As the weather begins to cool down, many people are starting to use their hot water heaters more frequently. However, your home could experience problems that can leave you needing water heater repair in Richmond, VA and the surrounding areas. Davis & Green explains eight common hot water heater issues.
1. Water Leaks
The most common cause of leaks is a faulty or damaged dip tube. The dip tube is a plastic tube that carries cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it is heated. Eventually, the dip tube can become cracked or broken, allowing water to escape from the tank. Usually, it is good to call a professional to fix a dip tube leak by replacing the entire assembly.
Another common cause of water heater leaks is a faulty pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is designed to release pressure from the tank if it gets too high. However, if the valve becomes old or damaged, it can begin to leak. The best way to fix a leaking pressure relief valve is to call a professional to replace it with a new one. Finally, water heater leaks can also be caused by loose connections or deteriorating gaskets. If any of the connections or gaskets around your water heater are loose or damaged, they may need to be replaced in order to stop the leak.
2. Hot Water Smelling Strange
A strange smell in your hot water can be caused by bacteria that have grown in the hot water heater. This can happen if the water isn’t hot enough to kill bacteria or if the tank isn’t drained regularly. The Legionnaires disease bacteria thrive in temperatures between 25 degrees and 50 degrees centigrade. Another possibility is that the strange smell is coming from the coldwater pipes leading to the hot water heater. If these pipes are old or corroded, they can release metal particles into the water, giving it a metallic taste or smell.
Additionally, a buildup of sediment in the bottom of the tank can be the cause of this strange smell. Sediment can come from a variety of sources, including hard water and minerals in the water. As the sediment builds up, it starts to decompose, which can cause a foul odor. It is important to have a professional inspect it and determine the best course of action. Depending on the severity of the problem, they may be able to clean out the tank or replace the heating element. In either case, addressing the problem as soon as possible is essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient hot water heater.
If you’re located in the vicinity of Richmond, reach out to our trained professionals at Davis & Green. We’re at your service.
3. Low Hot Water Pressure
The most common cause of low hot water pressure is a buildup of sediment in the tank. This can happen over time as the water in the tank slowly evaporates, leaving behind minerals and other deposits. Sediment can also get into the tank if you have hard water. When the sediment builds up, it prevents the heating elements from getting hot enough to produce steam, which reduces the pressure of the hot water coming out of the tap.
Another possible cause of low hot water pressure is a faulty heating element. If one of the heating elements is not working properly, it will not be able to heat the water in the tank to the right temperature, which will also reduce the pressure. Our professionals will be able to replace or repair any faulty parts in your system so that you can get back to enjoying high-pressure hot water.
4. No Hot Water
So, you’re in the middle of your daily routine, shampoo in hand, when all of a sudden you realize there’s no hot water. You check the water heater, and sure enough, the pilot light is out. But what does that mean, and how do you fix it? The pilot light can go out due to a number of reasons, such as a power outage. Another common cause of this problem is that the heating element has burned out. It can happen if the heating element is not the right size for the tank or if the water temperature is set too high.
In addition, the no-hot-water problem can be caused by a faulty thermostat. A thermostat controls the temperature of the heating element and turns it off when the temperature gets too high. If the thermostat is broken, the heating element will not turn on, and you will not have any hot water. Someone from our team can come to your home and fix the problem. They will most likely replace the heating element or thermostat and make sure that everything else is working properly.
5. Tank Takes Ages to Reheat
If your tank is taking too long to reheat, there can be several factors causing this problem, including a small tank size, insufficient insulation, or a heating element that is not working properly. The result can be very frustrating, as you may have to wait several minutes for your hot water supply to be restored.
Fortunately, we’re also equipped to resolve this issue quickly and efficiently. In most cases, we’ll simply need to replace the heating element or add additional insulation to the tank. However, if your hot water heater is significantly undersized for your needs, you may need to purchase a new one.
6. The Heater Makes Strange Noises
If your hot water heater suddenly starts making noise, it’s likely due to a problem with the washers inside the valve. As these washers wear out, they can become loose and cause the valve to vibrate, resulting in a knocking or rattling sound. In some cases, the noise may also be caused by mineral buildup on the valve seat. Left unchecked, this can eventually lead to leaks or even complete failure of the valve.
7. Rust in the Hot Water Tap Stream
Rust in your hot water tap stream could likely be due to corrosion in your hot water heater. The metal components of the heater can begin to break down, allowing rust to form. This can be caused by a number of factors, including hard water, old age, high water temperatures, or exposure to chemicals.
While it may seem like a small problem, rust in the hot water tap stream can eventually lead to bigger problems, such as leaks or complete failure of the heater. It is important to have a professional inspect your hot water heater in order to identify the cause of the corrosion and take steps to prevent it from happening again.
8. Water Is Sputtering
Have you ever turned on the shower only to be greeted by a sputtering stream of lukewarm water? If so, you’re probably wondering why your shower is behaving in this way. The most likely culprit is air in the system. When water is heated, it expands and the air in the system is compressed. Over time, some of this air can escape, resulting in a loss of pressure. This can cause the water to sputter when it’s turned on.
Call Davis & Green for Water Heater Repair
If you’re in need of plumbing services, Davis & Green is here to assist. We’re proud to serve Richmond, VA, and we perform installation, repair, and maintenance of heating, cooling, ventilation, electrical, and plumbing systems. We’re here to help you get the job done right, and we’re always available to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to arrange an appointment or learn more about all we have to offer.
