Water Heater Problems

Most of the people like to take warm water baths in the morning and install water heaters for the same. They do tend to get frustrated at times, when they face certain problems with their water heaters. These problems could be - not enough hot water, stinky water, leaking valves or even leaking tanks wherein, people prefer calling a technician and getting the problem solved.

Water Heater

A water heater is a common appliance in almost every household. Gas water heaters and electronic water heaters are the two types of heaters found in most houses. The basic mechanism of both these water heaters is the same, except that the gas water heater uses gas to heat water while the electronic ones use electricity. The gas water heaters are cheaper compared to the electronic ones. The operating cost of electronic water heaters is high as it consumes a lot of electricity. Let us take a look at some of the usual gas heater as well as electronic heater problems along with the ways to repair them.

Problems With Gas Heaters

Less Amount of Hot Water
There are chances that the thermostat levels are set very low. Increase the temperature. Also check for any leakages. There could be a chance of the dip tube coming off, causing cold water to come out directly without being heated. If there is a problem of low gas pressure, one needs to check it with the utility company.

No Hot Water at All
There may be a case where the gas water heater is not heating the water at all. In such cases, you need to check whether the pilot light is illuminated or not. In case the light is not illuminated, you need to follow the instructions on the heater manual and try to light it again. If the light still is not lit, there could be a possibility of the pilot line being clogged, or gas not reaching the heating tank. In such a case you need to inform the gas supplier.

If the pilot light is illuminated, you need to let water flow from a hot water tap for some time and wait for the burner to come on. If it does not come on at all, there are chances that there's a defect in the control valve or a fault in the thermostat which would require replacement.

Leakage in the Pressure Relief Valve or Drain Valve
If the pressure relief valve has a leakage, the temperature of the thermostat should be reduced. In case the pressure of water is too high, a pressure reducing valve in the supply line needs to be fixed. A drain valve usually leaks, as it becomes loose due to low quality valves used by the manufacturers. This valve needs to be tightened, preferably using slip joint pliers.

Noisy Water Heater
There can be various reasons for this and do not mean a problem every time. Noise occurs due to sediments in the tank or if there is any layer formed on the heating elements. Flushing the tank can be a way to solve this problem.

Stinking Hot Water
The magnesium anode rod present in the gas water heater, sometimes react with certain bacteria causing it to stink. Replace the magnesium anode rod or clean the tank with chlorine to solve this problem.

Leakage in the Tank
If the tank starts leaking, it may be because of the cracks formed on its surface. In such situations, it is best to replace the old water heater with a new one.

Problems With Electronic Heaters

No Hot Water
The high limit switch button tends to trip, because of which water does not get heated in the water heater. If this button has tripped, reset it. If there is no power in the thermostat of its input terminals, check the wiring or circuit breakers of the water heater. In case the upper heating element does not heat, it needs to be replaced. If the upper heating element is not getting power, then replacement of the upper thermostat is required.

Water Not Hot Enough
When power is supplied to the water heater, the upper thermostat transfers power from the upper heating element to the lower heating element. In case the lower thermostat is faulty, water from the outlet will not be very hot. Check for powers on both the thermostats and replace the one where there is no power. Another reason for not getting hot water from the outlet could be a broken dip tube. Replace the tube if needed.

Leakage in the Relief Valve
A leakage in the relief valve could be because of either high volume or high pressure. If the pressure is too high, one needs to install a pressure reducing valve and in case of high temperature, check the thermostat levels or grounded element.

Draining the Electric Water Heater
Most of the problems with an electronic water heater can be solved by draining it periodically. To drain the water heater, one needs to first turn off the power as well as the cold water inlet, and then turn on the hot water in a sink. At the bottom of the water heater, in the access panel, the outlet valve is located and the hose needs to be inserted in this valve. Post this, open the drain valve and allow the water heater to drain for about 3 hours. Once the draining is complete, open the cold water inlet valve and let water into it, to find particle free water.

To get rid of stinky water from the electronic water heater, follow the instructions given in its section. In case of noise from the tank, check the heating elements in the tank and replace them if necessary. If the tank starts leaking, replace the water heater.

If you are not comfortable with doing the repairing yourself, you can always get it done through a technician.