5 Common Water Heater Issues and How to Fix Them

Isn't a nice hot shower on a cold morning just the best thing?

When you've just gotten out of bed, wiped the sleep out of your eyes and stumbled into the bathroom, getting under a steaming hot shower is enough to let out a loud "thank you, precious water heater!" The home hot water system comes in handy in many other ways too, from washing up in the kitchen to cooking and cleaning. But like any major household appliance, they can certainly develop problems over time.

So, let’s take a closer look at five of the most common water heater issues you might encounter. Whether you have a gas, electric or even a solar-powered hot water heater, understanding the potential problems can help you maintain your system and get the most out of it for as long as possible.

Issue 1: No Hot Water

First and foremost is the most obvious of common water heater problems – no hot water.

When you turn on the hot water tap and all you get is cold water, that clearly means you have a problem. This issue can stem from a range of possible causes:

Electric Water Heaters

In electric water heaters, your absence of hot water could be due to:

• a faulty heating element
• blown fuses
• tripped circuit breaker

To troubleshoot the issue, check the power switches and make sure your electric water heater is receiving power. You may need to have a plumber replace heating elements in the system as well.

Gas Water Heaters

However, if you have a gas water heater, no hot water typically means your system might be suffering from:

• a bad pilot light
• a faulty gas connection
• problems with the gas burner

Before you call a plumber or brave a cold shower, you can try to restore your hot water supply by relighting the pilot light or inspecting the gas supply line.

Issue 2: Inadequate Hot Water

Sometimes, the problem might not be quite as bad as no hot water, but inadequate hot water can certainly be a major frustration in its own right. The last thing you want is to step in the shower and be hit either with lukewarm water or a hot water supply that runs out prematurely.

There could be several reasons why you might find your water heater isn’t producing enough hot water. They include:

• Incorrect thermostat temperature – Your water won’t reach the desired temperature if you’ve set the thermostat too low.
• A faulty thermostat will not be able to accurately control the water temperature.
• Sediment build-up in the water heater tank can impede its efficiency, leading to less hot water.

To restore the consistent, steady supply of hot water that you’re used to, try adjusting the thermostat or replacing it if necessary. And if you have a water heater tank, flush it regularly to prevent sediment build-up.

Issue 3: Water is Too Hot

Like the classic Goldilocks and the 3 Bears story, when it comes to hot water, you want it just right. While no or inadequate hot water is largely a frustration and an inconvenience, scalding hot water can be a safety hazard. This is particularly true for children and elderly people.

Much like the inadequate hot water issue, this one is typically the result of an incorrectly set thermostat. If it’s set too high or is faulty, the water can exceed safe temperatures. To fix this problem, lower the thermostat to a safer, more comfortable setting. If you still find the water too hot, it’s a good idea to replace the thermostat to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

The Importance of the Tempering Valve

Another potential reason why your water might be too hot is a problem with the tempering valve.

In Australia, stored water in a tank must be at a minimum temperature of 60 degrees Celsius to kill off any possible bacteria or legionella growth. However, that temperature is too hot for personal hygiene use. A tempering valve makes the hot water safe by mixing cold water with hot to reduce the temperature to 50 degrees Celsius as it flows from the tap.

If the valve is faulty, or your system does not have one, a licensed plumber can install or replace one for you.

Issue 4: Leaking Water Heater

One common water heater issue that can potentially cause damage to your home is a leaking system.

There are several reasons why this might occur, including:

• Loose inlet or outlet pipes (tightening the connections will typically fix this)
• Faulty pressure relief valve
• Leaking tank due to corrosion
• Sediment buildup in the tank

If you notice pools of water forming around your heater, you’re best off getting it inspected as soon as possible. Yes, you might solve the problem by tightening connections or replacing a relief valve. In some cases, however, a leaking tank may require a new water heater installation.

Issue 5: Rust-Coloured or Foul-Smelling Water

If you notice rust-coloured water or a foul odour coming from your hot water tap, chances are high that there’s something wrong with your water heater.

Rust-coloured water often indicates that the tank is corroding from the inside, which could lead to leaks or even a complete system failure. A failing anode rod is often the culprit in this case; the purpose of the rod is to attract corrosive elements and protect the tank. Replacing the anode rod, though, will stop further corrosion and prolong the lifespan of your water heater.

However, if you’re dealing with foul-smelling water, it’s typically due to bacterial growth inside the tank, and often because of a malfunctioning anode rod. Best approach is to flush the tank and replace the rod. This will neutralise the odour and keep your hot water clean and fresh.

The Importance of Using a Licensed Plumber

When it comes to dealing with common water heater issues, such as a leaking water tank or faulty gas water heater connections, you’ll need the expertise of a licensed plumber to resolve them.

A skilled and experienced plumber will make sure they get the job done correctly and safely. Though you may consider yourself to be a bit of a DIY natural, attempting hot water system repairs yourself can lead to further damage, inefficient operation, or even hazardous situations, particularly if gas is involved. You also run the risk of voiding your warranty if you don’t use a licensed contractor.

In the long run, this approach will save you time, money, and stress.

Keep Your Hot Water Heater Running Smoothly

Dealing with a malfunctioning water heater doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

By understanding the causes of problems like an absence of hot water, inadequate heating, or water heater leaks, you can take proactive steps to keep your system in peak working condition. Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank to prevent sediment build-up, replacing the pressure relief valve and checking the thermostat, can go a long way in keeping your unit running efficiently.

Don’t let minor problems turn into major headaches. Resolve them as soon as you can to enjoy consistent, reliable hot water.

Please note: Thank you for reading our blog “5 Common Water Heater Issues and How to Fix Them”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.