Pinpointing the cause of a plumbing problem isn’t always easy! If you’re having water heater trouble, it’s helpful to understand the most common concerns and how to address them. 

We’ve broken down the most frequent water heater complaints – water temperature, leaks, water discoloration and rattling sounds – so you can get your home’s plumbing running at its best.

If Your Water Heater Isn’t Getting Your Water to the Right Temperature

An issue with your water heater can affect water temperature in three ways: it can run completely cold, get warm but not hot, or run too hot to use comfortably.

Cold water is either due to a lack of power, a broken thermostat or a faulty heating component. Power issues can be fixed by resetting your circuit breakers and replacing any blown fuses or by calling an electrician if necessary. Your HVAC and plumbing technician can check to make sure your thermostat is working and receiving power.

Water that doesn’t get hot enough is either due to a water heater that is too small, a faulty thermostat, or crossed hot and cold connections. Your local plumber can quickly assess the situation and provide the water heater repair necessary.

Too-hot water typically means your thermostat has been set too high. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your system to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to maximize efficiency while still keeping your water warm.

If Your Water Heater is Leaking

Water heater leaks have a multitude of causes. To find the root of the problem, start by checking for any loose plumbing connections and tightening them. Next, examine your system for any loose heating element bolts and ensure those are tight.

If you still have a leak, it’s likely due to internal corrosion or a gasket that needs to be replaced. Both issues call for an appointment with your plumber for a leak detection service!

If Your Water is Discolored

Noticing discolored water from your faucet or showerhead is unsettling. Rust-colored water points to corrosion on the inside of your water heater, which is often caused by a defective anode rod.

Depending on the severity of the corrosion, your plumber will assess your unity and determine whether you need to replace the anode rod or the water heater itself.

If There’s an Odd Noise From Your Water Heater

Most often, the root cause of strange water heater sounds is sediment buildup in the tank. Flushing your water heater every six months will prevent corrosion, improve efficiency and eliminate any noises from your unit.

From water heater maintenance to repairs and replacement, ProFlo has you covered. We know how frustrating plumbing problems can be, so we work quickly and skillfully to get them squared away. If you’re experiencing water heater trouble, you don’t have to just grin and bear it; give us a call at 951-694-1300 or fill out our online contact form today!