Imagine stepping into a shower on a cold morning only to realize your water heater doesn’t produce warm water. Besides the disappointment of chilling water running down your body, you’re left wondering what could be wrong.
Unfortunately, water heater failure is common and can result from various reasons. If your heater doesn’t function as it used to, here’s a list of what could cause the malfunction and how to troubleshoot it.
1. Faulty Electric Connection
The number one on the list of most common causes of water heater failure is improper electric connection. If the energy reaching the system isn’t enough, your water heater will fail to function as it should. Whenever you think your water heater is malfunctioning, checking the electrical connection before replacing it is vital.
If your electric water heater fails due to a faulty electrical connection, the main issue could be a blown fuse or a damaged power cord. However, if you have a gas water heater, the problem could be inefficient gas.
Troubleshooting Faulty Electric Connection
The first sign your water heater’s electric connection is faulty is the lack of hot water or inconsistent water temperatures. If you experience such an issue, check the circuit breaker to determine if it has tripped. Switch it on if that’s the case, and your heater will begin running smoothly.
Suppose the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. In that case, check if the fuse is blown. If it has, contact a reputable specialist from Aquamax Hot Water Systems or other providers in your area to assess the problem.
As for a gas-powered water heater, you’ll need to determine if it has sufficient gas to power the system. If not, refill it to enjoy a hot water supply throughout your home.
2. Sediments
Sediment accumulation is another reason why hot water systems might fail. Sediments are minerals in hard water that can accumulate in heating systems for a prolonged period. They encase the system’s components, making the heater overwork to heat water. As a result, the system experiences speedy wear and tear, affecting its lifespan.
Fortunately, you can prevent mineral build-up by turning off the heater and draining it after every few months. This quick and straightforward procedure prevents sediment accumulation while enhancing its efficiency.
Troubleshooting Sediment Build-Up In A Water Heater
Determining if your water heater has a sediment issue is straightforward. Sediments trap bubbles at the bottom; after heating, they explode with a popping sound. That means if you hear any popping noise from your heater, it’s more likely to have mineral build-up.
3. Rust
Rust is among the leading reasons why your water heater might fail. A water heater comes with sacrificial anodes—rods that prevent the metal from developing rust. Over time, these rods begin to erode and must be replaced. While these rods can last several years without rusting, examining them yearly to determine their state is helpful.
Troubleshooting Rust In A Water Heater
Determining if the sacrificial anodes are eroded is easy since you only need to study them. If they appear worn out, replace them immediately to avoid costly damage to your eater.
Please note that a water heater can rust from the inside and interfere with water quality. If the water from the system is brown or smelly, the heater has rust inside. In such a case, contact a water heater technician to determine the best course of action.
4. High Water Pressure
Your water heating system should not experience too much water pressure. If it does, it’s bound to be damaged. High water pressure can destroy the heating system components and piping. As a result, you incur high repair or replacement costs. You should always ensure your water heater experiences an ideal water pressure.
Troubleshooting High Water Pressure
If you notice any leaks from the overflow pipe on the side of the heater, your heating system might be experiencing high water pressure.
In such a case, you must alter the water pressure to return it to normal. The highest water pressure should be 80 PSI (pounds per square inch). Suppose you set the pressure correctly, but the issue persists. Update the pressure relief valve or call a professional plumber.
5. Malfunctioning Or Broken Thermostat
Your water heater elements might be in good condition, but the system fails to produce hot water. In such a case, the thermostat or cut-off might be the issue. Luckily, repairing or replacing a water heater thermostat is cheap and simple. However, this task is best left to a professional.
Troubleshooting A Malfunctioning Water Heater Thermostat
If your water heater fails to produce hot water, or if it does, the water isn’t hot enough, it indicates the upper thermostat is failing. The lower thermostat could be faulty if you experience slow hot water recovery.
6. Old Age
In most cases, water heaters last up to 12 years. Within these years, the system performs better, especially if it has no technical issues. However, after 12 years, the heater will likely slow down or cease providing hot water. Various warning signs indicate you need a new water heater: rust problems, pilot light flickering, and failure to heat the water.
Troubleshooting An Old Age Water Heater
Besides the warning signs mentioned above, how long the system has served you is the only way you know if it’s old enough to be replaced. If the system has served you for the past 12 years, consider replacing it for efficiency. Replacing a water heater creates an opportunity to invest in an energy-efficient system that functions better.
Conclusion
Many things can lead to a water heater failure, from broken components to electrical issues to rust. It’s, therefore, vital to schedule regular maintenance to spot these issues before they arise. If you think your heater doesn’t function as it should or fails to produce hot water, contact a professional water heater technician to determine the issue and perform the necessary repairs.
