Common Water Heater Issues

Your home’s water heater typically goes unnoticed until a problem arises. Then, it can feel like your entire world is at a standstill. There is no hot water for a relaxing shower, no way to clean the dishes or to finish a load of laundry for next week. It is a complete hassle and a headache. If you are anything like most homeowners, you likely don’t check on the water heater unless something is wrong. But, do you know what signs to watch for? There are quite a few common water heater issues plaguing households today. Here are a few to watch for and how to act when the situation arises.

There are countless water heater troubles that you can handle right at home. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable performing your own maintenance or repairs, contact an expert plumber to handle the job. You should never put yourself in a position you are uncomfortable when it comes to plumbing repairs, as it could cost you quite a bit of money and worse repairs.

• Not hot enough water – If your hot water heater does not produce enough hot water for the entire house, the issue can be exhausting. It is likely a problem with the tank’s thermostat. Most water heaters have a built-in thermostat that can be altered at will. Simply turn the temperature up a little higher.
• No hot water – If you are not receiving any hot water whatsoever to your faucets or shower, the issue is likely a blown pilot light (with a gas-powered water heater). Another cause may be a broken heating element or thermocouple needing replacement. Both can be resolved rather quickly, but you may wish to hire a plumber.
• Odors – If your hot water heater is producing smelly water, it means the tank itself is infected with bacteria. A simple solution is to flush the entire tank, fill it with a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for a time, then flush it once more. This mixture will help clean any bacteria from the water heater tank. If the smell persists, call a plumbing expert.
• Noises – A water heater is bound to make a few noises. However, any rumbling, hissing, or other odd noises should be investigated immediately. Most often, these noises stem from sediment build-up in the bottom of the tank. You can flush the sediment and entire tank to remove the build-up, which is likely interacting with the heating element, and thereby rid your home of the problem.

Again, if you are uncomfortable performing any repairs or maintenance yourself, always be sure to call a licensed, experienced plumbing technician. A water heater is a complex machine. Any misstep can lead to expensive, time-consuming repairs or even a costly replacement.

Contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of New Orleans for prompt water heater repairs and maintenance. Give us a call at 504-291-6466 today for top-rated, affordable plumbing services!