Common Water Heater Problems and How to Fix Them

Did you find yourself without hot water when you woke up this morning? Have you noticed any odd noises coming from your water heater lately? These are only two of the numerous problems that can arise with water heaters and can be highly inconvenient.

With winter on its way, there will be an increase in water heater use in Sacramento and other parts of the US. 

Being a homeowner inevitably includes occasional issues with appliances. It can be challenging to know what to do in such circumstances. So, the question arises – is it better to seek professional water heater services in Sacramento, or should you try to handle the problem on your own?

We suggest you contact the professionals. However, this post will discuss frequent problems with non-heating water. Also, we have provided instructions on how to repair your heater. Moreover, we will advise you when it might be best to contact a specialist.

5 Common Water Heater Problems and How You Can Fix Them!

Here are 5 common water heater problems that you might face – 

Water Heater Isn’t Warming Up

Numerous problems might lead to a shortage of hot water. Water in the tank of an electric water heater may stop heating due to a power outage or malfunctioning heating element. Also, water may not heat in gas water heaters due to malfunctioning burners, pilot lights, or gas connections.

Electric Water Heater

If you have an electric water heater and your water isn’t hot, check the breaker to see if it accidentally tripped. If so, simply reset the circuit, and your water heater should keep working. If there were no power outages, the heating element might be broken. In this instance, a specialist may be required to repair the water heater in Sacramento.

Gas Water Heater

Ensure the pilot light is on if you have a gas water heater and the water isn’t hot. The lines may freeze if the temperature gets too low. Hence, heating the water requires first thawing the lines. You will need a professional to inspect your heater for issues if the pilot light is on and the lines are not frozen but the water is not heating.

Hot Water Smells Bad

When your hot water smells bad, it usually indicates that the water in your water heater has been sitting there for too long. Run some cold water to see whether it smells the same as hot water to confirm that the water heater is the source of the stench. 

If the bad smell is limited to the hot water, the water heater is the source of the problem. When water in the heater is kept at a steady temperature for a considerable time, germs can proliferate. Thus causing stink in the water. 

Also, hydrogen sulfide could be the cause of the persistent smell. It is better to conduct a water test if you are still determining the source of the stench.

Moreover, it is necessary to flush the heater to remove bad-smelling hot water. To avoid germs, minerals, and sediment accumulation, all water heaters should be cleansed at least once a year. Even when water has been left in the tank for an extended period, flushing lowers the likelihood of germs growing in a water heater.

How to flush?

• Turn the water heater off. The thermostat on a gas water heater should be set to the “Pilot” position. Turn off the heater’s electricity at the fuse box if it’s an electric heater.
• Close the valve for cold water. It is located at the tank’s top.
• Don’t move the heater. You can avoid getting burned when emptying the tank. Before continuing, let the tank sit for at least two hours.
• Add a garden hose to the valve for draining. You can empty the water onto your grass or a drain if it’s cool. Pouring warm or hot water onto your plants or lawn is not advisable.
• Turn on the hot water faucet. You can stop your lines from becoming overly pressurized while they are draining.
• Turn on the drain valve. Let the tank run empty all the way. Make a note of any unusual noises or leaks in your tank that seem problematic.
• Activate the chilled water. Till the water seems clear, let the cold water stream through the hose. After the water is clear, turn off the cold water. Rinsing the tank removes any bacteria that might still be on the heater’s walls.
• After closing the drain valve, take the hose off. When the tank has been adequately cleaned, shut off the drain valve to allow the tank to fill.
• Fill the tank. Turn on the cold water to allow the tank to fill after closing the drain valve and unplugging the line. Throughout this process, your hot water faucet should stay open. When the flow of hot water from your home’s faucet is constant, the water heater is full.
• Activate the water heater. Return the thermostat to its default settings for gas heaters. Turn on the heater’s electricity at the fuse box if it’s an electric heater. The water will start to heat up from the heater.

