The water heater in your home is essential for things like bathing, showering, cleaning, cooking, and more. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t pay much attention to this appliance unless it malfunctions and there is a lack of hot water. There are common issues that can occur with your water heater. Knowing the signs to watch out for and what can be done can get your hot water heater back up and running in no time.
Lack of Hot Water
There are several reasons why there isn’t any hot water coming out of your fixtures. You may have a problem with the power supply to your tank. Check for a tripped breaker or a blown-out pilot light (if applicable). Your heating element may have failed, or the thermostat may be broken. These are usually simple repairs that a professional can take care of quickly.
Not Enough Hot Water
If you’ve always experienced a low volume of hot water in your home since you moved in, the size of your water heater may be to blame. You may have an undersized unit that is preventing enough water from being heated and stored.
You may simply need to adjust the thermostat setting on your water heater. If it’s set too low, there won’t be ample hot water available.
Sediment Buildup and Mineral Deposits
It’s common for sediment and minerals to build up on the inside of your tank. This is especially common in areas that have hard water. You should have your tank drained and flushed at least once per year to remove this buildup. This will not only ensure you have ample hot water, but it can also protect the integrity of your water heater system.
Routine maintenance should also include an inspection of your anode rod. This is a sacrificial rod on the inside of your tank that collects sediment and minerals. This can help prevent these things from building up elsewhere in your tank. If the rod becomes damaged or worn, it may not be working effectively.
Leaking Water Heater
It’s imperative that you avoid leaks coming from your water heater. Any amount of water in your home can lead to excessive damage and mold growth. Leaks may be coming from the connections outside your tank. You may have damage to the tank itself, which is allowing water to escape. Some small leaks can be repaired. If your water heater is very old or has extensive damage, this can warrant a replacement.
Noises Coming From the Tank
If you notice there are gurgling, clanging, or banging sounds coming from your water tank, you’ll want to have the pressure relief valve inspected by a professional. Sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank can also be to blame. The water on the bottom of the tank may be overheating and boiling, which is what’s causing those sounds.
It’s important that you work with a knowledgeable plumbing professional to ensure that your water heater is always safe and efficient. Routine maintenance and minor repairs can keep this appliance working properly for up to 20 years in many cases.
