If you’re like most homeowners in Santa Rosa, your water heater is one of the most important interesting appliances. They heat and store the water that keeps your family comfortable and healthy every day.
Water heaters are a key part of the home’s plumbing system, providing hot water for showers, sinks, and other fixtures. They are also responsible for heating the water that comes from your faucets.
In the US, water heaters are found in nearly half of all homes. If you’re one of those homeowners, you may think that your water heater is a simple appliance that doesn’t need much attention—but it’s more complicated than you might realize!
There are many things that can go wrong with it. From clogged jets to broken pipes, there are many things that can make your water heater stop working properly.
Even if your water heater is still working, it is important to know the common problems so that you can be ready to fix them when they do occur.
In this article, Holman Plumbing will tell you about some common problems and how to fix them so that you can keep enjoying hot water in your home.
What Are the Common Water heater Problems?
Water heater problems are a fact of life. If you’ve ever lived in an apartment or have been the owner of a home, you’ve probably experienced the headache of dealing with an inefficient or broken water heater.
Water heaters break down for a variety of reasons, but there are some common ones that we can help you avoid. Here are 20 common water heater problems you should know:
No hot water
This is one of the most common problems with water heaters. It can be caused by a number of different factors, including:
1. A lack of water pressure in the line leading to the heater
2. A faulty thermostat or other control system component
3. A clogged or broken element in the heater itself
4. A leaky gas line that results in insufficient fuel being delivered to the heater (This is typically diagnosed using a flame test)
5. A malfunctioning thermostat on your water heater
6. Something wrong with the burner or pilot light
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Insufficient hot water
If you’re having trouble getting enough hot water from your faucet despite turning up the temperature knob, it’s possible that an internal part has broken off or become dislodged inside your unit. This is one of the more common causes of insufficient hot water flow in residential units.
Strange noises
Strange noises from a water heater can also indicate major problems, such as leaks or broken parts inside, which need replacing sooner rather than later so that they don’t cause more damage or require more expensive repairs down the road if left unattended for too long without being fixed first! If you hear strange sounds from your hot water heater, call right away so that no more damage occurs until someone comes out to check things out further.
Leaking water
Another common problem with water heaters is a leak. If you notice your water heater starting to leak or there are signs of corrosion on the outside of the tank, it’s time to replace it. Leaks can cause damage to your flooring and drywall, which can be costly to repair. You should also check for any signs of rust or corrosion inside your tank—this could indicate that it’s starting to fail or has already failed.
Discolored or smelly water
If you notice that your tap water is discolored or smells funny, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong with your water heater. It could mean that there’s sediment built up in the tank or even a leak in the pipes. If this happens frequently, it would be wise to call a water heater repair plumber right away so they can find out what the water heater problem is and fix it before it becomes worse!
Low water pressure
Tankless water heater low flow problems can be caused by many factors such as clogged pipes and worn-out fixtures. If you notice a tankless water heater low flow problem from your faucets than normal, check for signs of leaks or clogs under sinks and toilets or in areas where pipes connect. You may also want to call a Santa Rosa plumber if the problem persists even after checking for leaks and clogs—it could be something more serious, like corrosion inside pipes or an issue with your hot water heater itself.
High water pressure
If your water pressure is too high, it can cause a variety of issues with your water heater. If the pressure is too high, you may experience leaks from the faucet or shower head. Other symptoms are leaking pipes in your home and excessive noise from running water. The excess pressure can also damage your plumbing system, so check it out immediately if you notice any of these signs!
The pilot light won’t stay lit
If the pilot light on your water heater won’t stay lit, this usually means that there is an issue with the thermocouple or thermopile. When these components fail, they will cause an interruption in the power supply to the ignitor coil as well as an interruption of gas flow into the burner chamber. You’ll need to have them replaced by a professional before being able to use your heater again—but don’t worry! This isn’t hard at all; just give a call to a professional water heater replacement plumber.
