Free Estimates & No Trip Charge. Schedule Now

Common Water Heater Problems

Do you know the signs that your water heater needs repair or replacement? Look out for these key indicators:

Inadequate Hot Water

If your Tampa home or business is frequently running low on hot water, it's possible that your current water heater isn't sufficient. Upgrading to a larger or more energy-efficient water heater can help you get the hot water capacity you need. Additionally, if this shortage of hot water has started abruptly, it's a good idea to check whether a defective thermostat or failing heating elements are to blame.

Water Leaks

Have you spotted leaks or drips from your water heater? Common causes can include the natural wear and tear of plumbing or connectors that have become less sturdy. If the leak is coming directly from the tank, it means the entire water heater needs to be replaced. Whether the leaks are from the pipes, the tank, or somewhere else, we’re here to fix your hot water heater when it’s leaking in Tampa.

Strange Noises and Vibrations

If your water heater is making knocking or rattling noises, it's likely due to sediment accumulation inside the tank. These sounds often occur when the heating element turns on, loosening the sediment and causing it to move around. Draining the tank via a hose and flushing out the sediment is the typical solution for this issue.

Fluctuating Water Temperatures

When your water heater is working correctly, it should deliver a consistent flow of warm water. If your shower is suddenly turning cold or the temperature often spikes unexpectedly, it could be a sign of underlying issues like leaks or a malfunctioning thermostat. Experiencing these temperature swings? The best course of action is to bring in a professional plumber who can diagnose and resolve the problem.

Faulty Gas Pilot Light

Sometimes a gas water heater fails to heat water adequately, causing problems like uncomfortable chilly showers. Often, this issue stems from the pilot light not igniting or staying lit. A qualified plumber in Tampa can inspect parts such as the pilot light assembly, thermocouple, and sensors to identify the breakdown and prevent future issues.

Water Heater Lifespan

Most water heaters are designed to last between 8 and 12 years, but they can often continue to function well beyond that timeframe. Proper maintenance and repairs are the difference-makers that will keep your water heater in good shape. Roto-Rooter of Tampa is ready to assist with professional plumbing services for both traditional and tankless water heaters.

Roto-Rooter always has you covered when you need a hot water heater technician in Tampa, FL. Here’s what we bring to you:

Water Heater Replacement

Water Heater Maintenance

Commercial Water Heater Repair

Instant Hot Water Dispenser Repair

LEAVE PLUMBING TO THE PROS

BECAUSE WITH ROTO-ROOTER, YOU GET MORE THAN A GUARANTEE.

REPUTATION
Highly-trained professionals since 1935. A job done right by the original experts.
TRANSPARENCY
Free onsite estimates. No hidden or extra charges for plumbing or drain service on holidays, nights, and weekends.
EFFICIENCY
Same-day and emergency service 365 days a year.
QUALITY
Full-service plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup – using state-of-the-art diagnostics and equipment.
FINANCING
Get it fixed today and take time to pay. Special financing options available.

Serving the entire Tampa metro area, Including:

Counties in the Tampa Metro Area

Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup is proud to provide expert plumbing, drain cleaning and water cleanup services to the Tampa area.

Manager:Greg Gore

Location:5020 Tampa West Blvd
Tampa, FL 33634

Phone Number:813-980-6000

Tim from the Tampa office drove all the way from Pinellas (to Riverview) and ACTUALLY LISTENED and didn’t treat me like a “clueless customer.” He cross-referenced the issues I was experiencing, having to reset my water heater continuously to maintain hot water in my home, and used his knowledge to replace my thermostat AFTER the [techs from another company] gave me bubblegum patch jobs. If you use Roto-Rooter, ask for Tim from the Tampa office! 10/10 for this guy. Seriously. Alex J

I had a catastrophic fire hydrant-type pressure leak going from the street to my hot water heater. The plumber from Roto-Rooter came and saved a day on a holiday. No fuss, no must, no more problem. Charles C

We have partnered with Synchrony Bank to offer financing options to make your plumbing repair expenses as convenient and stress-free as possible.

LEARN MORE

Tips for Water Heater Maintenance

Following a few simple tips can keep your hot water flowing and your water heater running without a hitch. These are some of the most important:

Conduct Regular Inspections

Make it part of your routine to check your water heater often. A quick once-over will help you identify any issues early on, such as leaks, unusual sounds, fluctuating temperatures, or other signs of trouble. Catching these problems quickly can prevent them from becoming more serious.

Flush the Tank Once a Year

Water in the Tampa Bay region is known for being unusually hard, leading minerals to accumulate inside water heaters in Tampa. An annual flush is recommended for traditional tank-based water heaters to keep them running smoothly. While you can drain the tank on your own with a hose, using Roto-Rooter’s professional plumbing services is a low-hassle, time-saving way to get the job done right. And Roto-Rooter will do the task as part of an overall water heater tune-up.

Insulate Your Water Heater

Tampa’s winters may be famously mild, but temperatures do drop in the winter, and that means your water heater will be working harder in the colder months. It’s advantageous to have your water heater in a warmer area, such as an insulated garage, and adding a special insulation blanket can also help your older water heater run more efficiently. Roto-Rooter’s pro plumbers can help you choose the optimal location and insulation solutions for your water heater.

Pay Attention to the Anode Rod

The anode rod or “sacrifice rod” in your water heater is vital for preventing corrosion. It’s made from a combination of reactive metals that attract rust, which helps keep corrosion away from your tank. Check the condition of the anode rod regularly — if it's reduced to half its original size or less, replacing it is necessary to keep your water heater free from rust. Performing this simple maintenance can significantly extend the life of your water heater.

Lower Your Water Temperature

Many water heaters run at a higher temperature than you actually need, especially in Tampa’s balmy climate. By lowering the thermostat to around 120ºF, you can produce water that’s hot enough for most homes and businesses while reducing energy bills and wear and tear. What’s more, it will help lower the risk of someone being scalded by excessively hot water.

Test the Pressure Release Valve

Your water heater's pressure relief valve plays a critical role in averting hazardous pressure levels, and testing it should be part of your routine maintenance. You can do the test yourself in just a few minutes, and our online video tutorial can guide you through the process. If you notice any malfunction, it's important to call Roto-Rooter immediately for expert water heater repair services in Tampa.

Schedule Regular Professional Inspections

While keeping an eye on your water heater is beneficial, a regular inspection from a professional is important, too. Roto-Rooter's skilled plumbers in Tampa perform full commercial and residential water heater inspections in Tampa, FL. We leverage our deep knowledge and state-of-the-art equipment to find, diagnose, and fix any water heater problems.

Tampa, FL