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 & Tips to Solve Them

While DIY solutions are generally not suggested, you can try these tips to troubleshoot common water heater issues:

Lack of Hot Water

This problem can be caused by a faulty thermostat or broken heating element. If you have a gas heater, it can be caused by the pilot light. To troubleshoot this problem, you’ll want to check your power supply to ensure your water heater is receiving power and inspect the thermostat to verify it’s properly set. For electric water heaters, you’ll want to examine your heating element using a multimeter.

Strange Noises

Rumbling and banging noises are often caused by sediment buildup in the tank. To troubleshoot this issue, you flush your tank to remove the sediment buildup and check for loose parts.

Water Leaks

Leaks can happen because of corrosion, cracks, or loose connections. To troubleshoot this issue, inspect your tank for leaks via visual inspection of the appliance and surrounding pipes or connections. Then, check the temperature and pressure relief valves and drain valves to ensure your tank is not experiencing excess pressure and that the drain valve is fully closed.

Temperature Fluctuations

Issues with thermostats or heating elements can result in inconsistent temperatures. To troubleshoot, inspect your thermostat to ensure it’s correctly set and functioning, then check your heating element.

Discolored Water

Discolored water can indicate corrosion within the tank or issues with the sacrificial anode rod. To troubleshoot, check the anode rod. If it’s worn out, the tank may begin to corrode or leak, and the rod will need to be replaced.

Low Water Pressure

This can be caused by sediment buildup or plumbing issues. To troubleshoot, flush the tank and inspect your plumbing.

Foul-Smelling Water

A rotten egg smell can be caused by bacterial growth inside the tank. To troubleshoot this, flush the tank and consider installing a water softener or filtration system.

Limescale Buildup in the Tank

Hard water causes limescale buildup. To troubleshoot this issue, treat your water before it reaches the tank with a water softener or water heater filter. Then, clean the tank to eliminate the existing limescale.

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.