Common problems with a hot water heater

Hot water is a necessity when it comes to living comfortably in a home. No one wants to take a cold shower. We oftentimes take hot water for granted, and only realize how much we enjoy it once we are having problems with our hot water heater. Some hot water heater issues can require a simple DIY fix, while others can be more complex and require the services of a licensed plumber. Below are some of the most common problems with a hot water heater:

1. ​Not enough hot water - when a water heater fails to produce enough hot water, the first thing to do is to check the thermostat and see what temperature it is set at. Oftentimes, the thermostat is set to a low temperature, and a simple adjustment can solve your problems. You must be careful however, that you don’t set your water temperature too high. Typically 120 degrees is about the hottest you want your water, as anything above this has the potential for scalding.
2. No hot water - if you have a gas water heater, and no hot water is coming out of the fixtures when you turn on the faucet, the most likely cause is a pilot light that is out. All you need to do is go to your hot water heater and look down at the bottom to see if the pilot light is lit. If it is not, you can light it with a lighter and be back in business. If your pilot light keeps going out after you have lit it, then the problem likely lies with a faulty thermocouple or a gas control valve, both of which would be best repaired by a licensed plumber.
3. Knocking Sound - if your water heater is making a knocking sound when it is running, then the likely cause is a build up of sediment inside the water tank. Water heaters should be drained and flushed annually, but many homeowners neglect to perform this maintenance. If you drain your water heater and flush out all the sediment, your problems should be solved. In some cases however, the noisy water heater can be caused from a failing heating element, which would require a more extensive repair.
4. Smelly Water - if only your hot water is smelly (similar to a rotten egg smell), it likely means that your water tank has become infected with a bacteria, or has a higher than normal sulfur content. You can generally solve this issue by flushing the tank, and cleaning it with an appropriate cleaning solution, flushing again, then letting it fill. If you are smelling a rotten egg smell when both hot and cold water and running from your fixtures, the problem is likely with the water quality itself, not the water heater.
5. Leaking Tank - if your water heater tank is leaking, there is no repair for it. It is time to replace your water heater. All water heaters should have a proper drip pan with a drain line to protect your home from a leak, so if you ever notice water coming out of that drain line outside your home, go and check you water heater for a leak. If it is leaking, it’s time for replacement.

It is best to maintain your water heater on an annual basis to help extend it’s life. Most water heaters typically only last about 10-15 years, depending on the quality of the manufacturer. With regular maintenance, most water heaters can last well beyond this expect life span and keep a little extra money in your pocket before you have to replace it.