A Guide to Common Water Heater Problems in Tri-City, OR
Your water heater will often give you warning signs before it fails completely. Here are some common problems our Tri-City, OR plumbers see, and what they might mean.
- No Hot Water: For a gas water heater, this is often a pilot light that has gone out or a faulty thermocouple. For an electric model, it's frequently a tripped circuit breaker or a failed heating element.
- Not Enough Hot Water: The thermostat may be set too low, or a heating element could be failing. In gas heaters, a malfunctioning gas valve could be the issue. It can also be a sign of sediment buildup in the tank.
- Water is Too Hot or Has a Bad Odor: Water that is too hot usually means the thermostat is set too high. A "rotten egg" smell is typically caused by bacteria in the tank, which can be resolved by flushing the tank and replacing the anode rod.
- Strange Noises (Rumbling or Popping): This is almost always caused by a buildup of sediment at the bottom of the tank. The noise is water trapped under the sediment boiling. This reduces efficiency and can damage the tank over time.
- Water Leaking From the Unit: A leak could be from a loose connection, a faulty pressure relief valve, or, most seriously, a crack in the tank itself. A leaking tank is an emergency and requires immediate replacement.If you are experiencing any of these issues with the water heater in your Tri-City, OR home, it's best to call a professional plumber from JLK Plumbing for a safe and accurate diagnosis.
