7 water heater problems with simple solutions

Running into issues with your water heater? Here are some quick fixes to common water heater problems that could help you save money on plumber bills. We always recommend contacting a professional when in doubt, but some issues can sometimes be fixed by yourself.

No hot water

It has to be the most common issue people face, and we made a dedicated guide for those with no hot water!

• The pilot may malfunction on a gas unit; you may need to clean the burner or replace the thermocouple.
  
• On an electric model, the thermostat may be faulty; call a hot water specialist to replace it.

Noisy tank

A loud, noisy storage tank is a possible sign of overheating; the thermostat may not have sent a signal to the burners or heating elements to turn off.

Here are some fixes you can try:

• Immediately switch off the burner for a gas heater or the electric heater if you have an electric system;
  
• Check that the pressure relief valve is working. If the water is too hot, call a plumber;
  
• If the water is barely warm, there may be sediment in the tank; open the drain valve and let out several litres of water.

Hot water discharges quickly

• Look to see if the thermostat is set high enough – it should be above 49°C;
  
• Look for any leaks in your bathroom or kitchen faucets that might explain the water running out;
  
• On a gas unit, the burner may be clogged with dirt; clean it;
  
• On an electric model, the lower heating element may be defective; have it replaced;

If everyone in the house has always raced to be the first to shower in the morning when the water is still hot, the water tank is not big enough; you should consider replacing it with a bigger one.

Water not hot enough

Make sure the thermostat is set high enough.

On an electric model, the bottom heating element that does 90% of the work may be worn out; have it replaced.

Heating elements and thermostat

Electric water heaters often have two thermostats, one for each heating element. You may need to replace an electric heater’s heating elements and thermostat.

The lower thermostat and element should be replaced if the water gets hot, but only for a short time. A plumber can do the job for much less than the cost of a new water heater.

Relighting a pilot light on a gas heater

When the pilot light on your gas hot water heater goes out and you smell natural gas, call a service technician immediately and ensure you ventilate the room where the heater is located. If you do not smell any gas, you can relight the pilot light:

• Turn the gas valve to “pilot”;
  
• Light a match, press the reset button and light the pilot;
  
• Allow to burn for approximately 30 seconds, then turn the valve to “on”;
  
• If the pilot does not stay lit, you may need to change the thermocouple.

Decompressing the Water Heater

Suppose the pressure or temperature in a water heater rises dangerously high. In that case, a pressure relief valve on the top or side of the tank will automatically activate, spitting out excessively hot water.

Hiring a plumber or hot water expert can be expensive. While they are needed for big problems, smaller ones can sometimes be fixed by yourself if a bit of DIY does not scare you. Before you call a plumber, see if you can solve your water heater problem by trying one of these simple solutions.