6 Common Water Heater Problems & Troubleshooting Tips

You shower, wash dishes, run your washing machine, and do other water-related tasks throughout the day, never thinking about your water heater — until it malfunctions.

If you’re left looking for answers, don’t panic. Here, Comfort Zone Service dives into the six most common water heater issues and provides solutions to address them effectively.

Common Water Heater Issues

Water heaters are robust systems, but they occasionally experience system failures for various reasons. By understanding these issues and how to troubleshoot them, homeowners can often resolve minor problems.

Common water heater issues include:

• Lack of hot water: This could have various causes, such as a faulty heating element, sediment buildup in the tank, or a malfunctioning thermostat.
• Strange noises: Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank can cause the water to boil and make popping or banging noises as it heats up.
• Water leaks: Leaks can develop due to loosening connections, a damaged valve, or tank corrosion.
• Fluctuating water temperature: Fluctuations in water temperature can be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat or a buildup of sediment in the tank.
• Rusty or discolored water: Corrosion in the tank can cause the water to become discolored.
• Low water pressure: Low water pressure can be caused by various factors, including sediment buildup in pipes or a partially closed shut-off valve.

Water Heater Troubleshooting Tips

Before you call a plumber, there are some simple steps you can take to try to resolve your water heater troubles.

Here’s what you can do:

• Reset breaker: Locate the circuit breaker panel. If the breaker is in the “off” position, flip it to the “on” position. Resetting your breaker should restore power to your water heater and may resolve issues related to electrical malfunctions or interruptions.
• Restart unit: Turn off the power supply to the electric water heater. This can usually be done by flipping a switch on the system or by turning off the corresponding breaker in the electrical panel. Let the water heater sit without power for a few minutes. This gives it time to cool down and reset.
• Check pilot light: For gas-powered appliances like water heaters or furnaces, the pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner when needed. Locate the pilot light assembly. It’s typically near the burner or ignition system. Check if the pilot light is still burning. If it’s out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting it.
• Inspect for leaks: Conduct a visual inspection of the appliance and surrounding pipes or connections for any signs of water leaks. Check for puddles of water, dampness, or corrosion around fittings, valves, or joints. Tighten any loose connections using appropriate tools, and be careful not to overtighten them, which can cause damage.
• Consider water treatments: Limescale buildup, caused by mineral deposits in hard water, can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of water heater and other appliances. Consider installing a water softener or filtration system to remove minerals from the water, reducing the likelihood of limescale buildup.

When To Call a Professional

If you’ve tried to resolve your water heater problems through these simple solutions and you’re still having issues, it’s time to call a professional. Delayed repairs can lead to further damage or complete system replacement.

Hiring a professional guarantees you’ll get solutions that root out and address the repairs at the source, ensuring uninterrupted and reliable hot water for your home.

Schedule Water Heater Services With Comfort Zone

 At Comfort Zone Service, we’re committed to delivering exceptional water heater repairs for your home. Our NATE-certified, background-checked, and drug-tested technicians provide same-say solutions to get your hot water flowing again in no time.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor leak, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a complete system breakdown, our team has the skills and experience to diagnose and resolve the issue efficiently.

Turn to Comfort Zone Service for prompt, reliable, and affordable service every time. 

Call us today to schedule water heater repairs in the Orland Park or Mokena area.