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A malfunctioning water heater can be a hassle, and it can also be deadly. When a water heater malfunctions, it can not only cost you your hot water but it can also catch fire and even explode, potentially leveling a house in the process. In this blog post, Bewley Plumbing will look at signs your water heater is malfunctioning so you can take the necessary action if needed.
Please note that given their complexity, water heater repairs and maintenance should be left to qualified professionals.
Understanding the Importance of a Functional Water Heater
Although you likely use hot water daily in your home, you may not think about it until you lose it. Between cooking, cleaning, hot showers, and washing your hands, you most likely depend on it throughout the day. Dishwashers use hot water to wash dishes, and some laundry machines need hot water for certain washing settings.
Common Signs of Water Heater Malfunctions
It is essential to be mindful of signs of potential water heater malfunctions. Strange noises, leaks, a lack of hot water, and more are potential signs of trouble. If you think you may have a water heater problem, it pays to play it safe and reach out to a plumbing professional. The following are some, but not all, of the signs to be on the lookout for that indicate a water heater is malfunctioning.
Unusual Noises Coming From Your Water Heater
Unusual noises may indicate a problem with your hot water heater. The type of noise you hear can be a clue as to what is wrong with your water heater.
Rumbling
Sediment buildup is a common problem with water heaters, particularly in areas with hard water. When the mineral deposits settle in the tank, several issues arise. As the water in the tank heats up and expands, the sediment gets pushed to the top of the tank. This causes the sediment to shift against the bottom and sides of the tank, creating a rumbling sound.
Popping
As with rumbling, a popping sound is most commonly caused by sediment and limestone buildup in a water heater tank. These popping sounds occur when steam bubbles form underneath the sediment and pop as the water heats.
Another potential source for the sound is when an aluminum anode rod gets exposed to high levels of alkalinity.
Hissing, Sizzling, or Cracking
Hissing, sizzling, and cracking noises most commonly come from electric water heaters. This is generally caused by sediment buildup in the water tank. This increases your heating bill and reduces the lower heating element’s ability to create heat. An annual flushing and draining of the water heater can help.
If a sizzling sound is coming from a gas-powered water heater, that indicates a problem. A sizzling sound from a gas water heater is due to internal condensation that drips on the burners. The condensation in the tank could be a sign of a leak, and you’ll want to contact a plumber to inspect the tank.
Ticking
Ticking sounds in or around a water heater can be caused by heat trap nipples, water pressure changes, and loose pipe straps. The majority of these issues are harmless.
If water pressure changes aren’t dramatic and frequent (such as the rapid opening and closing of the main building control valve), it won’t damage the system.
Efficiency-increasing heat trap nipples help water heaters function better. However, if the ticking sounds are too annoying, they can be changed out for non-heat trap nipples.
Loose pipe straps aren’t a major issue, but it is a good idea to replace or tighten them. By doing this, the ticking will stop, and it will stop pipes from shifting. If the heat is lowered by a few degrees, it might lessen the pipe’s expansion and stop the ticking sound.
Screaming, Screeching, or Singing
High-pitched noises, like those of the whistling of a boiling stovetop kettle, are part of the screaming, screeching, or singing category. Generally, these sounds are made when there is a significant restriction of water flow through a valve.
First, check the tank temperature and pressure relief valve (the valve is usually on the water tank’s side). The valve lets water escape the tank if the pressure is too much. If the sound is coming from the relief valve, immediately turn off the tank’s gas, electricity, and water and call a plumber.
If the sound’s origin isn’t from the temperature and pressure relief valve, it could be from the inlet valve, outlet valve, or water lines nearby. Make sure your valves are open all the way, and look for deformations or kinks in the lines that could be hindering water flow. If the lines have damage or the sound continues, call a plumber.
Hammering or Banging
A water hammer is indicated by a hammering or banging sound from the plumbing system when water changes direction or stops suddenly. When that happens, a pressure surge occurs in the plumbing system. Water hammers can cause pipes to burst and even expand and deform your water tank. If the issue is recurring, you might need a pressure-reducing valve or a water hammer arrestor.
