Common Water Heater Problems and How to Fix Them

When your water heater isn't working, you miss out on all the creature comforts you’re used to, like hot showers and water for cooking and cleaning. Luckily, if you pay attention to your unit, you may be able to fix common water heater issues before they shut down your system.

Learn more about the most common water heater problems and how to tackle them on your own. Educating yourself now might prevent you from going without hot water on a cold day.

What is the Most Common Water Heater Problem?

One of the most common water heater issues is sediment buildup in the tank. Over time, minerals from the water settle at the bottom, reducing efficiency and causing overheating. Luckily, this is a pretty easy fix — you just have to flush out your tank to get rid of the sediment.

Other frequent problems include:

• Pilot light failure: Prevents gas water heaters from heating water.
• Faulty thermostat: Leads to inconsistent water temperatures.
• Heating element malfunctions: Affects electric water heaters, causing a lack of hot water.

If you’re facing one of these issues, you may need to have a professional come for a repair if you don’t feel comfortable fixing them yourself.

Troubleshooting and Fixing Common Water Heater Issues

Here are a few more common water heater problems, as well as the steps you can take to solve them.

No Hot Water

If your hot water heater is not working, there could be a few potential causes, such as a pilot light that’s gone out or a tripped breaker. Use this checklist to work through them:

1. Check the power supply: For gas water heaters, ensure the pilot light is lit. If it’s out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. For electric water heaters, check the circuit breaker. Reset it if tripped.
2. Inspect the thermostat settings: Locate the thermostat on your water heater and ensure it’s set to an appropriate temperature (typically 120°F).
3. Test the heating elements (electric water heaters only): Turn off the power at the breaker. Remove the access panel and use a multimeter to check if the elements are functioning. Replace them if faulty.
4. Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup: Turn off the power or gas supply. Attach a hose to the drain valve and empty the tank. Refill and restart the heater.
5. Check for leaks or valve malfunctions: Inspect the pressure relief valve and water connections for leaks. Tighten any loose connections or replace faulty valves.

If these steps do not restore hot water, it may be time to call a professional for a thorough inspection and repair.

Water Not Heating Properly

Is your water heater not getting your water hot enough? Possible causes include thermostat issues, sediment buildup, or an aging unit. Here’s how to fix your water heater if you’re facing this problem:

1. Adjust the thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is set correctly. If it's malfunctioning, you may need to replace it.
2. Flush the tank: Sediment buildup can prevent the heating element from functioning properly. If you have a tankless water heater, you can also flush it out using vinegar and a hose to circulate the liquid.
3. Inspect the heating elements (electric heaters only): Check the heating elements for signs of wear. If they're broken or corroded, they will need to be replaced.
4. Check for a faulty dip tube: A broken dip tube may cause cold water to mix with hot water, reducing the overall temperature. Consider replacing the dip tube if necessary.

Strange Noises from the Water Heater

A noisy water heater often means you have sediment buildup. It can also mean your unit is overheating. To fix this issue, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the heater and flush the tank to remove sediment.
2. Make sure the thermostat isn’t set too high — generally, around 120°F is good.
3. If noises persist, check the heating elements for damage.

Leaking Water Heater

A leaking water heater may happen because of loose connections, faulty valves, or a cracked tank. If the tank itself is leaking, you’ll have to replace it. Follow these steps to troubleshoot:

• Check the tank for cracks: You might notice water dribbling down the side of the unit.
• Inspect the valves: If the water is coming from the valve, tighten them or replace worn-out washers.
• Check the connections: Ensure all connections are secure and properly tightened.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Water Heater?

The normal life expectancy of a water heater varies:

• Traditional water heaters: 8-12 years
• Tankless water heaters: 15-20 years

You can tell when a water heater is reaching the end of its life. It might start inconsistently heating water. Or you might notice a sharp increase in your utility bills as the heater has to work harder. The biggest sign is that it keeps breaking down and requiring repairs.

When to Call a Professional

You can handle most of these common water heater problems on your own if you have a little DIY gusto. But there are some things you should never try to handle yourself, like gas leaks or water leaks.

No matter what problems you’re experiencing, Roto-Rooter can help. Our expert plumbing technicians provide fast, reliable water heater repair and installation services. Don’t wait — contact Roto-Rooter today!