What Are the Most Common Water Heater Problems?

Issues with your water heater can be inconvenient and impact your daily life. This is because hot water is often taken for granted until there is an issue. Your water heater works in the background, and you may even forget about it. However, avoiding regular maintenance and care when it comes to your water heater is a mistake. When issues do occur, you are often left helpless without a plumber. You may wonder, what are the most common water heater problems? Below you will find common water heater issues and why your first call should be your plumber.

What Are the Most Common Water Heater Problems?

Water heater problems can be a pain due to the impact it can have on your daily life. The issue can be overwhelming as it is often sudden and unexpected. Regular maintenance and addressing issues early on are key. Consider the most common water heater problems and when you should call a plumber to fix them.

Cold Water Only:

Jumping into a cold shower is no fun, especially when it’s cold out. If your water heater is only producing cold water, it could be the heating element. Electric heaters have two elements, and if either fails, it can impact your hot water. If the issue is not your water heater’s heating element, it could alternatively be due to a faulty thermostat. Consult with a plumbing contractor as soon as you notice the issue to avoid cold showers for too long.

Slightly Warm Water:

Slightly warm water is not as rough as cold water. However, the issue does indicate that there’s a problem with your water heater. Unfortunately, slightly warm water can be due to a variety of issues. A water heater that is too small, a malfunctioning thermostat, a damaged heating element, or sediment buildup are common causes of water that doesn’t get hot enough. Due to the inconvenience this can cause to your day-to-day life, consult with a plumber to address the issue right away.

Water That Is Too Hot:

Hot water can make showering an inconvenience, if not impossible. As with the other water issues, water that is too hot is often due to a malfunctioning thermostat. It is generally recommended to keep your hot water thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially true if you have an electric water heater. Additional causes include sediment buildup or the temperature-pressure relief valve. Excessively hot water issues should be addressed right away, as they can damage your plumbing system. Contact a plumber at water heater repair in Highland promptly.

Discolored Water:

Discolored or rusty water is an indication that there is corrosion inside your water heater tank. If left unaddressed, this can cause serious issues, including leaks or tank failure. The cause of rusty or discolored water is usually corrosion in the tank’s interior or rust on the heater’s components. Addressing the issue right away is key so it does not impact your plumbing system any further. Talk with your plumber about regular water heater maintenance to avoid further issues in the future.

Noises:

Your water heater should be fairly quiet. However, if you hear noises coming from your water heater, it’s an indication that there is an issue. Common noises that indicate an issue include banging or popping. These noises are often due to sediment buildup in your water heater tank. When sediment buildup gets stuck in the bottom of your tank, it can cause noises during the heat cycle. This is not a DIY project, so contact a professional plumber right away. Regular maintenance can ensure that this issue does not happen again.