Hot water is an integral part of daily living, necessary for showers, laundry, doing dishes, and simply washing your hands. When your water heater is working well, you likely don’t give it a thought, but when it has issues, you need those issues resolved quickly.
Water heaters problems can sometimes be solved with simple repairs, but sometimes it’s time to replace your water heater.
The Lifespan of a Water Heater
Most water heaters have an average life expectancy of around 10 years, but some last much longer, especially with proper water heater maintenance. However, sometimes homeowners find that their water heaters are on their last legs much sooner. An inspection of your water heater can reveal its functionality, and a plumbing pro can help you determine if your water heater can be repaired or if it has reached the end of its life.
Common Water Heater Problems and Repairs
Water heaters can have several common problems, some of which you can DIY and some that require the help of a professional.
No Hot Water
Clearly, no hot water indicates a problem, which could be a problem with your energy supply or a defect of your heating element or ignition. If you have a gas water heater, first check the gas line connections for leaks. If you smell a rotten egg smell or hear a hissing sound at the connection, you have a leak. You can also check for leaks by applying dish soap and water to each connection. If bubbles form you have a leak.
If you have a leak, turn off your gas supply immediately, open windows and doors, and call a professional plumber.
If you have an electric water heater, check your breaker and reset it. You can also reset your temperature setting by turning off the breaker and hitting the high-temperature cutoff reset button.
If these tricks don’t solve the issue, you need to call a professional who can check the heating element and ignition and tell you if the problem can be repaired. If your heating element needs to be replaced and your water heater is near the 10-year mark, you may want to consider replacing the unit. If the unit is newer and no other issues are found, you can probably just replace the heating element.
Not Enough Hot Water
If your water heater suddenly is not providing enough hot water, it may also be a problem with your heating element, or if your water heater is new, your tank may not be large enough to meet your capacity needs. Either way, this issue requires a call to a professional.
Rusty, Cloudy, or Smelly Water
Sediment, debris, and even bacteria can build up in your water heater tank over time, causing discolored or cloudy water, or an odor if bacteria is present. This can often be solved with a water heater flush, which should be done by a professional.
A water heater flush can also prevent further damage and costly repairs. A professional can inspect your water heater to make an expert assessment of whether a flush, repair, or replacement is your best option.
Water Heater Leak
Leaks from your water heater can have a multitude of causes, including:
- Corrosion that causes fractures in the tank
- Faulty drain valve
- Faulty pressure relief valve
- Loose inlet and outlet connections
- Fractures from sediment build up
- A depleted anode rod, which prevents corrosion but is no longer working
When you have a leak, you should turn off the powers supply and the tank’s energy source. Then call a professional to assess the problem. Some of these issues can be easily addressed.
Thermostat Malfunction
A thermostat malfunction can cause a lack of hot water, or water that’s not hot enough or too hot. You can call a professional and have the thermostat replaced.
Water That Doesn’t Fully Heat
If it’s cold outside, your water may not get hot enough. This can usually be solved by just adding insulation to your pipes and tank.
Regular Water Heater Flushing
A water heater flush is an often-overlooked process that can keep your water heater running smoothly.
Over time, minerals and debris accumulate at the bottom of the tank, affecting its efficiency and the quality of your hot water. Such mineral and debris accumulation may even cause overheating. If the pressure relief valve gets clogged by sediment, the water heater could even explode.
Indications that you need a flush include:
- Rising energy bills
- Insufficient hot water
- Water discoloration
- Unusual tank noises
These signs hint at the need for a water heater flush. Rising energy bills can indicate reduced efficiency, while insufficient hot water suggests sediment buildup is hampering the heater’s performance. Water discoloration and unusual noises from the tank are also clear indicators of the need for maintenance.
Addressing these issues promptly with a water heater flush can prevent further damage and costly repairs. A professional can inspect your water heater to make an expert assessment of whether a flush, repair, or replacement is your best option.
Furthermore, a flush can be instrumental in improving the overall health of your plumbing system. By removing the sediment that can erode the tank’s interior, you can prevent leaks and potential water damage to your home.
This proactive approach not only protects your property but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient household.
Water Heater Replacement
If you have not had water heater flushes or other maintenance, or if your water has issues or is near the end of its ten-year life, you may need a water heater replacement.
A plumber can evaluate your water heater to diagnose the issue and recommend water heater replacement if it’s necessary.
You have two options when it comes to water heaters.
Conventional water heaters provide a storage tank of hot water which may provide adequate hot water on a daily basis. However, the supply is limited to the tank size, so with heavy use, you can run out of hot water and have to wait for it to heat again.
Tankless water heaters are designed to heat water directly without the use of a storage tank, thus providing continuous hot water. They are more efficient than conventional water heaters because they only heat water on demand rather than keeping a tank full of water heated continuously.
Your Suburban Chicago Water Heater Partner
Chicago area residents have relied on TR Miller Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing for their water heater needs since 2008. When you have a water heater issue, our professional plumbing team will evaluate your water heater to diagnose the issue, and only recommend replacement if it’s necessary. If it can be successfully repaired, we will offer that solution first.
Your time is valuable, so our team will arrive promptly and get your water heater up and running in no time. Your family’s comfort is our priority. Give us a call today!
