Hot water is essential to daily life, from a morning shower and washing dishes to doing laundry. It can be a major inconvenience when your water heater starts acting up. Understanding the common problems and learning how to troubleshoot them can help you get your hot water system back on track before the issue gets worse.
Here, Avid Plumbing explains some of the most common issues with water heaters, how to troubleshoot them, and when to call a professional.
Identifying the Symptoms of a Failing Water Heater
It’s easy to take hot water for granted until your water heater fails. Recognizing the signs early can save you from a complete system breakdown. Schedule water heater repair if you notice any of these problems with your system:
Inconsistent Water Temperatures
If your water fluctuates between hot and cold or never reaches the desired temperature, it could indicate an issue with your heater’s thermostat or heating elements.
Strange Noises or Smells
Unusual sounds like banging or popping often mean there’s sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank.
Leaks & Water Pooling
Visible leaks around your water heater or pooling water are signs that your tank or plumbing connections may be compromised. If left unattended, this can lead to bigger problems like flooding or structural damage.
Common Causes of Water Heater Failures
When your water heater stops working, it’s usually due to a few common causes, such as:
- Thermostat malfunctions: The thermostat controls the water temperature. If it malfunctions, your water may be too hot or not hot enough.
- Sediment buildup in tanks: Over time, minerals in your water supply can settle at the bottom of your tank, reducing the water heater’s efficiency.
- Broken heating elements: Most water heaters have two heating elements. If one fails, the water will be lukewarm or insufficiently heated.
Troubleshooting Your Water Heater
If you have issues with your water heater, you may be able to troubleshoot the problem before calling a professional. Try these steps:
- Check the thermostat and settings: Ensure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature, ideally between 120°F and 140°F. If the settings are off, adjust them and see if that fixes the problem.
- Inspect the heating elements: If your water is lukewarm or not heating at all, it may be due to a broken heating element. You can test the element with a multimeter to see if it’s functioning correctly.
- Flush the tank to remove sediment: Draining and flushing your tank periodically can prevent sediment buildup. This task should be part of your routine water heater maintenance to keep it running efficiently.
When To Seek Professional Help
While some issues can be handled through basic troubleshooting, there are times when you should leave it to the professionals. Here are signs that your water heater has a serious problem:
- Corrosion or rust: If you notice rust around the tank or in your water, your tank is likely corroding from the inside. This issue often requires a complete water heater replacement.
- Persistent leaks: Small leaks can become bigger issues if not addressed. A plumber can assess the situation and determine whether you need a repair or replacement.
- Complete loss of hot water: If your water heater stops working completely, it’s time to call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
Professional maintenance and repair extend the life of your water heater and ensure that it’s functioning safely and efficiently.
Preventative Measures for Optimal Water Heater Performance
Regular maintenance can help you avoid unexpected water heater failures. Here are a few tips to keep your system running smoothly:
- Regular maintenance practices: Schedule annual inspections with a professional to check for any issues before they become major problems. This includes flushing the tank, inspecting the thermostat, and checking for leaks.
- Upgrading to energy-efficient models: If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model. Newer units are designed to reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills.
- Prolonging the lifespan of your water heater: By keeping up with maintenance and addressing minor repairs promptly, you can extend the lifespan of your water heater and avoid the cost of premature replacement.
Schedule Water Heater Repair
If your water heater isn’t performing as it should, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. We offer same-day service, ensuring that your hot water is restored as quickly as possible. With fully stocked trucks, we come prepared to handle any issue on the spot. Plus, we stand behind our work with a minimum one-year labor and material warranty, so you can trust that your repairs will last.
Our team is committed to providing competitive and honest pricing, so you’ll never be surprised by hidden fees. Whether you need water heater repair, maintenance, or even replacement, we’ve got you covered.
Schedule water heater services in Madison, WI, by calling Avid Plumbing today.