If your water heater is having problems, this does not mean you need to replace it quickly. Instead, you can fix the problem at your home by yourself or call a professional. The repair cost is much less than the replacement cost, but you first need to find the water heater problem.  

The problem inside the heater may vary depending on the type of heater you have. The most common issue with the electric heater is the failure of the electric circuit, while carbon formation and combustion odor is the problem with the gas water heaters. 

If you leave the water heater problem unresolved, it will lead to a big unresolvable issue. Here is a quick guide that will help you understand your water heater problem and give you the idea of fixing the issue.

Safety first

Do not forget to switch off the power supply before troubleshooting the issue.

Temperature issue

It is the most apparent issue you might face with your water heater. Here are the 3 temperature issues you will likely face.

No hot water 

The probable reason for no hot water from the water heater may differ depending on whether you have an electric or gas heater. If you have an electric heater, then these might be the reasons:

• The thermostat became faulty.

• The heater is not receiving power.

In the case of a gas water heater, you have to check whether the gas valve is on or if the burner is effectively working or not. 

How to fix it

The heater will not receive power if its breaker gets tripped and the fuse is blown. In the first case, switch off the breaker and turn it on again. In the latter case, replace the defected fuse with the functional one. 

The faulty thermostat can be corrected only by replacing the failed heating element. If the high temperature has cut off, the heater will give off the cold water. To fix it, switch off the beaker, open the access panel of the upper thermostat and press the reset button and turn on the power supply.

Inadequately hot

The inadequately hot water might be due to an undersized water heater, which means the demand is more than the limit. 

For instance, if the limit of your water heater is 50 gallons, it will produce 40 gallons of hot water, but if you exceed the limit, the heater will start pouring inadequately hot water.  

How to fix it

The only way to fix the problem of inadequate warm water is to limit the demand. If your heater capacity is large enough to manage all your demands and still produces lukewarm water, then there must be some issue with the upper or the lower thermostat. 

Too Hot water

Too hot water pours from the tape when the thermostat is set too high. It may also occur rarely due to a fault in the temperature pressure valve.

How to Fix It

Getting too hot water from the water heater is not a significant issue. Check the heater setting manual to adjust the temperature of the thermostat. The recommended temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit which will maintain the heat, and the heater will also work efficiently. 

Discoloration of water and bad smell

The water heater sometimes starts producing rusty water. It is a clear indication of corrosion in the inner lining of the water heater tank. Bacterial growth inside the tank produces an unpleasant rotten egg smell.

How to fix it

You can not fix this problem on your own because to troubleshoot this issue, you need to replace the anode rod. Call the best plumbers club to hire a professional plumber to resolve this water heater problem. If the water discoloration is not due to a malfunctioning anode, you need to replace the water heater. 

Water Leakage

Leaky water heater tanks are the most severe problem that needs to be fixed quickly because it damages other household goods. The heater may leak due to the damaged temperature and pressure relief valves, loose heating element bolts, or loose plumbing connections.

How to fix it

To fix the leakage, tighten the heating element bolts with the help of a wrench. If necessary, replace the valves. Tank leakage occurs due to corrosion which no one can repair, so it is good to replace the water heater.

Noise Production

It is also the case that the tank starts making noise due to the sediment or scale build-up. This sediment overheats the tank's surface and the water boils which may also produce sound. On the other hand, the heating element sometimes produces a snapping and popping sound when you run the heater.

How to fix it

Drain the water completely to get rid of the sediment and scales. If your heater is still producing sound, there might be other issues, so you need to consult a professional plumber to get this job done.

Rare water heater problems

Some other issues that may occur in the water heater are:

• Water takes too long to heat up. It is due to defective heating elements.

• Another problem with the water heater is low water pressure due to the comparatively narrow pipe. 

• The pilot light in case of the gas heater stays light due to a defect in the gas valve.

Monthly maintenance and cleaning of your water heater increase its life, and the heater will not create these common issues. 

Guest Contributor: Zahid