So your water heater is on the fritz? Whether you’re not getting enough hot water or your unit appears to be leaking, several minor issues could be causing the problem. But keep in mind that all plumbing fixtures eventually break down. If your unit is getting old, it may be time to start thinking about water heater replacement.
At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we know just how inconvenient a faulty water heater can be. That’s especially true if it goes out in the middle of our frigid Wisconsin Rapids winter. We’re here to help.
Read on to learn more about 6 of the most common water heater problems we see and how you can address them. And as always, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need professional assistance.
1. No Hot Water Production
If your water heater suddenly stops heating water, check your circuit breaker first. The breaker may have tripped, causing the unit to lose power. If that’s the case, simply flip the breaker, wait for about 20 minutes, and re-check the hot water supply. If it’s hot, you’re good to go.
If a tripped breaker isn’t the issue, one of the water heater’s heating elements may be malfunctioning. The thermostat’s reset/limit switch may also be faulty or it may have tripped because the water inside the tank was too hot.
If you think the issue may be due to a faulty heating element or switch, call a plumber to schedule a water heater inspection. If any components require replacement, your plumber can take care of the job on the spot.
2. Insufficient Hot Water
If your water heater appears to be producing less hot water than usual, sediment buildup inside the tank is usually the culprit. Your lack of hot water could also be due to a faulty thermostat.
In cold climates (hello, central Wisconsin), insufficient hot water may be the result of a thermostat setting that’s just a bit too low. As water travels through your home’s plumbing system, it naturally cools slightly. But in winter, when temperatures are freezing, water traveling through pipes can cool down rapidly.
To find out what’s causing the issue, try adjusting the temperature setting on the unit’s thermostat to see if that corrects the problem. If it doesn’t you’ll need to schedule water heater repair with a licensed plumber.
3. Water Requires Excessive Time to Reheat
If your water heater seems like it’s taking longer than usual to reheat your hot water supply, a heating element or thermostat issue is the most likely culprit. Call a plumber to schedule water heater repair if the issue persists.
It’s important to note that if you’ve just switched from a gas water heater to an electric unit, your electric water heater requires about twice the recovery time that your gas unit did. An uptick in your hot water usage can also make it seem like your water heater is taking longer than normal to reheat.
If you’ve noticed your water heater just can’t seem to keep up, consider investing in a unit with a larger tank that can better serve your household.
4. Water Leaking from the Bottom of the Tank
When water drips from the bottom of your water heater’s tank, the issue probably stems from one of the following problems:
● The T&P valve is opening to release excess tank pressure, which can cause a small amount of water to escape the overflow pipe.
● An electric heating element gasket is loose or faulty, which can cause leaks.
● Condensation is building on the bottom of the tank, which is normal.
● The tank itself is old or faulty and has developed a leak.
To find out what’s causing the issue, schedule an appointment with a plumber. Valve and heating element issues can be repaired fairly easily. But if the tank itself is leaking, the only way to correct the problem is to get a water heater replacement.
If you want to try to identify and remedy the problem on your own, check out What To Do If My Water Heater is Leaking? for more information.
5. Discolored Hot Water
If you have a traditional tank water heater and you’ve recently noticed your hot water has a red or orange tint to it, there’s likely rust inside the tank.
How does rust get inside a sealed tank? As your water heater ages, its components break down over time. One of those components, the anode rod, runs through the center of the tank and serves to attract various minerals and sediment particles that can corrode its interior.
But to do that job, the rod must gradually erode. As it deteriorates, it releases electrons into the tank that attract those corrosion-causing particles to it. This natural wear-down process usually causes the rod to fail long before the water heater itself does. And that’s why anode rods should be inspected every three years and replaced when necessary.
If your hot water has developed a rusty tint, chances are the rod failed some time ago and you simply didn’t know it. But at this point, replacing the rod won’t do much good. When the interior of the tank is corroding, water heater repairs can’t fix it.
You’ll need to replace the unit if you want your hot water to run clear once again.
6. Strange Noises
If your water heater is making loud popping, cracking, hissing, or sizzling noises, a buildup of sediment inside the tank is probably the culprit. That’s especially likely if you live in an area with hard water and have noticed limescale buildup elsewhere in your house.
When enough mineral residue accumulates on the tank’s heating element, it can trap water beneath it. When the element heats up that water, it builds pressure and eventually bursts through the sediment. As it forces its way through the buildup, it makes an audible sound, which is what you’re probably hearing.
If you think sediment might be your issue, you may be able to fix the problem by draining the water heater to get the buildup out. If you flush the tank and the noise persists, bring in a plumber who can better diagnose the issue. If your water heater is old and verging on failure, a pro can let you know whether it’s time to replace it.
Need Water Heater Repair or Replacement Near Wisconsin Rapids?
If your water heater is on the fritz, schedule a water heater repair appointment with our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating. We specialize in water heater replacement, installation, and comprehensive repairs, and serve households throughout Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, and the surrounding areas. To get started, request a quote, give us a call at 715-421-1800, or contact us online for more information.