Electric heating element issues
A water heater’s electric heating element heats the water inside your tank. When it breaks, it can mean you won’t have hot water for bathing or washing dishes. The reason this happens is usually because of minerals in the water. Minerals are attracted to the heating element and build up on it over time, which causes the element to short out.
Faulty thermostat
The thermostat controlling how much heat goes into your tank is one of the most important parts of your hot water heater—if it fails, you’ll either have no hot water or too much! It’s best to replace this part before it fails completely so you don’t end up with cold showers for weeks on end!
Sediment buildup
Sediment buildup is a common problem with water heaters. Sediment consists of minerals and other particles that accumulate on the bottom of your tank. This can cause the heating elements to become less efficient, which means that you’ll be paying more for hot water than you need to.
Pressure relief valve problems
A pressure relief valve is a safety feature that automatically releases excess pressure from your tank if it gets too high. If yours hasn’t been working properly for some time now, it could be time for a replacement.
Faulty dip tube
A dip tube is a small tube that extends from the bottom of your water heater and connects to the cold-water supply line. It helps to ensure that there’s always enough water in your tank. If you notice that your water heater has a faulty dip tube, you should call a professional to repair it.
The trouble with anode rod deterioration
The anode rod helps protect your water heater by preventing corrosion, but if it deteriorates for some reason—or if someone accidentally removes it—it can cause severe damage to the tank, which could result in leaks or other problems. Make sure you don’t remove the anode rod without consulting a professional first.
Tank corrosion
Another common Bradford white water heater problem is tank corrosion. The tank is part of the water heater where hot water is stored as it waits for use in your home. This is usually made from steel or plastic (although some older models might have been made from copper). Over time, these materials can corrode due to exposure to bacteria or other contaminants in the water supply or from chemicals used in cleaning products. Corrosion can lead to leaks inside the tank which can cause damage to your home and even flood damage if left unchecked!
Incorrect temperature settings
If you notice that your Bradford white water heater problem doesn’t get as hot as it used to when you turn up the thermostat, or if it takes longer than usual for hot water to come out of the tap after turning on the heater, this could be an indication that something has gone wrong with your temperature controls or heating elements inside your unit.
Power supply issues
If your water heater has an electrical component, it is possible that there is an issue with its power supply. This could be due to a loose connection, faulty circuit breaker, or fuse.
Thermal expansion problems
This problem occurs when there’s a sudden change in temperature, like when you open up your door after being away all weekend and find that it’s been freezing cold outside (or vice versa). The expansion can cause cracks in the tank and affect its overall functioning.
Incorrectly sized unit
If your home is properly insulated and has low-flow fixtures, your current water heater may be oversized for the demand on it. This can lead to reduced performance over time and shortened lifespan.
Age-related issues
Water heaters have an average lifespan of 10-15 years, but if yours is older than that, age-related issues such as rusting or corrosion have likely started to show up in its construction—a problem is known as “piping fatigue.”
How to Fix Water Heater Problems?
The water heater is one of the most important parts of your house. It’s what keeps you warm and cozy during cold months, and it’s also what heats up your shower so you can get clean. However, if something goes wrong with your water heating system, you’ll have to deal with some very unpleasant consequences.
If your heater isn’t working properly, there are many different issues that could be causing it. Luckily, we’ve outlined all of them in the above section, so you know exactly what the problem is.
Now, if you want to fix those water heater problems on your own, then this section is for you.
The method to fix water heater problems depends on your specific issue. Here are some general troubleshooting steps for common water heater problems:
No hot water or insufficient hot water
- Check the power supply: For electric water heaters, ensure that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. For gas water heaters, make sure the gas supply is turned on.
- Reset the thermostat: Set the thermostat to the desired temperature and see if it resolves the issue.
- Check the heating elements: For electric water heaters, test the heating elements using a multimeter and replace any faulty ones.
- Flush the tank: Sediment buildup can reduce the efficiency of the heater. Drain the tank to remove sediment and improve heating.
Leaking water
- Turn off the power supply: Shut off the electricity or gas to the water heater.