Inadequate Hot Water Supply
A traditional tank water heater can supply a certain amount of water to a home. A hot water tank that can’t fill a bathtub with hot water indicates a problem.
The following are some potential causes of an inadequate hot water supply.
Sediment Buildup in the Water Tank
A potential cause for water shortage is sediment buildup in the water tank. You can reduce the risk of this issue through annual water tank maintenance and flushing. However, if the sediment has clogged or corroded pipes, more extensive repairs will be needed.
Gas Leak
If you have a gas water heater, a lack of hot water may be due to a gas line leak.
As noted on our website:
Don’t attempt to locate gas leaks yourself, as this is highly dangerous.
What Are the Signs of a Gas Leak?
Gas leaks are incredibly dangerous to people and animals and can cause explosions. Below are signs of a gas leak and what you should and should NOT do if you notice one. Methane gas detectors can help alert you to gas leaks, but you shouldn’t only depend on them.
Gas leak signs include:
- The smell of rotting eggs
- A hissing or whistling sound
- The appearance of air bubbles
- Plants are dead or dying
- Dirt or dust is blowing from a hole in the ground
- The pilot light is constantly going out
- An orange or yellow gas flame appears instead of blue
- Gas usage increases
- Medical symptoms of gas poisoning occur
Medical symptoms that may occur because of gas leaks include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Ear ringing
- Decreased appetite
- skin is pale or blistering
- Difficulty breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Nose bleeds
- Irregular breathing patterns
- Flu-type systems
What Do I Do if I Have a Gas Leak?
If you think you have a gas leak, there are several things you must and must not do.
- Wait to use a cell phone until you are far away from the potential gas leak.
- Don’t shut off a natural gas valve.
- Don’t turn on or off electric appliances.
- Don’t turn any electrical switches on or off.
- Don’t use any telephones. If you are on a landline phone, don’t hang up the phone.
- Don’t use flashlights.
- Don’t make adjustments to thermostat or appliance controls.
- Don’t use any electrical equipment.
- Don’t ring doorbells.
- Don’t use garage door openers.
- Don’t use elevators.
- Don’t start or shut off a vehicle.
- Don’t open a window to try to air out the house.
- Don’t smoke or utilize open flames. For example, don’t strike a match. Make sure you extinguish open flames.
- Get a safe distance away from your home, then call 911 and your utility company. Keep a safe distance away until the emergency responder or gas company official says it is safe to return.
- If you damage a natural gas line while digging, call your utility company immediately. Don’t try to repair the natural gas line yourself.
Gas Valve Failure
A common cause of a lack of hot water from a gas water heater is a gas valve failure. To check the gas valve, inspect the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube. If you encounter a gas leak, evacuate while following the steps above. If you don’t come across any leaks, make sure the gas valve is in the right position and the gas is on. If the pilot light is working, but there’s no hot water, the gas supply might be blocked.
Thermostat Incorrectly Set or Malfunctioning
If you aren’t getting enough hot water, it may be because your hot water heater’s thermostat is incorrectly set. The thermostat must be set between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Another potential thermostat issue is a high-temperature cutoff switch that got tripped. A broken thermostat may need to be replaced.
Pilot Light has Gone Out
Pilot lights aren’t as common as they used to be. Older gas-powered water heaters require the pilot light to be on to function. If your pilot light isn’t working, you must contact a plumbing professional.
Water Heater Tank is too Small
If you don’t have enough hot water to get through the day, it may be because your hot water heater isn’t big enough for your needs. Consult a plumbing professional about upgrading to a larger water heater tank or getting a tankless water heater. A tankless water heater provides hot water on demand and doesn’t store a certain amount in a tank.
Electric Water Heater Specific Problems
While electric water heaters are generally reliable, they can encounter problems specific to them such as having connections that are loose, or circuit breakers that are tipped.
A malfunctioning heater element could be the reason your electric water heater doesn’t have any hot water. As water heaters tend to last around ten years, getting a new water heater may be more economical than having individual parts repaired.
Water Leaks
Water leaks aren’t only wasteful, but they can be a sign of trouble with your hot water heater. A water heater can leak from several places as water comes and goes from it, such as the pipes around it and the temperature and pressure release (TPR) valve. Over time, connections and valves can loosen up, which can result in water dripping from or pooling around the water tank. These are often inexpensive and simple repairs for a professional. A water tank must be replaced if the leak is due to severe corrosion.
