Whiting Plumbers Discuss the Most Common Hot Water Tank Problems They See

Every day plumbers are called out to homes and businesses to deal with broken hot water tanks. Most problems are caused by aging tanks wearing out and failing, but they also deal with issues caused by faulty parts. So, what are the most common issues they see?

Here’s the list of the top 7 hot water heater problems you may encounter:

1. No Hot Water – The top water heater complaint that plumbers hear is, “I have no hot water!” The cause of a loss of hot water may not be obvious, which is why you need an experienced plumber to figure out what’s going on. The problem may stem from a thermocouple issue, faulty heating element, bad thermostat, or power supply problem. Or, for homeowners with gas units pilot light may have gone out. Call on a professional plumber for expert advice!
2. Inconsistent Hot Water – If you keep running out of hot water when doing the dishes and taking showers, or if the temperature fluctuates unexpectedly, you may have a buildup of sediment that’s reducing your tank’s capacity. Alternatively, it can be an early sign that your heating element or thermostat is beginning to fail. Some of these issues can be fixed, while others will require a hot water tank replacement. A licensed Whiting plumber will be able to speak to your specific circumstances to advise what you should do next.
3. Scalding Hot Water – Alternatively, if your hot water is too hot, that’s another kind of problem entirely! However, it’s not any less serious. In fact, overly hot water can be very dangerous because it can result in burns to hands, face, or bodies while washing. If your water tank thermostat is properly set but not correctly regulating water temperature, it may have failed. A plumber can replace a water heater thermostat to ensure your water temperature is both safe and comfortable.
4. A Leaking Tank – The most worrisome hot water heater problem you can face is a leaking hot water tank. A cracked tank can allow water to escape quickly, doing significant home damage. If you ever see water on the sides of your hot water tank or the floor around the tank, call a plumber immediately for Whiting hot water tank repair!
5. A Leaking Pressure Release Value – A water tank’s pressure release valve is a critical safety mechanism. If the valve fails, it can allow water to leak or pressure to build up inside of the tank, leaving it more susceptible to rupture. A local Whiting plumber can get a new valve installed to keep your hot water heater in good working order.
6. Odd Noises – If your hot water heater is making a rumbling, popping, or banging noise, you likely have sediment buildup. When minerals build up at the bottom of the tank it creates steam pockets as water is heated, which can make disconcerting noises. If you have hard water, this is more likely to happen over time. Plumbers deal with hot water tank noises all the time so they’re used to identifying different sounds and using  them to understand what’s going on inside of your tank.
7. Smelly/Dirty Water – Water that smells pungent or looks discolored can indicate a major problem. A sulfur smell (like rotten eggs) may signal the presence of bacteria growth in your water tank, while rusty looking or reddish water can indicate that corrosion is occurring inside of your tank. Plumbers are hot water tank specialists, so they can advise on whether your problem is fixable or whether you’ll need to replace the tank. 

If you have a problem with your hot water heater, give us a call at 1 (800) 674-9130 for Whiting hot water tank repair! Day or night, 365 days/year we can be there to get hot water restored to your home!