Hot Water Tank Troubleshooting Guide

What’s wrong with your hot water tank? Hopefully this troubleshooting guide for hot water tanks will help you determine just that!

No Hot Water

If you go to use the shower or faucet and find that you don’t have any hot water, it’s likely that the heating element (for an electric heater) or the pilot light or gas burner (for a gas heater) is broken. Ensure that the unit has power and look for an error indicator on the unit that can provide more information.

Not Enough Hot Water

If your hot water runs out too quickly or isn't as hot as you want it to be, the thermostat settings might be set wrong. Alternatively, the heating element/burner might need to be replaced. A plumber can help you diagnose the problem and get it fixed. Or, if you have a house full of overnight guests or a large family using water all at the same time, you may have just simply exceeded the capacity of your hot water tank. If you have outgrown your hot water tank, replacing it with a bigger unit may make your life a lot easier moving forward because you won’t have to manage water usage so carefully to ensure that everyone gets access to hot water for their showers or baths.

Odd Sounds

If you hear strange noises like popping, rumbling, or banging you may have some buildup in your tank that is causing vibration as the water comes in, is heated, and goes out.

Leaking

If you notice a wet area on the floor around your tank or water running down the tank itself, you have a leak from somewhere – the valve, tank, or connections. To prevent water damage, address any leaks immediately, being cautious about the possibility of being exposed to hot water. If you suspect that pressure may be building up in your water heater in a way that is unsafe, call a licensed emergency plumber immediately to work on the unit for you.

Tinted Water

If your water starts to look rusty, it is unlikely that a sudden change in the water makeup is to blame. Rust in your water may be the result of corrosion inside the tank, indicating that your tank is likely going to need to be replaced soon.

Odors

If you have foul smelling water, you may have bacteria build-up in your hot water tank. This is very dangerous because it can make your family sick, which means that it will need to be fixed right away. If bacteria is found in your tank, it will need to be flushed and disinfected before you can use it to ensure that your family is not using contaminated water to drink and wash.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, call a licensed plumber right away! Our team of experienced plumbers can come out to check your hot water heater and get it back in good working condition as soon as possible to minimize the inconvenience to your family. You can reach us at 1 (800) 674-9130 any time of the day!

Additional Resources:
What to Do About Leaky Hot Water Tanks
Where Did My Hot Water Go?
Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement Costs
Installation Labor Costs on Water Heaters
Water Heater Repair and Plumbers
Is My Plumbing Situation an Emergency?
Who Does 24 Hour Emergency Plumbing?
Rates for 24 Hour Plumbers
Can Plumbers or Handymen Replace Water Heaters?
Who Repairs Hot Water Heaters?
How Expensive is Water Heater Backdraft Repair?
Does My Water Heater Valve Need to be Repaired or Replaced?
Who Can Replace a Hot Water Heater?
Do I Need to Replace My Hot Water Heater?
How Much is Water Heater Repair?
Hot Water Tank Repair Explained
What Companies Repair Leaky Water Heaters?
Can I DIY Repair on Leaky Hot Water Tanks?
Hot Water Repair Tips