There are few plumbing problems more disruptive than a failing traditional water heater. From a refreshing morning shower to washing dishes and doing laundry, hot water is essential to our daily routines. When you’re suddenly faced with a cold shower, it’s a major inconvenience. While some water heater issues require immediate professional replacement, many common problems have simpler causes that can be identified and sometimes fixed. Understanding the basics of how your water heater works can help you troubleshoot the issue and know when it’s time to call a professional for a repair or replacement.
Understanding Your Water Heater Type
First, identify what type of water heater you have. Most homes in Utah have a conventional tank-style water heater, which keeps a large tank of water constantly heated. These can be either gas or electric. Some newer homes may have a tankless water heater, which heats water on demand. The troubleshooting steps can vary significantly between these types.
Common Problems with Gas Tank-Style Water Heaters
- No Hot Water at All: The most common cause is an extinguished pilot light. The pilot is a small, constantly burning flame that ignites the main burner when the water needs to be heated. Sometimes, a draft can blow it out. Instructions for safely relighting the pilot are usually printed on a label on the tank itself. If the pilot light will not stay lit, it’s a sign of a faulty thermocouple, which is a safety device that needs to be replaced by a professional.
- Not Enough Hot Water: This is often caused by sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank. Over time, minerals from the water supply can settle at the bottom of the tank, creating a layer that insulates the water from the burner, reducing the unit’s efficiency. A professional can flush the tank to remove this sediment.
Common Problems with Electric Tank-Style Water Heaters
- No Hot Water: The most likely culprit is a tripped circuit breaker. Check your home’s electrical panel and reset the breaker for the water heater. If it trips again, you have an electrical problem that requires a professional. If the breaker is fine, the issue is likely a failed heating element or thermostat inside the unit, which needs to be professionally replaced.
- Lukewarm Water: An electric water heater typically has two heating elements (upper and lower). If one of them fails, the other may still work, but it won’t be able to heat the water effectively, resulting in lukewarm temperatures.
Signs It’s Time for a Replacement
No water heater lasts forever. As the U.S. Department of Energy advises, if your unit is more than 10-15 years old, it’s nearing the end of its lifespan and you should consider a replacement. Other key warning signs include:
- Leaking from the Tank: Any water pooling around the base of the water heater is a sign of a critical internal failure. The unit needs to be shut down and replaced immediately.
- Rusty or Discolored Water: If you are only getting rusty hot water (and your cold water is clear), it’s a sign that the inside of your tank is corroding and is at risk of failing completely.
- Rumbling or Banging Noises: This is often a sign of severe sediment buildup that is causing the water to boil and steam inside the tank, a dangerous situation that requires professional attention.
Your Utah Traditional Water Heater Experts
Working with water heaters involves gas lines, high-voltage electricity, and pressurized water, so most repairs should be left to a qualified professional. For homeowners in Utah, the experienced technicians at Lets Fix Plumbing can safely diagnose the problem with your unit and perform expert repair, service, and replacement of traditional water heaters. Contact us for fast and reliable service.