, if you have a gas water heater, check whether the pilot light has blown out or inspect the thermocouple and get it cleaned or replaced by a professional plumber if necessary.
2. Water That’s Too Hot
While having no hot water is an obvious sign there’s an issue with your water heater, water that’s too hot also isn’t a good sign. Check your thermostat if the water is too hot. Beaumont, TX can get pretty chilly during the winter, and you may have turned up your thermostat and forgotten to turn it down after the cold months. If lowering the temperature on your thermostat doesn’t resolve the issue, contact a plumber to come and inspect to see if you have a broken thermostat or wiring issue.
3. Low Water Pressure
Besides making showers less enjoyable, a drop in water pressure could indicate an issue with your water heater. If you notice a significant decline in water pressure, contact a plumber to inspect and clean your water heater if necessary.
4. Smelly Water
If a rotten-egg-like smell fills the air when you turn on the hot water, the water has likely become infected with bacteria. Smelly hot water is a common water heater issue, particularly in homes that receive water from a well.
Fortunately, you can resolve this issue yourself by flushing your water heater from time to time. However, if flushing doesn’t resolve the problem, you may need to replace the anode rod or call a plumber.
5. Noisy Water Tank
It’s not unusual for your water heater to make some noise when operating. However, banging, hissing, whistling, and popping could indicate several problems.
If you hear any of these sounds, try draining your water heater tank to remove built-up sediment. Alternatively, you can try to adjust your water heater’s pressure-release valve to reduce the pressure level.
If none of these fixes resolve the issue, your heating element may need to be replaced. Have a professional plumber inspect and replace your heating unit if necessary.
Schedule Water Heater Repair
If you encounter any of these issues and DIY fixes don’t work, don’t leave them unresolved. Contact EcoWorks Plumbing to schedule water heater repair. Our team is committed to providing high-quality and environmentally friendly plumbing solutions to residents in Beaumont, TX and surrounding areas.
