Home | General Plumbing | 5 Most Common Water Heater Problems

5 Most Common Water Heater Problems

5 Most Common Water Heater Problems

Being in the plumbing and heating & cooling industry for so many years, we’ve had the opportunity to deal with almost every water heater problem, and we’ve listed the five most common water heater problems for you.

Your water heater is one of the essential parts of your household’s comfort system. Showering, washing clothes, bathing, and cleaning dishes aren’t possible if your water heater can’t keep up. If your water heater isn’t working or starting to act up, it’s important to respond quickly and troubleshoot the problem. 

Being in the plumbing industry for so many years, Einstein Pros has had the opportunity to deal with almost every water heater problem. We have a keen idea of how to address common issues with water heaters and some of the more puzzling issues you could ever come across. Here are the five most common water heater problems that you may experience and how to best deal with them.

No Hot Water

Turning on your shower only to be doused with an intense wave of cold water never fails to surprise homeowners. When your shower or faucets fail to warm up, it likely means that your electric water heater has a broken heating element somewhere in your system. When one of these elements malfunctions, your water heater will fail to disperse water throughout your home completely.

If your water heater isn’t working at all, the first thing you want to do is to ensure that your pilot light is on. If it is out, simply turn it on. If the pilot light is working and you’re not getting hot water, it indicates a greater problem, and you should contact an expert local contractor like Einstein Plumbing and Heating for help.

Not Enough Hot Water

Running out of hot water is frustrating, and a few different issues can cause it. In this issue, your water heater’s thermostat may not be functioning properly, or your water heater is likely too small. Your only options would be to reduce your hot water usage or get a larger water heater tank to provide more for your home.

Occasionally, you might have a cracked dip tube that needs professional assistance to repair. Dip tubes take cold water and push it to the bottom of the tank to be heated. A cracked tube might release the water into the middle or top of your tank, and you’ll feel the cold water instead of heated water.

Homeowners investing in a bigger water heater might want to look into a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters are a bit more pricey, but you will never run out of hot water, and it’s worth the investment if you know you need a lot of hot water or want the peace of mind to not worry about a lack of hot water.

Water Temperature Too Hot or Cold

Usually, the thermostat may just be set a bit too high or too low on your water heater, causing you to receive an uncomfortable water temperature. Try adjusting the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit if you feel like your showers are too warm. Changing your water heater to 140 degrees Fahrenheit adds a good amount of heat to your water without taking it too far.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, you might have a faulty thermostat or sediment build-up in your tank. To solve this, drain your water heater, clean it out and refill it. You may need a new thermostat or heating element if you find no sediment. Call our plumbers to assess the condition of your water heater if these solutions don’t work.

The Water Is Colored

Rusty-colored water tells you that your tank is now rusting and corroding away, and your water heater isn’t working safely and effectively for your home. The most likely solution would be to replace your anode rod. An anode rod prevents rust from collecting in your tank, and fortunately, rotting issues are easily corrected if caught on time. As the rod begins to rot more and more, rust spreads to your tank, causing small cracks. These cracks in your system will eventually lead to a water heater tank leak.

Hot Water Heater Leaking

A leaking tank is probably on the short list of the most common issues with water heaters. Leaking tanks can be caused by a multitude of problems, including:

  • A broken or stuck drain valve
  • Too much water or temperature pressure in the tank
  • Corrosion and rust 
  • Condensation build-up
  • Bad gasket
  • Loose heating element bolts

Sometimes, a leak is caused by loose bolts and connections, which you can try to tighten and see if they cure the leak. If that doesn’t work, you should turn off your water heater to avoid a more serious issue due to your water leak, especially if it’s located around electrical components. If your leak is severe and your water heater floods, clean any standing water with towels and avoid using vacuum cleaners or driving electricity around the area. 

Leaks can be dangerous and put your entire home at risk, so you don’t want to take the risk that the situation will boil over. If you notice a leak, it’s best to call an Einstein Plumbing and Heating professional for immediate help. It will save you money and time to have an expert diagnose and fix the problem, so don’t hesitate to schedule the earliest appointment you can.

Get Professional Water Heating Services You Can Trust With Einstein Pros

Whether you’re form Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Portland, Salem, or Bend, Oregon, a water heater is a valued appliance in your home, which is why you should be aware of these common issues with water heaters. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to make the scientific choice of calling on a local plumbing pro in Bend, Oregon from Einstein Plumbing and Heating to do the job for you. Like our namesake once said:

“If I had to do it all over again, I’d be a plumber,” – Albert Einstein.

That’s a ringing endorsement if we’ve ever heard one! If you do see any problems with your water heater, heating and cooling systems, or with your sewer and mainline, reach out to our team today. We can diagnose plumbing problems and fix your hot water heater that isn’t working with speed and efficiency, and our plumbers are backed by the genius of a world-famous physicist!

Schedule an Estimate

Please fill up this form to send us your message, questions, comments, suggestions, and feedback. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank You!