Typical Hot Water Heater Issues

A broken water heater may be caused by a variety of factors. As follows, it is important to understand how to address the problem, or at the very least, how to explain the problem to a professional plumber.

In the event that your water heater isn’t working, the best-case scenario is that the pilot light goes out. If this is the case, simply relighting it can resolve the problem. However, if this doesn’t rectify the water heater issue, further investigation and troubleshooting may be necessary.

1. Problems With Water Temperature

One of the most common hot water heater problems is that the temperature isn’t what we want it to be. This problem can show up as water that’s either not hot enough or excessively hot.

Fortunately, in many cases, a straightforward solution is at your fingertips. Simply head to the water tank and adjust its thermostat, as it may have been inadvertently changed, causing the temperature variation. Lowering the water tank’s temperature is also a common practice for conserving energy during the summer, while increasing it during winter can address temperature-related concerns.

However, if raising the temperature doesn’t result in the desired level of heat you’re looking for, a defective thermostat may be the issue, and the best course of action would be to replace it.

2. Water Is Discolored or Smells Bad

Another common problem you might encounter with your water heater is when the water smells bad or looks funny in color. If you notice that the water coming out of your taps is discolored, it’s often due to high levels of minerals like iron and copper, which can make your pipes rust.

While discolored water is usually not harmful to your health, it can create plumbing problems that affect how well your appliances work.

To fix this issue, our plumbing experts suggest installing a water softener in your home. This device removes harsh minerals from your water so you can drink, clean, and bathe safely and comfortably in your home. 

3. Water Heater is Making Noises

A noisy water heater does not normally cause alarm in most people, but it can be distracting. A noisy water heater may be caused by a number of factors, such as excessive mineral and sediment buildup.

To stop this from happening, it’s a good idea to flush your water heater now and then, typically once a year. But, if you hear a boiling sound, it means your heater is getting too hot, and this can create dangerous pressure inside.

Be sure to pay attention to these sounds and take action if needed to keep your water heater running safely and quietly.

4. Water Heater Is Leaking

If you’ve noticed that the water in your home isn’t as warm as it should be, there could be a leak coming from your water heater. The most tell-tale sign of a leak is water pooling outside of the water heater, which is always considered a plumbing emergency.

It’s essential to figure out where the leak is coming from and what’s causing it before you try to fix it. If the issue is a corroded water tank, you’ll likely need to have it repaired or replaced. Identifying the source and cause of the leak is the first step in ensuring you have reliable hot water in your home.

Water Heater Replacement Services in Sacramento

When you are dealing with common water heater problems or you have other questions, reach out to your team at Gilmore for reliable solutions. We can help you install a new tank or tankless water heater in your Sacramento area home.

Contact us today or call us at (866) 393-8316 to request our water heater repair services.