5 Common Water Heater Problems & Troubleshooting Tips

At some point, your water heater may encounter issues that hinder its ability to deliver the hot water you need. When this happens, the problem must be diagnosed and corrected promptly.

While the issue isn’t always obvious, there are ways you can troubleshoot your system to determine the best fix. Below, Shanklin Heating & Air Conditioning discusses common water heater issues, provides troubleshooting tips, and explains when to call a professional.

Common Water Heater Issues

Familiarizing yourself with common water heater issues will help you determine what’s wrong if your unit malfunctions. Some of the problems homeowners run into include:

• No hot water: If your unit only produces cold water, it’s likely an issue with your power, a faulty thermostat, or a faulty heating element.
• Leaks: A leaky unit is often caused by a stuck valve, too much water pressure, a damaged gasket, loose parts, and more.
• Discolored water: Rusty or off-colored water is often a sign of corrosion in your tank’s inner lining, which usually indicates an anode rod failure.
• Limescale buildup: Limescale buildup results from hard water or water that contains too many minerals, which coat plumbing fixtures.
• Odd noises: Odd noises often result from sediment buildup or loose components.

Water Heater Troubleshooting Tips

Not having hot water when you need it is frustrating. Fortunately, there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take to determine and fix the problem, including:

• Reset your breaker: Try resetting your circuit breaker by flipping the switch from off to on.
• Restart your unit: For electric units, turn off your system, wait several minutes, and turn it back on to see if hot water returns.
• Check the pilot light: For proper operation, the pilot light must be ignited at all times. If it’s not lit, try relighting it.
• Inspect your unit for leaks: Leaks can be difficult to find. Once detected, ensure any loose components are tightened.
• Invest in water treatments: If limescale buildup is your issue, try a water softening or filter treatment. 

When To Call a Professional

Water heater repairs should never be a DIY project. If your troubleshooting efforts don’t resolve the problem, it’s time to hire a professional for help. Attempting repairs yourself can worsen the problem, so working with an expert is crucial.

Your unit may be beyond repair. We’ll be there promptly to determine the issue and offer a solution or recommend a system replacement.

Schedule Water Heater Services

Shanklin Heating & Air Conditioning is a leading provider of water heater services in Dalton and Massillon, OH, and we’ve been serving our community since 1960. Family-owned and -operated, we’ll always treat our customers with respect and care.

We offer 24/7 emergency service and a range of coupons and specials, and our technicians receive weekly training to ensure you’ll always get the best service. We use top-of-the-line products and proudly service all brands.

Schedule water heater services in Dalton, OH, by calling (330) 818-2630 today.