Water heaters are one of the most essential appliances in every household. Most of us rely on them to carry out household chores like washing the dishes, doing the laundry, and much more. The problem is that most of us don’t bother to check on it as long as it’s heating water on demand. However, just like other appliances in your home, water heaters are also prone to malfunctioning. When your water heater acts up, it’s important to troubleshoot quickly so that you can continue to enjoy its convenience.

5 Most Common Water Heaters Problems

Many water heater problems can be addressed without consulting a professional, while others are best left to the experts. Below is a list of the most common problems with water heating systems:

No Hot Water

If you’re using a gas-powered water heater, the most probable cause is a broken pilot light. Try re-igniting the pilot light by simply turning it off and on. If this still doesn’t produce hot water, this may indicate that its thermocouple needs replacing. Replacing this component is a relatively easy task, but unless you have the skills, it’s best to let a professional handle the repairs.

Rusty-Colored Water

Over time, rust sediment can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. If dirty or rusty colored water comes out of your faucets, this may be a sign that your water heater is corroding away. An easy fix is to empty your tank, but if that doesn’t eliminate the problem, you should consider replacing the anode rod. The anode rod is responsible for preventing rust from collecting in the tank.

Smelly Water

If a foul, egg-type odor comes from your sinks and showers, this could mean that your water heater’s basin is infected with bacteria. To get rid of the pungent smell, you can simply empty the tank and fill it with a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit in the tank for a couple of hours before flushing it clean. If the smell persists, you should seek professional plumbing services.

Leaking Tank

A leaking tank is the most common water heater problem. Leaks can be caused by several things like corrosion, condensation, build-up of too much pressure, etc. If you suspect that your unit is leaking, the best solution would be to replace it. Ignoring even the smallest leaks can result in catastrophic flooding in your basement. To avoid costly repairs from water damage, it is best to replace the entire unit.

Noisy Water Tank

If your water tank is hidden away, you probably won’t be bothered by its noise but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. A noisy water tank may indicate that the heating element is burning out. In this case, have a professional replace the heating element immediately. It could also be attributed to sediment that is constantly being burned by the heating element. If that is the case, simply drain the water tank and remove debris that has accumulated at the bottom of it.

Bottom Line

If your water heater is acting up and none of the solutions above seem to work, it’s time to seek professional plumbing services. While you could fix your water heater by yourself, it is best to leave the job to the pros to avoid damaging your unit even further.