- Locate the source of the leak: Determine where the water is coming from. It could be a loose connection, a faulty valve, or a cracked tank.
- Tighten connections: If the leak is from a connection point, carefully tighten the fittings. Be cautious not to overtighten, as it can cause damage.
- Replace faulty parts: If a valve or component is damaged or worn out, it may need to be replaced. Consult a professional plumber in Santa Rosa, CA, if necessary.
Strange noises
- Flush the tank: Sediment buildup can cause noises. Drain the tank to remove sediment and minimize noise.
- Replace the heating element: If the noise persists, it could be because of a faulty heating element that needs to be replaced.
- Discolored or smelly water:
- Flush the tank: Sediment accumulation or reaction with the anode rod can cause discoloration or odor. Flushing the tank can help remove sediment.
- Replace the anode rod: If the odor persists, the anode rod may be deteriorated and need replacement.
Pilot light won’t stay lit
- Check the gas supply: Ensure that the gas supply is turned on and the gas line is free from obstructions.
- Clean the pilot assembly: Dust or debris in the pilot assembly can cause the flame to go out. Clean the assembly carefully or call a professional for assistance.
- Replace the thermocouple: If the pilot light still doesn’t stay lit, the thermocouple may be faulty and need replacement.
DIY Vs. Professional Water Heater Repair
When it comes to repairing your water heater, is DIY the way to go? Or should you just call a professional?
There’s no denying that water heaters are complicated and require some level of expertise. But when it comes down to it, the question is: can you do it yourself? How much will it cost? What are the risks? And what are the benefits?
So, here’s a comparison table highlighting the differences between DIY (Do-It-Yourself) and professional water heater repair:
| Aspect | DIY Repair | Professional Repair |
| Skill Level Required | Basic to Intermediate | Advanced |
| Safety Risk | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time Required | Variable (Depends on the complexity of the issue) | Faster (Professionals have experience and specialized tools) |
| Tools and Equipment | Basic tools (wrench, screwdriver, multimeter, etc.) | Specialized tools and diagnostic equipment |
| Warranty Coverage | Depends on the manufacturer’s terms and conditions | Typically includes warranty coverage on parts and labor |
| Expertise and Knowledge | Limited to basic troubleshooting and minor repairs | Extensive knowledge and experience in water heater systems |
| Complexity of Repairs | Suitable for simple issues like thermostat adjustment | Capable of diagnosing and fixing complex problems effectively |
| Risk of Mistakes | Higher (Inadequate repairs may lead to further damage) | Lower (Professionals have expertise and experience) |
| Legal Compliance | No specific requirements, but they should adhere to safety guidelines | Professionals are trained to comply with safety and code regulations |
| Convenience | DIY repairs can be done at your own pace and convenience | Professional repairs may require scheduling and wait for service appointments |
| Long-Term Reliability | Depends on individual skills and understanding of water heaters | Professional repairs generally offer better long-term reliability |
Call the Santa Rosa Plumbers for All Things Related to Water Heaters!
It’s hard to be a homeowner. You can’t always be on top of every detail.
But that’s why we’re here! Holman Plumbing is your local plumbing company for all things related to water heaters repair and replacement!
If you’ve noticed that your water heater hasn’t been acting like itself lately, or if you’ve been having trouble with it for a while now, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
At Holman Plumbing, we are committed to providing affordable and professional Water Heater Maintenance and Solutions in Santa Rosa to our residential and commercial clients. Our technicians are highly trained, experienced, and licensed, so you can rest assured knowing the fact that any issue with your water heater will be taken care of quickly and efficiently.
We provide the following services:
– Water heater repair
– Water heater replacement
– Hot water tank installation
– Tankless water heater installation
– Hot water heater maintenance
We also provide water heater repair, replacement, and installation services for every type of heater you can imagine, including:
– Tankless heaters
– Electric heaters
– Gas heaters
– Solar heaters
– Tanked heaters
So, whether you need a new water heater installed or have a faulty hot water heater that needs repairing, we are here to help! Call us today at (707) 347-8958!