If this seems too much, please contact Sacramento’s water heater services. They ensure that the work is done efficiently. 

Limescale Accumulation in the Water Heater

Hard water circulating through pipes and appliances causes limescale buildup. Hard water’s mineral deposits build up on plumbing fittings’ edges over time, producing thick layers that reduce water flow. The water heater is the home appliance most prone to limescale buildup. 

Some of the water evaporates in a water heater during heating, which increases the concentration of minerals in the remaining water. In addition to improving the energy required to heat water, limescale in a water heater poses a risk to the heating element. The following are the three most typical signs of limescale accumulation in water heaters – 

• The heater is making loud banging or crackling noises.
• Water the color of rust with an awful odor.
• Heating element failure.

How can water heaters prevent limescale from accumulating?

Treating the water before it enters the tank is the most effective technique to minimize the accumulation of limescale in a water heater. A water softener or a water heater filter can carry out this treatment. 

The tank can be cleaned to eliminate any existing limescale in the system after the proper pretreatment. When it comes to water heaters, those without limescale will heat water more effectively than those with limescale buildup. Also, the heating element will be less vulnerable to damage than a heater with scale.

Water Heater Leak

There are many reasons for water heater leaks. However, the following are the most typical ones – 

Pressure Valve Failure

The temperature and pressure release valve sometimes called the relief valve on a water heater, might malfunction if it is loose, old, or fitted improperly. The pressure inside the tank must be reduced until a functional valve can be added. 

If the valve is broken, then you need to contact services for water heater replacement in Sacramento, to replace the broken valve. 

Accumulation of Sediment

You will usually see sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. The silt in the tank can eventually lead to the wall and floor of the heater to crack. Hence, the heater must be flushed regularly. 

The best way to avoid sediment accumulation in a water heater are to flush it once a year or to apply a suitable pretreatment, like whole-house water filtration.

Loose Drain Valve

The drain valve of a water heater is used vigorously whenever the tank is drained. Water leaks could potentially result from this valve’s deterioration or loosening over time. 

The drain valve probably has to be replaced if tightening it does not stop the leak. Hence, water heater services in Sacramento can help you with it. 

Outdated Anode Rod

The part of a water heater that keeps the tank from corroding is called the anode rod. It draws in the mineral content of the water, shielding the remaining portion of the tank from the damaging effects of mineral contact. 

The anode rod loses its effectiveness and puts the remainder of the tank at risk when it has accumulated enough minerals. Replace the anode rods whenever necessary to avoid tank erosion and prevent any water heater problems. 

Cold or Excessively Hot Water

Sometimes, a malfunctioning thermostat or heating element may be the source of overheated or underheated water from a water heater. Although water heaters are designed to operate at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, some users may find this too hot or too hot. 

Adjust the thermostat to 140 degrees if your water is too cold, then wait for about an hour before testing the water once more. There is probably a problem with the thermostat or heating element if the water is still excessively cold. 

Similarly, if the water in your home is excessively hot, lower the thermostat’s setting and see if the water’s temperature has altered. You will require the help of an expert to identify and fix the issue if the temperature stays unchanged. If you have any issues with the heating or cooling of the water heater, contact your nearest water heater repair in Sacramento. 

Takeaway

It is important to address any problem with your water heater – even the minor ones. It assists in maintaining the security and convenience of your home. Frequent issues such as corrosion, leaks, and sediment buildup can cause damage to your heater. In Sacramento, the winters are extremely cold, and surviving without a water heater can be difficult. 

Timely repair is important. This is because neglecting any issues can escalate to costly replacements and repairs. 

Get Your Water Heater Fixed by Heald Mechanical

If you are looking for a professional water heater repair in Sacramento, contact Heald Mechanical. We are the best HVAC company in the region. 

We also provide services for water heater installation in Sacramento. Moreover, we offer furnace repair and service, air duct replacement, healing repair, and many more.

Contact us to get the best quote!