The Most Common Water Heater Problems Plumbers See Every Day
Water heaters often fade into the background of our daily lives until something goes wrong. Without hot water, everything from morning showers to washing dishes, and food preparation is thrown in limbo. Understanding the common water heater problems and what you can do to fix them can save you time, money, and discomfort.
Neighborhood Plumbing is a top-rated company that specializes in water heater installation, repair, and inspections. We’ve seen it all when it comes to water heater problems in homes and businesses. In this guide, we’ll talk about the most common water heater issues plumbers handle every day.
- Leaking Water Heater
Water heater leaks are a common problem with older storage water heaters. A leaking water heater means the tank is corroded beyond repair, and the only solution is water heater replacement. However, leaks at the connections or valves do not warrant a full replacement. A licensed plumber can fix the connections and restore your water heater in Pittsburgh to good working condition.
- Sediment Build-Up
Plumbers are often called on to address issues like noisy operation, inconsistent water temperature, discolored hot water, and long reheating times. These problems are commonly caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the water heater tank. Over time, minerals and sediment can accumulate in the tank, causing many problems. You may notice strange noises, foul-smelling water, and reduced efficiency. This problem is usually resolved by flushing the tank, which is something you can do yourself.
- Faulty Heating Elements
For electric water heaters, heating elements wear out over time. Problems with heating elements result in inconsistent water temperature, not hot water at all, and strange noises coming from the water heater. Some DIYers tend to troubleshoot and replace failed or faulty heating elements only to end up with a disaster on their hands. It’s best to leave this job to experienced plumbers.
- Thermostat Malfunctions
Homeowners seek help from plumbers when they face overheating and insufficient hot water. These issues are commonly caused by thermostat malfunctions that stem from various causes. The thermostat is responsible for controlling the upper and lower heating elements. When this component fails, you’ll experience heating problems.
- Strange Noises Coming From the Tank
Popping, rumbling, or banging noises are common complaints. These sounds usually occur when sediment hardens at the bottom of the tank and traps water beneath it. As the water heats, it bubbles through the sediment, creating noise. Ignoring this issue can cause overheating, reduced efficiency, and premature tank failure. Do not hesitate to seek help from a nearby plumbing service when you notice odd sounds coming from your water heater in Pittsburgh.
- Water Heater Age and Inefficiency
Most traditional tank water heaters last 8–12 years. Tankless units last longer, but they also come to the end of their lifespan. As water heaters age, efficiency drops, repair frequency increases, and the risk of leaks grows. Plumbers often recommend replacement when repairs become frequent or energy bills rise without explanation. Water heater replacement will save you money down the road and provide you with an opportunity to upgrade to a more efficient unit.
Do You Need Water Heater Repair? Contact Neighborhood Plumbing Today
Water heater problems can be disruptive and inconvenient. However, with a dependable plumbing company on your side, you can be confident that the appliance will be restored in no time. At Neighborhood Plumbing, we pride ourselves on offering fast and reliable water heater repair services. Our plumbers are equipped to handle leaks, heating element failure, thermostat issues, low water pressure, corroded hot water tanks, and more. Contact the team at Neighborhood Plumbing when you need help with your water heater in Pittsburgh.