The Water Heater is Old
Over time, water heater tanks wear out. Water heater tanks that are older are more prone to lower water retention and leaks. Often, leaking water tanks occur because of rust buildup that results in interior corrosion. When interior corrosion occurs, cracks appear through which water escapes. While cracks may be patched, it is only a temporary solution, and the water heater will eventually have to be replaced.
Loose Drain Valve
As it gets used, your water heater tank’s drain valve can loosen. There is a chance water could leak through it. It may be possible to simply tighten the drain valve; however, the drain valve will need to be replaced if it is loose at the base.
High Pressure
Pressure is naturally created when the water heater warms the water. If too much pressure is made, it can cause issues. If the excess pressure isn’t able to correctly leave the unit, water will leak through cracks.
Sediment Build Up
When a tank isn’t regularly cleaned, sediment buildup can occur. Sediment buildup can result in several problems, such as causing hot water heater tanks to leak. If a tank leaks, it will need to be replaced.
The Temperature and Pressure Release Valve is Malfunctioning
Leaking water could be due to a malfunctioning temperature and pressure release valve. This valve enables steam to leave the tank when the internal pressure is too high, returning the tank to a stable temperature. If the valve becomes loose, it might only need to be tightened. However, if the valve breaks, it will need to be replaced with a new one.
Loose Inlet and Outlet Connections
During the water heater’s heating process, the inlet connection lets cold water in, and hot water exits through the outlet connection where it goes to pipes throughout your home. Over time, these connections can loosen, resulting in water leaks. They may be able to be repaired by simply tightening them yourself or by contacting a plumbing professional.
Leaking Tank Interior
Water heater tanks have two shells: an internal shell that holds water and an external shell whose job is to insulate the internal shell. Water leaks from the external shell are easy to see, but it is not easy to detect when the internal shell is leaking.
The Storage Tank is Cracked and Damaged
Some water heaters have a third tank known as a storage tank that is prone to mineral buildup. Over time, the minerals harden, making cracks in the glass that allow water to leak out. In this case, the entire glass storage tank must be replaced.
A Worn Anode Rod
An anode rod removes corrosive elements from the water tank. When it gets too worn out, those corrosive elements damage the tank, causing cracks to form, which then leak. When the anode rod gets too worn out, it will need to be replaced.
Rusty or Discolored Hot Water
Hot tap water that has a murky look or a metallic taste may be a sign of sediment buildup, rust/corrosion in a hot water heater, or a deteriorating anode rod. However, if this only occurs when one faucet is used, it could be a problem with particular water pipes instead of the hot water heater. If both hot and cold water have the issue, it could be due to problems with a water main.
If you encounter rusty water, you should have it professionally tested to determine if it is safe.
Water From Water Heater Has Strange Odor
If your hot water has a sulfur or “rotten egg” smell, it may be due to a water heater problem. That smell could be caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. It could be because of the anode rod interacting with anaerobic bacteria or forming a warm environment that sulfur bacteria live in.
Metallic-tasting hot water that may indicate sediment buildup can have a metallic scent. Please note that gas leaks may also have a “rotten egg smell.”
When you encounter a problem like this, it is vital that you enlist the help of a professional, as it is hazardous to your health. Consult a professional to determine if the anode rod needs replacing. If so, it is critical that it is handled by a professional.
Higher Utility Bills
Several water heater issues can increase your utility bills. The more sediment builds up in your water heater tank, the harder it has to work to heat your water. A bad heating element, poor insulation, a broken thermostat, and leaks can also increase your utility bill. Over time, the bills can add up, so it is important to take action and potentially save yourself some money.
How Bewley Plumbing Can Help
Located in McKinney, Texas, Bewley Plumbing can help you with water heater problems. Our team can promptly and effectively diagnose and resolve your issues. We are licensed and insured. We work with traditional and tankless water heaters. Along with repairs and service, we also install and replace water heaters. Don’t wait for water heater problems to escalate into dangerous situations and contact Bewley Plumbing for water heater repairs.