Top 7 Common Water Heater Problems (and How to Fix Them Fast)

Starting your day with a cold shower? You might be facing one of several common water heater faults.

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our certified plumbers are here for all those times when DIY maintenance isn’t enough to fix water heater issues. As soon as you reach out, we’ll quickly take action to diagnose and repair common water heater problems. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues and the most effective repair options.

1. No Hot Water

When you’re trying to shower and rush out the door to work, the last thing you want is a lack of hot water. Depending on the underlying cause, you may be able to fix this on your own. For dangerous or complicated issues, it’s important to reach out to a professional plumber for help.

Causes

• Tripped Circuit Breakers: When the circuit breaker is tripped, it shuts off power to the water heater and stops it from heating water.
• Faulty Thermostats: The thermostat’s sensors may be sensing the water temperature incorrectly. Alternatively, the thermostat may not be communicating properly with the water heater.
• Malfunctioning Heating Elements: You need a functioning heating element to warm up the water.
• Pilot Light Issues: If you have a gas unit, the underlying problem may be related to the pilot light. 

Quick Fixes

To fix water heater issues like this, start by resetting the circuit breaker. If it immediately flips again, there’s an underlying electrical issue that needs to be professionally repaired. Then, try testing the thermostat and relighting the pilot light. 

If none of these DIY options work, you may need to replace your thermostat, repair your faulty pilot light, or replace the heating element. All of these repairs will require a professional plumber.

2. Inadequate or Inconsistent Water Temperature

When your water is still warm but isn’t heating properly, a few water heater problems may be at fault.

Causes

• Sediment Buildup: When sediment keeps building up, it can reduce the heating efficiency. You’ll often notice higher electricity or gas bills because of this. 
• Thermostat Issues: A malfunctioning thermostat won’t sense the water temperature properly or trigger the water heater to switch on. This can lead to cooler water temperatures.

Fixes

To troubleshoot these problems, start by draining and flushing your tank. You should drain and flush your tank once per year to prevent sediment buildup and to avoid efficiency issues.

Afterward, check the thermostat to see if it is functioning. You may need to adjust the temperature. 

If none of these solutions fixes the problem, you may have other issues, like a damaged anode rod or a broken thermostat. You’ll need a plumbing expert to fix the underlying problem.

3. Strange Noises (Popping, Rumbling)

Your water heater isn’t supposed to make popping or rumbling noises. If you notice odd sounds coming from your device, you need to schedule water heater repairs.

Causes

When minerals and sediment build up at the bottom of the tank, it causes water pockets to pop. This is the main reason why you might hear unusual sounds coming from inside of your tank.

Fixes

The best way to fix water heater issues like this is through an annual flushing. Use a hose and follow your instruction manual to drain the tank of water. For the safety of yourself and the water heater, you’ll need to switch off the power supply at the breaker first and turn off the water supply line. Once the water heater has been drained, you can refill it. You may also need professional descaling or element replacement if the sediment has damaged components inside the tank.

4. Leaks

Water heaters should never leak water onto the ground. This problem can occur with traditional water heaters than with tankless water heaters, although the water damage can be more extensive with traditional models. If you notice any signs of moisture, you should immediately troubleshoot the problem or call for help.

Causes

• Loose Connections: If the pipe connections become loose, water can start to leak out.
• Worn Valves: Over time, the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve or the drain valve can become worn or damaged.
• Corrosion in Tank or Fittings: Corrosion can occur in the tank and fittings if the anode rod stops functioning properly. In turn, this can lead to rust and potential leaks.

Fixes

To troubleshoot these issues, you can start by tightening any loose fittings. You may need to have the valves or connections replaced with new ones. If you realize that the tank is the source of the leak, then you should immediately call Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing before the damage becomes worse. The last thing you want is to have an entire water heater leak out into your home.

5. Rusty or Smelly Water

Whether you have a tankless water heater or a traditional water heater, you may occasionally encounter rusty or smelly water. Because this can be due to rust or bacterial growth, you should never drink the water. Instead, troubleshoot the issue and call for professional help to fix the water heater issues.

Causes

• Bacterial Growth: When bacteria grow in the water heater, they can cause a foul odor that smells like sulfur or rotten eggs.
• Corroded Anode Rod: If your anode rod becomes corroded, it can react with minerals in the water to cause a sulfur scent. This is especially likely if there are also high levels of bacteria in the water.
• Internal Rust: If the tank or internal components are starting to rust, the water may look rusty.

Fixes 

To fix this issue, start by flushing the tank. You may need to disinfect the tank with special disinfectants. If these techniques don’t work, you may need to call a professional for an advanced cleaning treatment or an anode rod replacement.

6. Rising Energy Bills

If your energy bills keep increasing without any clear reason, it may be due to your water heater. In fact, space heating and water heating make up around two-thirds of your home’s energy consumption. When your water heater isn’t working efficiently, it can make a major impact on your energy bills.

