The 6 Most Common Water Heater Problems

Most people don’t realize how much they rely on their water heaters for cleanliness and to carry out our basic household chores. We would all be a lot less comfortable without our water heaters working round the clock, affording us the ability to shower, wash dishes and do laundry. 

While a water heater is considered a creature comfort, most of us wouldn’t know what to do without one. That’s why it is important to know what warning signs to look for if your water heater is having functional problems. If it is acting up, it is important to act quickly. Here is a quick list of the most common water heater problems most homeowners experience and how to fix them. 

Before we go into further detail, it is important to know that most water heater issues start to flare up when a build-up of sediment is present in the tank. This happens when the minerals in the water supply start to calcify and start to collect in the tank of the water heater. To prevent corrosive build-up, it is suggested that you periodically flush out your water heater. You can read more about that in our Fall & Winter Water Heater Maintenance Blog. 

6 Common Water Heater Problems

• No Hot Water – Having access to hot water is the central function of a water heater, so when it isn’t delivering hot water to your home, it is cause for concern. But before you go calling a professional plumber, first check to see that the pilot light is on. The pilot light should be visible towards the base of your water heater, either through a small finger-sized glass window or opening. If you don’t see an open flame present, then you should absolutely contact one of the experienced plumbers from Detour Plumbing. 

• Not Enough Hot Water – We’ve all been in that unfortunate position before. Five minutes into a relaxing shower and the water starts to turn cold until it is unbearably icy. This could be for a couple of different reasons. One reason could be that the thermostat is not functioning properly, the other case may be that your water heater isn’t big enough for the hot water demands of your household. If it is the latter, you may want to consider upgrading to a larger water heater or a tankless water heater so that you never run out of hot water. If you are unsure, it is wise to call your plumber and ask them for some free advice. 

• Leaking Tank – Sadly, if you suspect your water heater is leaking, it is most likely time to replace it. One sign that your tank has corroded to the point of leaking is that you’ll see signs of rust along the rims at the top or bottom of the tank. If you don’t act right away you run the risk of it rupturing and gallons of water flooding your home, basement or utility closet. If your water heater bursts, it will cause water damage and cost you even more money than simply replacing the unit. Call around to get a quote on a new water heater and installation. 

• Dirty or Rust-Colored Water – Remember when we mentioned sediment accumulating in your water heater’s tank? Well, this would be one of those times. If you are seeing dirty or rust-colored water coming out of the sink or bathtub faucets, it may be an indicator that you have sediment in your tank. One way to remedy this is to flush your tank. If that doesn’t take care of the problem you may have to replace the anode rod. Replacing the anode rod is a pretty simple fix and can add years to your water heater. 

• Foul Smelling Water – If you are smelling a foul odor coming from your sinks and showers, it could mean that there are bacteria in the basin of your water heater. The smell would resemble rotting food and have a fairly pungent odor. While it is not a huge cause for concern it is important that you tend to it promptly. Foul-smelling water can also be remedied by flushing the tank of the water heater with a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. It is recommended that you allow the solution to sit in the basin of the tank for a couple of hours before flushing it clean. If the smell still persists it is most likely time to call a professional plumbing contractor.  

When your water heater is acting up and you can’t seem to pinpoint the problem, it is definitely time to call a professional plumbing company that repairs and installs new water heaters. Detour Plumbing has been providing Santa Clarita and surrounding areas with superior plumbing and water heater services for years now. We will have one of our licensed plumbers at your home in hours to assess the problem and offer affordable solutions to your water heater problems. 

Who to Call for Water Heater Repairs in Los Angeles? 

We will conduct a full water heater inspection to check burner assembly, inspect/repair the exhaust flue of a gas or electric water heater, and inspect the unit for leaks or corrosion.

We also make any necessary repairs and replace your old unit with a newer, more efficient water heater. 

Call Detour Plumbing Santa Clarita for a Professional Water Heater Inspection

To schedule an appointment for routine or emergency water heater maintenance to improve efficiency and keep your heating bills down, contact us today at 661.495.2403.