Common Water Heater Issues

Though often underrated, a hot water tank is an important asset to most homes, especially during colder seasons. There are few things more upsetting than an unintended cold shower on a chilly morning. Your tank is an important investment—treat it so. Recognize and address any issues with your tank before they escalate.

This article addresses common water heater problems and their remedies.

The Two Types of Hot Water Heaters

Chances are, you either have a gas powered or an electric powered water heater at home. While they produce the same results, they function quite differently. A gas water heater uses natural gases to heat water, while an electric water heater gets the job done with resistance coils. Both come with their fair share of benefits and drawbacks:

The following are some common water heater problems:

• Faulty or deteriorating heating element
• Broken thermostat
• Water heater leakage
• Continuous loud noise

Luckily, most of these problems can be fixed by readjusting a minor fixture or replacing an inexpensive part.

Some Tell-Tale Signs You Need New Parts

Water temperature problem: in most cases, a simple thermostat adjustment will fix the problem. The ideal temperature for hot water is usually between 120 and 140 degrees. In more severe situations, though, there’s a high possibility the heating element or, for gas-powered tanks, the thermocouple is deteriorating and needs a replacement.

Noises: as previously mentioned; loud noises can be the result of sediment build up. The sentiment burns when it comes into contact with the heating element, and this burning creates the loud noise often observed. Another probable cause for noise occurrence is the deterioration of the heating element. Your plumber can fix the problem by replacing the heating element.     

When to Replace Your Tank

Like most things, frequent use will degrade your tank over time. This is something to be cautious of with a growing family. If your tank is getting old, these problems may be an indication that you’re in need of a new tank.