Tips for Water Heater Troubleshooting Before You Call the Plumber

Modern plumbing makes daily life so much more comfortable and convenient. Nevertheless, with every convenience comes some maintenance tasks, and water heaters are no exception. When hot water suddenly stops flowing, most homeowners panic and immediately call a plumber. However, before you spend money on a technician, consider giving some basic water heater troubleshooting a try. 

No Hot Water

The most common problem is a lack of hot water. Before you call a plumber, start by looking at the thermostat setting. Make sure it's set to the right temperature. If it's too low, increase it gradually and see if hot water starts flowing. If that doesn't work, try resetting the breaker in the fuse box. If this still doesn't fix the issue, you may have a serious malfunction with the heating element, which requires a professional service.

Insufficient Hot Water

If you have some hot water but not enough to fill the bath, the most likely reason is a malfunctioning heating element. Replacing the defective component usually solves this. Also, check the connection between the water supply and the tank. When hot water flows and the pipes show signs of rust, the heating element may also need to be replaced.

Strange Noises

If you hear banging, hissing, or popping sounds coming from the water tank, it's usually a sign that some parts have accumulated scale deposits. These sediments can also damage the pressure valve and allow excess pressure to build up. To fix this issue, drain and clean the tank. Have the scale removed, or purchase an acid solution and clean the inside.

Leaks

Water leaks are serious issues, and if you notice water pooling around the water heater, don't hesitate to turn off the water supply and call a professional for water heater repair. Leaks can occur from loose valves and supply lines, among other reasons. In some cases, leaks may also result from corrosion of the tank, in which case replacing the whole heating unit is the best solution.

Foul Odors

Is there a stench coming out of your taps when you turn on the hot water? The problem might lie with the bacteria living in the tank. To fix this issue, flush the tank or replace the anode rod. This rod is responsible for breaking down the bacteria that cause the smell. These bacteria thrive in low-temperature settings, so keeping your water heater temperature at the right setting is essential.

Water heater troubleshooting is not difficult but requires some knowledge and patience. Call a plumber for professional assistance if troubleshooting does not resolve your water heater problems.