Common Water Heater Issues and How to Solve Them

Water heating is an integral aspect of modern home comfort. Modern water heaters are efficient, but even minor problems can undermine that efficiency. The plumbing industry recommends annual maintenance to keep operating costs low and avoid most malfunctions. In the event you do experience an issue, schedule a professional repair. Let’s explore the most common water heater troubles and how your plumber may solve them.

Running Out of Hot Water Fast

If you have a new water heater, the problem may be due to incorrect sizing or installation. For a water heater that has functioned well, consider if your usage has changed. Another person living in the home, for instance, can make a big difference. If you don’t schedule regular water heater maintenance, it could be buildup in the tank. Limescale and other minerals can accumulate as sediment in the tank, interfering with heating the water.

A malfunctioning thermostat also can result in too little hot water. Your plumber may need to recalibrate or replace the thermostat. A bad drip tube can result in too much cold water at the top level of the tank. It may also be that you have a faulty heating element or heat exchanger, which a plumber will have to replace.

Low Hot Water Pressure

If you experience low hot water pressure but normal cold water pressure, it’s usually a water heater problem. The shutoff valve may not be fully open as it should be. You may have a bad pressure-reducing valve or pressure regulator that needs replacing. It can also be limescale built up in the water heater pipes. Note that over time, limescale accumulation can become so severe that it can impact cold water pressure as well.

Water Too Hot or Not Hot Enough

You may experience water temperatures that fluctuate. The dip tube is a common cause. When working well, it forces new cold water to the bottom of the tank. When it’s clogged or otherwise not working well, the cold water can linger up top. Fluctuating temperatures can also indicate issues with the thermostat, temperature knob, heating element, or heat exchanger. If the water is too hot or too cold but is stable, first, check if the thermostat is set correctly. If that isn’t the problem, it may be any of the causes listed for fluctuating temperatures.

Rising Energy Usage

Rising energy consumption is often among the first indications you have a water heater problem. Spikes in usage are why you should track your consumption monthly and annually. Sediment accumulation is one of the leading causes of high energy use. These substances coat the heating element and act like an insulator. That’s why you should have your plumber flush your tank and refill it once a year. It may be that you have inadequate or worn insulation. Most water heaters at least need insulation on the hot water line. If you have an old water heater, it can simply be that the unit has reached its end of life.

Leaks

First, ensure that you’re not dealing with condensation. Depending on the season and where your water heater is located, some light condensation may not be unusual. If it is a leak, it depends on where it’s occurring. If your water heater leaks from a valve or connection, that’s usually a relatively easy fix. It may need tightening, or your plumber may have to replace a washer or valve. If the tank itself leaks, it’s often not practical to repair it. At that point, it’s usually more cost-effective to invest in a new water heater.

Discolored Hot Water

Tank water heaters have sacrificial anode rods to attract corrosion and minerals. A well-functioning anode rod helps to avoid rust and limescale. If the rod has rusted, it can turn the water reddish. A plumber will need to replace it. If the water heater is older, it could be that the tank itself has rusted and is reddening the water. Sediment can discolor the water as well, and it can range anywhere from a light brown to a dark red.

Unpleasant Smelling Hot Water

If your cold water smells fine but your hot water smells unpleasant, it will usually have a rotten egg odor. That smell, which some also describe as fishy, is due to bacteria in the tank. If you’ve been on vacation, it may go away by running your hot water for a while. A sudden occurrence while at home may indicate an old anode rod that you need to replace. The bacterial buildup can be so severe that a plumber needs to flush the tank. It may also be necessary to sanitize the tank before filling it.

Kettling and Other Unexpected Noises

Kettling is when a water heater sounds like a teakettle. This high-pitched whistling or popping is almost always due to high pressure in the tank. The problem can be a bad temperature and pressure relief valve. It may also be due to hard water, sediment accumulation, or limescale buildup.

Some light humming or buzzing when you’re near the tank is usually normal. Banging or knocking may indicate a water hammer due to sudden pressure changes. Buildup in the tank can also cause gurgling, crackling, hissing, ticking, sizzling, or screeching.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

An isolated tripped circuit breaker usually isn’t cause for concern. Multiple trips indicate a more serious problem. The first step is to rule out an issue with the electrical system. Perhaps the circuit breaker has worn out and needs replacing or there’s an overloaded circuit. If it’s the water heater, it could be bad wiring or a loose connection. It may also indicate a bad thermostat or heating element you should replace.

Discolored Pilot Light

A pilot light should burn mostly blue with perhaps a tinge of yellow at the tip. If the flame is mostly yellow or orange, it usually means there’s an incorrect fuel-air mixture. When a flame is red, green, or another color, it suggests the combustion of foreign materials. Often, you’ll need to clean the combustion components of dust or carbon deposits, or oil is leaking somewhere.

Pilot Light Keeps Going Out or Is Hard to Relight

If a pilot light flickers or keeps going out, it’s often inadequate ventilation. It could also be a clogged pilot tube, low gas pressure, or a malfunctioning thermocouple. All these issues can also cause a pilot light to be difficult to relight.

Reliable Water Heater Services in Milwaukie

Carbone Home Services has served residential and commercial customers in Milwaukie, OR and throughout the surrounding areas for over 25 years. Our HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, ductless mini-splits, and in-duct air purification systems.

We also employ licensed electricians who perform inspections, installations, and repairs. Some of the systems we specialize in include electrical panels, surge protection, indoor and outdoor lighting, EV chargers, and smart thermostats. Our team includes licensed plumbers as well. We pipe and repipe water, gas, and sewer lines. Count on us for camera inspections, drain cleaning, excavation, and trenchless repairs. Our plumbers also install and service kitchen and bathroom fixtures, tank and tankless water heaters, sump pumps, and water filtration systems.

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