A malfunctioning water heater is one of the most annoying issues a homeowner or renter can face. The most common symptom of a malfunctioning water heater is the lack of hot water available in the taps throughout the home. Let’s take a closer look at what a water heater is and what plumbing solutions to do if yours is malfunctioning.
What is a Water Heater?
A water heater is a device that supplies a home with hot water, generally by taking the water that comes into the home and using propane, electricity, natural gas, or another method to make the water hot. They’re commonly found in basements, garages, and similar locations and are easily recognized by the presence of a large tank, although newer tankless models have grown in popularity over the last few years.
Common Water Heater Issues
The most common hot water issues that homeowners might face are:
- There is no hot water available anywhere in the house.
- The water won’t stay hot and turns cold too quickly.
- Hot water comes out of the faucet, but it’s far too hot.
- There is mold, sediment, or another substance in the water causing discoloration (i.e., the water is orange or another color).
Check for DIY Repairs
If the issue is minor, you may be able to fix it yourself. Check the fuse box to see if the circuit for the water heater is tripped or blown. Next, check the pipes leading into the house and the ones going in or out of the water heater for leaks, breaks, or kinks. Check the thermostat to see what the temperature setting is.
If you still have your owner’s manual (or you find the model number and can find the right one online), there should be a listing for troubleshooting tips and advice. The water heater might have a digital display with an error code on it, which you can then look up in the owner’s manual or online. Just remember, safety first!
Call a Professional Plumber
However, in many cases, the job will require calling in a professional plumber. With their years of expertise, they should be able to diagnose your water heater issues within minutes, allowing them to fix your problem as soon as possible.
In most cases, this is the best option, as DIY repairs (especially if you don’t have a lot of experience) can potentially damage the water heater and force you to end up buying a whole new unit.
Final Thoughts
If your home doesn’t have hot water, if the water is an abnormal color, or you have any other water heater issues, it can be a very frustrating experience. However, by calling a professional plumber (or, in some cases, by repairing a minor issue yourself), you can go back to enjoying hot water throughout your home and no longer have to run out of a freezing cold shower. Good luck!