A reliable water heater is essential for multiple everyday tasks, from cooking and cleaning to taking showers and more. Without consistent hot water, these things can become inconvenient and throw a major wrench in your routine. Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the most common water heater problems and when to contact a qualified professional for help.
1. You Don’t Have Enough Hot Water
One of the most frequent complaints we get is that a water heater is running out of hot water too fast. For example, there’s an issue if you have to rush through a hot shower or you lack enough warm water to do a complete load of dishes.
The culprit could be anything from sediment buildup at the bottom of your tank, incorrect thermostat settings, or a water heater that is too small to meet your household demand. Try flushing your water heater and adjusting your thermostat to 120-140°F before calling a professional.
2. Your Water Isn’t Getting Warm at All
If your water heater has stopped working altogether, this is a clear sign of a problem. In gas water heaters, this could be due to the pilot light going out. An electric water heater that isn’t heating at all might have an issue with the heating element or the circuit breaker may have tripped during a power surge.
3. Your Water Is Too Hot
Scalding hot water can be just as problematic as no hot water. This can be caused by a thermostat that is set too high or a faulty temperature control valve. Try lowering your thermostat to 120°F to see if this helps and if not, reach out to a water heater professional as soon as possible.
4. Your Water Heater Is Leaking
Water heaters should never be wet on the outside, so a leak is usually a sign of a significant problem. Possible causes include:
- Connections and fittings that have loosened over time
- Rust inside the tank that has eaten small holes through the metal
- High water pressure that strains the limitations of the tank
If you’re handy and have a wrench available, you can try tightening any loose connections that may be causing the leak. You don’t want to overdo it though, so it may be better to reach out for professional help before trying any DIY fixes.
5. Your Water Heater Is Making Strange Noises
The older your water heater gets, the more likely it is to start making unusual noises. Popping, crackling, and other strange sounds can be caused by:
- Sediment buildup. When minerals from hard water settle at the bottom of the tank, they can harden over time and create noise when the water heats.
- A malfunctioning heating element. With electric water heaters, a broken heating element can sound like buzzing or humming.
- Water pressure problems. Changes in water pressure can sometimes cause water heaters to make banging noises.
6. Your Water Is Dirty or Has an Odor
Having discolored or smelly water come out of your faucets can be an extremely unpleasant experience. It’s also a sign of deeper problems, like a corroded anode rod, rusty plumbing, or bacterial growth. In the latter case, you can flush your tank and sanitize it with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to eliminate harmful microbes.
If you need a new anode rod or you suspect your pipes are contaminating your water, it’s critical to contact a licensed plumbing professional.
7. High Energy Bills
If there’s been a sudden increase in your energy bills, even though your water usage hasn’t changed, this is something to take notice of. It could be due to a leak or inefficiency that is forcing your system to work harder than normal, or there could be a malfunctioning part that needs to be replaced.
Contact Your Preferred South Shore Water Heater Professionals
Don’t let water heater problems disrupt your routine. McClaren Heating & Air Conditioning can diagnose and fix water heater issues fast, so you can get back to doing what’s most important.
Whether you need regular maintenance, a major repair, or a whole new water heater, our experienced team is available now for service. Contact us at 781-447-0136 to get a free estimate, and let us deliver reliable water heater services you can count on.
