We’ve heard it before many, many times before: someone steps into the shower to get ready for work in the morning and the water refuses to get warm. And we certainly understand how a cold water shower can ruin a day right off the bat. Whether it’s been a gradual decline or a sudden change, we have some hot water heater troubleshooting tips that you as a homeowner can look into before shopping for a new unit.
Some of these ideas may seem a little beyond your skill set, and that’s fine. Hot water heaters are an important part of the home and you may feel like you don’t want to mess things up any more than they already are! If your hot water issues persist, reach out to Simpson Plumbing and get started on a free quote for water heater service. (The link takes you to a different site.)
One thing we would like to mention before you do any DIY work on your water heater: while the threat isn’t as bad as it was in the past, standard water heater tanks should still be approached with caution. Gas water heaters, in particular, can present risks such as gas leaks or combustion issues if not properly maintained.
A malfunctioning gas water heater may lead to the release of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be harmful or even fatal. Additionally, an improperly functioning pressure relief valve could result in excessive pressure buildup, leading to a possible explosion.
Electric water heaters carry their own set of risks, including the potential for electrical fires if the wiring is somehow faulty. Regular maintenance, attention to proper ventilation, and prompt addressing of any issues are essential for ensuring the safe operation of your hot water heater. If you have concerns about your unit, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Before grabbing your toolbox and diving into action, here are a few things to think about:
Open the valve and let a few gallons of water drain out. If you notice cloudy or sandy water, sediment is present. Repeat this process until the water runs clear. Regularly flushing the tank helps prevent sediment buildup, ensuring your water heater operates efficiently and prolongs its lifespan
Inspect for Water Leaks: Check for any visible leaks around the unit, connections, or pipes. A leaking water heater can affect its performance.
Several problems can plague conventional water heaters and force the household into a standstill until repaired. Use this guide to help figure out what’s going wrong with your unit.
If your electric water heater has:
An inadequate amount of hot water supply
Hot water at first, but it quickly runs out
If you find a lot of sediment in your water heater, you may want to check the anode rod. An anode rod in your hot water heater plays a crucial role in preventing corrosion by attracting corrosive elements/sediment in the water. To check it, turn off the heater and locate the rod’s access point on top of the tank.
Use a wrench to loosen and remove the hex head, revealing the anode rod. If it’s less than half an inch thick or shows significant corrosion, it’s time for a replacement. Installing a new anode rod can extend the life of your water heater and maintain its efficiency by sacrificing itself to protect the tank from rust and deterioration.
No hot water
Water that’s too hot
Both electric and gas water heaters can present similar symptoms when something is going wrong. However, depending on the problem, there are different ways to remedy the situation. When your gas water heater has:
An inadequate amount of hot water
No hot water
A pilot light that keeps going out
A pilot light that won’t ignite even though the gas is on
If you’ve come this far, you must be committed to fixing or troubleshooting your water heater. The good news is that if you prefer a technician to come to inspect and make specific recommendations for you instead of doing it yourself, you can schedule that!
After all, who doesn’t love to save time and energy? On the other hand, if you’ve tried all of these methods and your water heater is still having issues, it might just need to be repaired or replaced. Most water heaters have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years, so it’s not uncommon to begin seeing issues within that time frame.
With over 35 years of experience, Simpson Plumbing is prepared to make any of the necessary repairs to keep your water heater healthy and continue serving you or install a new one if your water heater has run its course. Be sure to view our water heater special, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!