Hot water systems are the beat of showering, cooking, and cleaning. As with all household appliances, there’s a problem with the hot water system and water heaters that can accumulate over time. Being aware of some of the common problems and their remedies can save you enormous amounts of time and money while ensuring a continuous flow of hot water.
Below are five common hot water system issues that also include practical solutions on how to fix them.
1- No hot water
Whoever has turned on the tap to find there was no hot water has known it to be one of the most frustrating problems. Depending on the model, gas or electric, there can be many reasons.
With electric water heaters, the main problem is usually an issue with the power supply. If the rest of the circuit breaker has tripped, then the heater will not work. In this case, check the electrical panel and reset the breaker if necessary. If the breaker requires resetting again, a fault may exist in the electrical circuit, and an electrician should be called.
If you have a gas hot water system, it will stop working if the pilot light has gone out. If this happens, relight the pilot light according to the procedure in your owner’s manual. But if the pilot light doesn’t stay lit, there could be a malfunction in either the thermocouple or the control valve that will have to be repaired.
Another possible cause could be a faulty thermostat. The thermostat, which controls the temperature of the tank water, may break completely, rendering the system useless for heating water. Try adjusting the thermostat setting, and if the problem persists, thermostat replacement should be considered.
A faulty heating element in the electric heater can also cause the water to be cooler than desired. Heating elements wear out and need replacement over time. If this is suspected, it may take a call to a plumber or an electrician to check and replace the element.
2- Water Too Hot or Cold
Too hot or too cold water can suggest a problem with the thermostat. All water heaters have built-in thermostats to set water temperatures. Set too low, your heater may not supply enough hot water; set too high, and it may scald. The recommended and safe ranges are from 49°C to 60°C (120°F to 140°F).
The temperature of the water can also vary due to sediment in the tank. Over time, minerals and debris are set at the tank’s bottom, which reduces the heater’s efficiency. This will not allow the water to be heated properly. Flushing periodically provides sediment removal, which maintains heater efficiency.
The heating problems may also be due to a worn-out or bad thermostat that cannot regulate the water. Perhaps the best solution is to replace the thermostat if adjusting for different temperatures does not help.
3- Water Heater Leaking
Hot water system leaks can severely damage the house and should be remedied immediately. Such leakages arise due to a number of reasons: loose valves, a corroded tank that rises past its expected life, or high water pressure.
The first thing you need to check is the pressure-release valve. The purpose of this valve is to allow the excess build-up of pressure to escape, thus preventing the tank from exploding. If the valve is either loose or damaged, water may leak from that very valve. Generally, tightening the valve or replacing may suffice to fix the problem.
Locate any leaking situations pertaining to corroded pipes or fittings, and check for any involvement from those. They may get rid of the leak by tightening the connection. If the pipes are corroded, a professional will need to replace them.
A more serious cause of leaks is a corroded water heater tank. If this has rusted and formed holes, repairs won’t be effective, and the only option is a new tank. With annual maintenance such as tank flushing and rust inspection, you can prolong the life of your unit.
4- Unusual Sounds from Your Hot Water System
Listen to the hot water system. Water heaters will make popping or banging noises upon rupture. Tapping can be heard if sediment accumulation is in the tank. Sediment from hard water settles to the bottom when water is heated. Solid particles then pile up over the heating element and form insulating material between this heating element and the water. Consequently, the hot water system does get really hot, but it is relatively noisily working.
Another reason strange noises might happen is because one heating element isn’t working properly. If the heating element has some sediment impurities on it or is starting to wear down, it’ll produce a humming or sizzling sound. In such a case, a replacement of the heating element may become necessary.
Little do most people know that ignoring these sounds signals further damage, so the best thing to do is to really take care of the matter when it’s noticed. For those who would like to maintain their gas water heater, remember to flush the tank at least once a year. This removes sediment buildup and helps keep your heater running well.
5- Rusty or Discolored Water
If your hot water is brown, rusty, or discolored, this may mean that there is rusting occurring in the hot water system, water heater, or plumbing system. Rusty water might also suggest that the anode rod has gone bad. An anode rod, which is inside the tank, attracts the corrosive elements and, with the help of the water heater, helps keep the tank from rusting.
However, if the replacement of the anode rod does not solve the discoloration issue, the problem may very well lie in the tank rusting from the inside out. In this case, one would be advised to replace the entire water heater.
Certain types of pipes, especially if old and rusty, may lead to rusty water. If the rust comes from the pipe instead of the heater, you will need a plumber to inspect your plumbing systems and replace sections of them.
Flush the tank of the water heater, as this usually lowers levels of despicable matter, causing discoloration in the hot water supply. Regular maintenance and water testing should assure you that the water is safe, clean, and meets standards.
Conclusion
Every water heater plays that role which everybody would really never want to miss. Many common problems can arise, and simple troubleshooting and maintenance can provide answers. Anyway, flushing the tank at regular intervals, testing for the thermostat, checking valves and connections, and changing worn-out parts would avert problems before they escalate.
If the problems refuse to go away, or if you are ever unsure about what things to do, you should never hesitate to call a professional plumber. A licensed plumber is capable of diagnosing and remedying the flaw to ensure that your hot water system will run efficiently for years to come.
