Your water heater is a vital appliance because it provides hot water for bathing and cleaning. Over time, water heaters experience wear and tear, so they can develop problems. Before winter comes and cold temperatures complicate matters with your plumbing, work with a plumber to check for the following water heater problems.

Tank Water Heaters

If you want to do any troubleshooting, make sure you shut off the power for electric water heaters via the service panel. For gas water heaters, switch the thermostat to the Off setting. Only do basic troubleshooting. To stay safe, leave the more complex tasks up to the professionals. Here are some problems to check for with tank water heaters.

Water Taking Too Long to Heat

When water takes too long to heat, this is likely because of a failing heating element. For gas-powered water heaters, improper gas pressure settings are usually the culprit. All you need to do is have a professional check your gas pressure to make sure you’re using the correct settings. If your gas pressure is set correctly and water still takes a long time to heat, get your burners cleaned.

Discolored or Rusty Water

If your hot water comes out copper- or rust-colored, you need a new anode rod. Once the plumber replaces your anode rod, he or she will flush out your hot water tank to ensure you have clean water.

Low Pressure

Sometimes, pressure decreases when there is too much sediment built up in your water heater tank. Have a plumber flush out your tank to remove the sediment.

Water Leaks

Water heater leaks occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, water can leak from the valve, and having a plumber tighten or replace it can solve this problem. Leaks can also occur because of a failing drain valve, and the best way to fix this problem is usually to replace the valve. If water is leaking from the tank, check to see if there is rust at the leak site. If you find rust, then you need a new water heater.

No Hot Water

Here are several reasons why your water heater isn’t producing hot water:

• Tripped circuit breaker
• Failing heating element
• Incorrect thermostat setting
• Problems with the pilot light

Tankless Water Heaters

Gas and electric tankless heaters have fewer problems compared to water heaters with tanks. Nevertheless, problems still occur. These are some common problems to check for in tankless water heaters.

No Hot Water

Tankless water heaters stop providing hot water when the heating element fails. For gas water heaters, an obstruction in the vent or a switched-off valve is the culprit.

Heater Has Shut Down

Sometimes, tankless water heaters can shut down when the demand for hot water reaches its peak. If a shutdown occurs, just reset the water heater, and you will receive hot water again.

Mineral Buildup

To prevent the buildup of minerals, have a professional plumber clean your water heater. If you have hard water, you will need to have your water heater cleaned twice a year.

For a thorough inspection of your water heater to make certain it continues to faithfully supply hot water to your Corvallis, OR home, contact Evenflo Plumbing. Our knowledgeable plumbers will thoroughly inspect your water heater and fix any problems we find.