Skip to main content

385 E 3900 S, Salt Lake City, UT | EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE 24/7 | (801) 262-4671

Common Water Heater Problems

By February 1, 2021March 13th, 2023Plumbing Maintenance & Repair Tips

Water Heater Replacement Services Hot water heaters are one of the most essential appliances in the home. Water heaters work around the clock to provide hot water to your sinks, bathtubs, showers, and dishwashers. On average, a water heater uses about 17 percent of the home’s total energy use, with most running three to four hours per day, according to the Department of Energy.

The demands placed on your water heater increases the chances of issues coming up, from small maintenance issues to full-blown repairs. Symptoms of common water heater problems include warm to cold water production instead of hot water, leaks, rumbling sounds, or a metallic taste in the water.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, there are a few things that you should know. These symptoms may vary depending upon your water heater type—electric, gas, and tankless. Being alert for potential problems can help you avoid any major water heater failures. 

Our water heater service technicians in Salt Lake City use the process of elimination to troubleshoot the most common water heater problems.

To determine the potential root of your water heater problem, look at the following symptoms until you find the issue that most resembles what you are experiencing.

Electric Water Heater

No Hot Water

  • Broken or malfunctioning heating elements
  • Incorrect thermostat setting
  • Faulty thermostat
  • Tripped circuit breaker
  • Blown fuse
  • The pilot light on the gas water heater is off, preventing gas delivery

Mild Hot Water Temperature

  • Crossed plumbing lines with the hot water line connected to cold tank inlet or vice versa
  • Too small of water heater to handle the pressure
  • Faulty upper or lower heating element
  • Faulty dip tube

Too Hot of Water

  • The water heater’s thermostat is set above 120 °F

Low Water Pressure

  • Sediment, calcium deposits, or rust inside plumbing or sink aerators
  • Galvanized piping
  • Thermostat failure
  • Obstructed flue or vent
  • Defective thermostat
  • Faulty dip tube

Water Heater is Leaking

  • Faulty plumbing connections
  • An improperly tightened gasket
  • An excessively corroded water heater storage tank
  • A faulty, open, or overheated T&P valve

Water Takes a Long Time to Reheat

  • Sediment build-up on heating elements or thermostat

Dirty or Rust-Colored Water

  • A failed sacrificial anode rod that led to a rusted tank
  • The glass-lined water heater tank is excessively corroded

Water Smells

  • There is sediment in the water heater tank caused by decaying bacteria creating smelly hydrogen gases

Strange Noises Come from Water Heater

  • Scale build-up around heating elements

Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit

  • Too small of a gas valve
  • Faulty thermocouple
  • Composition issues
  • Not enough ventilation

Water Heater Repair Services at Manwill

If you noticed any of these problems in your home, contact the hot water heater technicians at Manwill. Our team has experience providing remedies to Salt Lake City residents and those in other surrounding areas. We can help you find the root of the problem so that you can potentially avoid replacing a hot water heater too early.

Our water heater services also include maintenance and installation solutions that will help your water heater run smoothly all year long. If you need a new water heater, we offer a full line-up that suits various needs, whether your household is large or small. Even though there are many brands and styles on the market, our goal is to match you with a long-lasting water heater that is also energy efficient and cuts energy costs.

Contact us to schedule your water heater repair and service, or learn more about our wide array of plumbing services today.