As a plumber at Emergency Plumber Help, I often see people struggling with water heater problems. Don’t worry! Many common issues have simple solutions you can try before calling a professional. Here are some quick fixes for your faulty water heater:
No Hot Water
If you turn on the tap and only get cold water, try these steps:
1. Check the power source. For electric heaters, make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. For gas heaters, check if the pilot light is on[1].
2. Press the reset button. Look for a red button on your water heater and press it[4].
3. Wait for about an hour. Sometimes, the heater just needs time to warm up the water again[4].
Not Enough Hot Water
If your hot water runs out too quickly, you can:
1. Take shorter showers or spread out when you use hot water[1].
2. Check the thermostat. It should be set between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit[1].
3. Flush out your tank. Sometimes, dirt builds up inside and makes the heater less efficient[2].
Water is Too Hot
If your water feels like it could burn you, it’s easy to fix:
1. Turn off the power to the heater[1].
2. Find the thermostat on your heater and turn it down a bit[1].
3. Wait a while, then test the water temperature again.
Small Leaks
For minor leaks, try these steps:
1. Tighten any loose connections you can see[1].
2. If water is coming from the pressure relief valve, try replacing it[4].
3. Dry the area completely and watch to see if the leak stops.
Rusty or Smelly Water
If your water looks brown or smells bad, you can:
1. Flush out your tank to remove built-up sediment[1].
2. Check the anode rod. This part helps prevent rust, and it might need replacing[1].
Remember, these are just quick fixes. If you’re not comfortable doing these things or if the problem doesn’t go away, it’s best to call a professional plumber. We’re trained to handle more serious issues safely.
Also, don’t forget to take care of your water heater. Doing simple maintenance, like flushing the tank once a year, can prevent many problems and help your heater last longer[4].
When all else fells call Emergency Plumber Help to find out what the problem is with the water heater and repair and if it’s broken beyond repair or very old we can install a new one for you.
Citations:
[1] https://upcyclethat.com/common-water-heater-problems-with-quick-fixes/
[2] https://www.serviceplusplumbingpdx.com/blog/10-common-water-heater-repair-problems-and-how-to-fix-them/
[3] https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/heres-how-to-troubleshoot-4-common-water-heater-problems/
[4] https://www.thespruce.com/repair-an-electric-water-heater-1824636
[5] https://www.nuckolsplumbing.com/blog/2019/february/water-heater-repair-when-to-diy-and-when-not-to-/