Causes

• Sediment and Limescale: When sediment and limescale build up, they form an insulating barrier over the heating element. In turn, this prevents the element from heating the water appropriately. 
• Faulty Elements or Thermostats: A malfunctioning thermostat or element can lead to inefficient energy usage.
• Aging Units: As a unit ages, it will naturally use more energy as it becomes less efficient.

Fixes

The first approach to fixing this issue is flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup. You can also try adjusting the thermostat. For improved efficiency and reduced heat loss, consider installing insulation around the tank.

Eventually, even the best water heaters have to be replaced. If nothing else works to improve your water heater’s efficiency, it may be time to consider the cost and benefits of repairing or replacing your unit.

7. Low Water Pressure

No one wants to step into the shower and feel a trickle of water. When this happens, there are a few causes that could be at fault.

Causes

Typically, low water pressure means that something is obstructing the airflow or the flow of water in your hot water lines and plumbing system. This often happens due to mineral deposits or corrosion. 

Fixes

The best DIY repair for this is to flush the system. If this doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to call one of our professional plumbers to clean or replace the aerators and filters. We can also diagnose more complex problems. 

When To Replace Your Water Heater

Even with the best water heater maintenance, you’ll still need to replace your unit eventually. You can use the following checklist to decide whether to repair or replace your unit. 

• Energy Consumption: Typically, a unit should be replaced once it becomes significantly less energy efficient.
• Frequent Repairs: Frequent breakdowns and expensive repairs are signs you need a replacement. 
• Age: A traditional tank that is 8 to 12 years old or a tankless water heater that is 20 years old will likely need to be replaced in the near future. 
• Corrosion: Finally, extensive corrosion is a key indicator that a replacement needs to be carried out.

FAQs About Water Heater Problems & Fixes in Colorado

Over the years, we’ve handled a wide range of water heater problems. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions that we hear.

How often should you flush your water heater?

The biggest risk to your water heater is sediment building up in the tank. While the anode rod is designed to attract this sediment and prevent corrosion, the sediment buildup can eventually become too great. To protect your anode rod and other water heater elements from corrosion, you should flush your water heater at least once a year. 

You should flush more frequently if: 

• Your home uses hard water.
• You are on well water.
• You notice reduced water pressure, lower water supply, smelly water, or strange noises.

What temperature should my water heater be set to?

To minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ Disease and other harmful bacteria, you should plan on setting your water temperature to 120°F (49°C). While a higher temperature can kill more bacteria, it also increases the risk of scalding. 

Besides setting the appropriate water temperature, you can prevent harmful bacteria by making sure to flush your water heater regularly. If a fixture hasn’t been used for a while, run it for a few minutes before use. Low water usage can lead to reduced levels of disinfectant in the water and increase the likelihood of bacterial growth.

Why does my pilot keep going out?

If your pilot light keeps going out, it’s essential to get a professional inspection and repairs right away. In the United States, over 200,000 gas leaks per year result in a call for help. Your pilot light may go out because of: 

• A failing thermocouple
• Clogged pilot tube
• Low gas pressure

As a general rule, you should reach out for professional help if your pilot light keeps going out, flickers, or turns yellow. All of these are indications that something is wrong with the pilot light.

Is it safe to use water with a bad smell?

When water isn’t disinfected properly, it can lead to the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. If your water smells like sulfur, mold, manure, or other foul odors, you should never drink it. Instead, you need to flush your plumbing system and schedule a professional cleaning. 

Other common indications of bacterial growth include: 

• Cloudiness 
• Unusual taste, such as the taste of metal or rotten eggs
• Rust-colored marks around your drains
• Black residue on silverware
• A slimy film on anything that touches the water

Where is the reset button on the water heater? 

The reset button is often located near the thermostat. On some units, it’s behind a removable panel. To determine where your reset button is, you can consult the manufacturer’s guide. 

However, you should only reset your water heater if there is a one-time tripped breaker or surge in electricity. If your water heater isn’t heating or the breaker trips repeatedly, you are dealing with an underlying issue. In these instances, you need to get professional help to diagnose the electrical or mechanical problem.

How long does a water heater normally last? 

While a tank model can last 6 to 12 years, a tankless water heater may last for 20 years or longer. A variety of different factors can determine how long the typical water heater lasts.

• The frequency of water heater maintenance
• The brand 
• The presence of hard water
• How frequently it is used
• Installation quality
• Humidity levels

By scheduling water heater maintenance, you can get a professional inspection and determine any problems that could be impacting your water heater’s longevity.

Schedule Professional Repairs Today in Fort Collins, CO

If you notice common signs of water heater problems, you need help right away. At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we offer a wide range of emergency water heater repair services. Thanks to our local expertise and satisfaction guarantee, we’re able to deliver exceptional results and happy clients on every project.

Need help fast? Call Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing at 970-444-5939 or schedule your same-day service online.