It’s really frustrating when your water heater stops working or produces water that is not hot enough. The frustration is higher in times like the morning when you need a hot shower or in winter when you have a load of laundry to finish. Before you jump to fixing things or start replacing your water heater parts, it’s important to identify the root cause of the issue. A water heater can malfunction for various reasons, and understanding these causes is the first step toward getting your hot water back.
In this blog, we will walk through common problems that prevent your water heater from heating properly, what you can do about them, and when it’s time to call in a professional plumber. We will also look at signs that it might be time to replace your water heater entirely.
Why Your Water Heater is Not Heating the Water Enough
Here are some common reasons your water heater may not be heating water sufficiently and ways to address them:
Issues with Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the water temperature inside your water heater. If the thermostat is set too low or is faulty, the water may not heat to the desired temperature. If you have an electric water heater with two thermostats, it can still produce lukewarm water if only one has failed.
You can resolve this issue by checking the temperature setting first, and if it’s too low, adjust it to 120°F. This is the optimal temperature that most homes in Fort Lawn, SC, and the neighborhood keep. If there is an issue with your thermostat, call an experienced plumber technician who can test and replace it.
Faulty Heating Element
If you have an electric water heater, it will have heating elements. If one fails, you will have water heating issues. If both fail, there will be a short circuit, and the breaker will trip.
If you have the required tools and are comfortable working with electricity, you can test the elements using a multimeter. Otherwise, it’s best to have a plumbing professional handle this safely.
Water Leaks
A leaking water heater can reduce pressure and heat output.
To troubleshoot, check the area around your unit for any visible leaks or pooling water. Leaks could come from valves, the tank, or fittings. Call a plumber immediately if you suspect a leak.
Broken Gas Valve
For a water heater using gas, a faulty gas valve won’t allow the fuel to reach the burner, resulting in no hot water.
If you smell gas or suspect an issue with your gas valve, turn off the supply and contact a licensed technician immediately.
The Pilot Light is Out
If your gas water heater’s pilot light is out, the burner won’t ignite.
To troubleshoot, try to relight it by following the manufacturer’s instructions. If the pilot light does not stay lit after attempting to relight it, the issue can be more serious, so you should stop and call a professional plumber for assistance.
Aging water heater
Most water heaters in homes last between 8 and 12 years. An old unit may simply be at the end of its life, heating poorly even with maintenance.
If your water heater is over 10 years old and experiencing frequent problems, replacement is often more cost-effective than repair.
Small Water Heater
If your home requires more hot water due to an increasing family size or other reasons, your existing water heater might not be able to match the rising demand.
If that seems familiar, you need to consider replacing your water heater with a size that can seamlessly serve your needs.
Old or Worn-Out Anode Rod
The anode rod prevents corrosion inside your tank. Once it deteriorates, the tank can rust, reducing heating efficiency.
Anode rods typically need replacing every 3–5 years. If your water heater anode has passed this time period, call a plumber to replace the rod to extend your heater’s life.
Depleted Hot Water Supply
If your household uses a lot of hot water back-to-back, your heater tank may not have enough time to recover.
To resolve this problem, wait 30 to 60 minutes for the tank to refill and reheat. If you feel you will consistently need more hot water, not just one day, consider upgrading to a larger tank or a tankless system if you frequently run out of hot water.
Gas Supply Problems
For water heaters running on gas, issues with gas supply, such as a closed valve or interrupted service, can prevent heating.
In this case, you have to ensure the gas valve is open and check other gas appliances. If none are working, contact your gas provider.
Cross Connections
Improper plumbing setups can allow cold water to mix with hot water lines, leading to lukewarm output.
If you think this is the underlying issue, call a residential plumber to inspect and correct any incorrect pipe installations in your home.
Sediment Buildup
The water we use usually contains some amount of minerals, and some water contains more, which is called hard water. These minerals can build up in the water heater over time, creating a barrier between the heater and water. This means your water heater is taking more time to heat water or is not heating properly.
You can remove sediment buildup and avoid this issue in the future by flushing your water heater once a year, or more often if you have hard water. You can perform this yourself or hire a professional.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker will shut off power to your water heater.
To fix this issue, check your electrical panel. If the water heater breaker is off, reset it. If it trips again, you likely have an electrical fault; call an electrician or plumber trained in water heater systems.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater
Signs your water heater needs replacing include:
- The unit is over a decade old.
- Frequent breakdowns or costly repairs.
- Rusty or discolored hot water.
- Water is pooling around the base of the heater.
- Not enough hot water, even after troubleshooting.
- Banging, popping, or rumbling sounds coming from your water heater when it’s running
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s time to consider a new water heater for your home.
When to Call a Professional
While a malfunctioning water heater is inconvenient, it’s still a manageable issue. By understanding common issues and how to troubleshoot them, you can get your hot water running again or know when it’s time to call a professional plumber or replace the unit. Regular maintenance, like flushing the tank and checking the anode rod, can also help extend the life of your water heater.
Some water heater problems are minor and can be taken as a DIY task. But when it comes to gas leaks, electrical issues, or other complicated problems, it’s a safer and cost-effective option to call in a professional plumber. In Fort Lawn, SC, and surrounding areas, experienced plumbers like Perennial Plumbing LLC can diagnose the problem quickly and safely restore your hot water.
