A: Common causes of water heater malfunctions include sediment buildup, faulty heating elements or thermostats, corroded anode rods, and excessive water pressure. Regular maintenance can help prevent many of these issues.
A lack of hot water can be caused by a variety of issues. In electric water heaters, a power loss or heating element failure can cause water to no longer heat in the tank. In gas water heaters, a faulty gas connection, a bad pilot light, or a bad burner can cause no water to heat.
Check the water heater's temperature setting and ensure it is set to an optimal level (typically 120°F). Inspect for sediment buildup in the tank, which can reduce efficiency; flush the tank if necessary. Consider upgrading to a larger water heater or a tankless system for increased hot water output.
Check for power and electrical continuity at the lower and upper heating elements. Replace water heating element if necessary. Clear tank of any sediment first. If elements test OK, check for power at upper electrical upper thermostat. If OK check lower thermostat. Replace if necessary.
As water collects inside your hot water heater to be heated, it's common for debris in the water—like sand, dirt, and minerals—to settle at the bottom of the tank. As the particles collect on the bottom of the tank, the water heater can't effectively heat your water, resulting in lukewarm water only.
Check the circuit breaker.
If you have an electric water heater, the first thing to check when experiencing hot water issues is your circuit breaker. A tripped circuit means the current was disrupted. As a safety measure, the circuit breaker flips.
There are some ways to get more hot water out of an existing water heater without upgrading its size. You can raise the temperature up from the factory setting of 120° to 140° and then add a mixing valve that mixes the overheated water with cold water to make that stored hot water go further.
Most often this is caused by sediment building up inside the tank. Sediment build-up will decrease the amount of hot water your water heater can produce. Usually the water heater will be noisy or tend to make a loud rumbling sound if sediment is the problem.
Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the tank, where the burner usually is. This can lead to slower heating or poor efficiency in your water heater, meaning lukewarm water rather than hot water. The solution for this is to drain the tank and to use a water softener.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
Water heaters show several signs of going bad, including lack of hot water, temperature fluctuations, decreased water pressure, strange noises, rotten egg smell, visible leaks, rusty or discolored water, and increased energy bills. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
The reset button is typically located near the water heater thermostat. You will need to use a screwdriver to remove a cover plate to access the thermostat and reset the button. There may be insulation packed around the thermostat.
Broken Internal Heating Element
Consistently lukewarm water can be caused by a problem with the upper heating elements. If you have a short-lived supply of hot water, it could indicate a problem with the lower heating elements.
After you've drained your hot water tank, you can pour a gallon or so of vinegar through it. To ensure the tank gets a thorough soak (try for 6 hours), close the drain valve before introducing the vinegar. Before you restore power to the unit, flush all the vinegar out. Keep it at the right temperature.
Yes, they do. Water heater boosters help to decrease the amount of down time between use.
Adjusting the temperature on your hot water system typically involves turning a dial on the boiler or thermostat. Follow the instructions in your boiler's user manual. Some models require professional adjustment to ensure optimal safety and function.
The boost button is usually only available for those who have off-peak hot water heating. It is a convenient function if you happen to run out of hot water, or if you or your electrician needs to do some testing of the functionality of the hot water heater and/or underfloor heating.
The most obvious reason for a lack of hot water is if your power or water supply is disconnected from your boiler. Whether you have a gas or electric boiler, it is essential that the right fuel is being supplied to the system at all times, as well as water arriving from the mains or from a separate storage tank.
But you're hesitant to pick up the phone because you're not sure who to call: a plumber, electrician, or HVAC tech. So, what's the answer? Well, it depends on the issue. But for the most part, you should call a licensed plumber for all hot water heater problems.