5 Hot Water Heater Problems That You Can Quickly Fix

You take your water heater for granted until the day you turn on the hot water faucet and all you get is cold water. But even though your water heater isn’t working, it may not need to be replaced. There are several common water heater problems that can be fixed by the average homeowner.

Lack of Hot Water

If you have no hot water at all and you have a gas water heater, check to make sure the pilot light is on. If the pilot light is off, then try to relight the pilot light. If the pilot light will not stay lit, then the pilot light control valve may need to be replaced.

If you have an electric water heater, check the fuse box in your house to make sure the breaker has not tripped to the off position. If it has tripped, flip the breaker back to the on position. If the breaker is not the problem, the water heater’s thermostat or heating element may need to be replaced.

Rusty Water

If the water coming out of your faucet looks rusty, then the anode rod inside your water heater may need to be replaced. Once the anode rod is replaced, you should have crystal clear water again.

Stinky Water

If you water has a sulfur or rotten egg smell, there may be bacteria growing in your water heater. To fix this problem, empty out all the water from your water heater. Then refill it with 32 ounces of hydrogen peroxide and clean water. Let this mixture remain in the water heater for 2 hours. Then drain that mixture out of the water heater and refill it with clean water. This should get rid of the smell in your water.

Popping or Whining

You water heater may begin making popping or whining noises when excess sediment accumulates in the bottom of the water heater. To solve this problem, empty out your water heater and flush it out. After the sediment is removed from the tank, refill with clean water and the noise should be gone.

Leaking

If your water heater is leaking, it may be leaking from the temperature and pressure relief valve. If your water heater’s thermostat is set too high, the water may be overheating, causing the pressure relief valve. Turn the thermostat down and see if the leak stops. If it doesn’t stop, the valve may need to be replaced.

These quick fixes will fix most common water heater problems. However, if none of these fix the problem, it may be time to replace your water heater. Companies such as Knight Plumbing, water heater experts in Calgary, can provide help and advice.