What is the Most Common Problem with Water Heaters?

Water heaters are an essential part of every home, and they provide us with the hot water we need for showers, dishes, and laundry. But what happens when they stop working correctly? Here are some of the most common problems with water heaters and their root causes. Learn more about water heater repair in Asheville by reading  these tips from our plumbing experts.

The Water Heater Isn’t Producing Any Hot Water

There are a few things that could be causing your water heater to stop producing hot water. First, check the thermostat to see if it’s set correctly. If it is, then the problem may be with the heating element, and this can usually be fixed by replacing the element.

Another possibility is that there is a build-up of sediment in the tank, which is preventing the heating element from working correctly. Flushing the tank can usually fix this problem. Finally, if none of these solutions work, it’s possible that the water heater itself is faulty and will need to be replaced.

You Have Rusty or Discolored Water from Your Taps

Discolored or rusty water from your taps is a sign of a problem with your water heater. The most common cause for this is when the anode rod inside your tank has corroded and needs to be replaced. This causes rust to build up in the tank, which can make its way into your home through the hot water system.

Another possible cause of discolored or rusty water is sediment buildup in the bottom of your tank, which may also cause issues with corrosion and lead to rust-colored deposits on fixtures at low points in your plumbing system.

In some cases, discolored or rusty water could be caused by minerals that have leaked into pipes due to hard water conditions. This type of discoloration will usually disappear as you flush out those minerals over time—but if it doesn’t, there might be another issue at play that needs addressing sooner than later!

The Hot Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs

If you experience this problem, it’s likely that your water heater is not getting enough oxygen. This can happen because of a decrease in pressure or when the water heater is too old.

The most common cause of this problem is bacteria growing inside your water heater. The bacteria feed on minerals in hot water and produce hydrogen sulfide gas as a by-product, giving off a rotten egg smell.

Re-Heating Takes Forever

If you have a water heater that is not heating water, it may be time to replace the unit. A good indicator of this problem is if your hot water takes longer than usual to reach its desired temperature. This can be caused by different factors, such as sediment build-up, missing or broken parts, and corrosion of the tank itself.

However, suppose you are still experiencing these issues after replacing your old water heater with a new one. In that case, we recommend contacting the experts at Four Seasons Plumbing for water heater repairs. They will be able to find out what exactly is causing this issue and suggest solutions for it!

Water is Leaking From the Top and Bottom

Water heaters can sometimes develop leaks, resulting in water damage and costly repairs. If you suspect your water heater leaks, it’s vital to take action immediately. The first thing you should do is shut off the water supply to the unit.

This step will help to prevent further water damage. Next, you’ll need to identify the source of the leak. If the leak comes from the water tank itself, the tank will likely develop a crack or hole. In this case, it will need to be replaced. However, if the leak is coming from a connection or fittings, it may be possible to make a repair. Once you’ve located the source of the leak, you can then take steps to repair or replace the water heater.

Depending on the severity of the leak, you may be able to tighten a loose fitting or replace a washer. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire water heater. Whatever course of action you take, addressing a water heater leak as soon as possible is essential to preventing water damage in your home.

The Water is Too Hot

One possible reason the hot water coming out of the water heater is too hot could be that the water heater’s thermostat is set too high. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the water temperature, so if it is set too high, the water will be hotter than desired.

Another possibility is a problem with the water heater itself, such as a faulty heating element. In this case, it would be best to call a plumber or water heater technician to diagnose and resolve the issue. Regardless of the cause, fixing the problem as soon as possible is vital to avoid scalding or other injuries.

You’re Hearing Strange Popping and Rumbling Sounds

You might hear some strange popping and rumbling sounds coming from your water heater. These noises can be caused by a number of things, from the flushing of the toilet to air entering or leaving the tank as it heats up and cools down. If you hear these sounds, don’t panic; they do not necessarily mean that there’s something wrong with your unit (though they may indicate that there is). Instead, call a plumber to find out what’s happening before turning off your water heater entirely.

Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

One of the most common issues with water heaters is that the pilot light won’t stay lit. If this happens, the first thing you should check is the gas valve. If the valve is turned to the “off” position, turn it to “pilot” and wait a few minutes for the gas to build up before relighting the pilot light.

If the pilot light still doesn’t stay lit, the thermocouple may have a problem. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. Over time, it can become corroded or loose, causing it to malfunction. If you suspect the thermocouple is the problem, it’s best to call Four Seasons Plumbing for repairs.

Call Four Seasons Plumbing

You should call Four Seasons Plumbing for all your water heater repairs needs in Asheville, NC. We are a company that strives to provide you with the best customer service possible. Our technicians are trained experts in a variety of fields, including plumbing and HVAC, so they can fix any problem you may have with your water heater. Call us today for a quote on our services!