A functional water heater is essential for daily comfort, providing hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes. However, like any home appliance, water heaters can develop issues over time, leading to inconsistent performance, leaks, or complete breakdowns. When problems arise, quick repairs can extend the life of your unit, improve efficiency, and save you money on costly replacements.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common water heater problems, their causes, and how to fix them—plus when to call a professional for expert water heater repair.
1. No Hot Water? Here’s What to Check
Nothing is more frustrating than turning on the tap and getting cold water instead of hot. This issue can stem from several causes:
🔧 Gas Water Heaters:
✔ Pilot Light is Out – If your gas water heater isn’t producing hot water, check the pilot light. If it’s out, try relighting it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If it won’t stay lit, the thermocouple may need replacement.
✔ Gas Supply Issue – If the pilot light won’t ignite, there may be an issue with the gas supply line or gas valve. A professional inspection is recommended.
🔌 Electric Water Heaters:
✔ Tripped Circuit Breaker – If your electric water heater isn’t heating, check your breaker panel and reset the switch if needed.
✔ Faulty Heating Element – If power is flowing to the unit but no hot water is being produced, the heating element may be burned out and need replacement.
When to Call a Professional: If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and still have no hot water, it’s time for professional repair service to diagnose and fix the issue.
2. Water Takes Too Long to Heat
If your water heater is working, but it’s slow to heat water, the problem may be due to:
✔ Sediment Buildup – Over time, minerals from hard water collect at the bottom of the tank, insulating the burner and reducing efficiency.
✔ Undersized Unit – If your household has grown in size, your water heater may not be able to keep up with demand.
✔ Faulty Thermostat – A malfunctioning thermostat may not be signaling the system to heat water effectively.
Solution:
- Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup and restore efficiency.
- Upgrade to a larger water heater if your home’s hot water needs have changed.
- Adjust or replace the thermostat if it’s not accurately controlling the temperature.
3. Strange Noises Coming from the Water Heater
Unusual sounds coming from your water heater could indicate internal problems. Common noises and their causes include:
🔊 Popping or Rumbling – Caused by sediment buildup heating up and cracking inside the tank.
🔊 Screeching or Whistling – Usually due to restricted water flow from partially closed valves or pipe blockages.
🔊 Banging or Hammering – Known as water hammer, this occurs when water suddenly stops or changes direction in the pipes.
Solution:
✔ Flush the tank to remove sediment and prevent overheating.
✔ Check the inlet and outlet valves to ensure they’re fully open.
✔ Install a water hammer arrestor to prevent pipe damage.
Ignoring these sounds can lead to long-term damage and premature water heater failure.
4. Leaking Water Heater? Here’s What to Do
Water pooling around your heater is a sign of a leak, which can lead to water damage and system failure if left untreated. Common causes include:
✔ Loose Connections – Check the inlet and outlet pipes and tighten any loose fittings.
✔ Faulty Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Valve – A malfunctioning T&P valve may release excess pressure, leading to leaks.
✔ Corrosion in the Tank – If rust has eaten through the tank, replacement is the only solution.
When to Call a Professional:
If the leak is coming from the tank itself or the T&P valve continues to release water, a technician should inspect and repair or replace the unit.
5. Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit (Gas Water Heaters Only)
If your gas water heater’s pilot light repeatedly goes out, the problem could be:
✔ Dirty or Blocked Pilot Tube – A clogged pilot tube prevents a strong, steady flame.
✔ Faulty Thermocouple – The thermocouple senses the flame and shuts off gas if it’s not detected. A faulty one will incorrectly cut off the gas supply.
✔ Drafts or Venting Issues – Strong drafts can blow out the pilot light, or improper venting may cause it to go out frequently.
Solution:
- Clean the pilot tube with a small wire or compressed air.
- If the thermocouple is bad, replace it.
- Ensure your water heater is properly ventilated.
If the pilot light issue persists, a professional repair may be necessary.
6. Smelly or Discolored Water? Here’s Why
Foul-smelling or rust-colored water coming from your taps? This is often a sign of bacteria growth or rust inside your water heater.
✔ Rotten Egg Smell (Sulfur Odor) – Caused by bacteria reacting with the anode rod in your heater.
✔ Rusty or Brown Water – Indicates tank corrosion or deteriorating pipes.
Solution:
- Flush and disinfect the tank with a hydrogen peroxide solution.
- Replace the anode rod with an aluminum or powered anode if bacteria growth persists.
- If rust is coming from the tank itself, it may be time for a replacement.
When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Water Heater
🛠 When to Repair:
✔ Minor leaks from fittings or valves
✔ Pilot light or burner issues
✔ Sediment buildup affecting performance
✔ Noisy operation that can be fixed with flushing
🔄 When to Replace:
❌ If your water heater is over 10-15 years old
❌ If tank corrosion is present
❌ If multiple repairs are needed frequently
❌ If it no longer meets your hot water needs
Repairs can extend the life of your system, but if issues persist, investing in a new, energy-efficient water heater may be more cost-effective.
Need Water Heater Repair? Call Us Today!
A malfunctioning water heater doesn’t have to ruin your day. Our expert technicians provide fast, reliable water heater repair services to restore your hot water and keep your system running efficiently.
📞 Contact us today to schedule your water heater repair and prevent bigger problems down the road!
