Some Common Water Heater Problems—and How PlumbSmart Can Help

It seems like water heater issues come up when you least expect them to, and it can be frustrating to try to get to the bottom of the problem. Whether or not you are a mechanically-inclined person, finding the source of an issue with your water heater, let alone resolving the problem, is not an easy task. The good news is that, with the help of a plumber in Mesa, AZ from PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air, you can more effectively troubleshoot water heater problems and get them resolved quickly by learning a little bit more about the most common water heater issues.

Preparing to troubleshoot your tank

Before you can actually get to the bottom of your water heater problem, you need to prepare your tank. First, turn off your water heater at your electrical panel or gas supply, depending on how your tank is powered. Wait for a while so that the water inside can cool off a little bit. Next, close the cold water intake on your tank and connect a hose to the drain valve. To allow air into the tank so that it drains properly, open a hot water tap in your home. Direct the hose to drain outside or down a basement drain and open up the drain valve.

After you’ve emptied your tank, close the drain valve and open up the cold water intake valve to add more water to the tank. Once you’ve filled the tank halfway, open up the drain valve again to rinse out any sediment buildup in your tank. In many cases, excessive sediment buildup in your tank may be the source of your water heater problems. After you’ve followed these steps, you will be able to get a better look at what’s going on in your tank.

Here are some signs to watch out for that indicate trouble with your water heater:

  • Unusual noises: If you hear unusual noises coming from inside your tank, it’s possible that the heating element is burning up the residual sediment inside the tank. There’s also a possibility that your heating element is starting to deteriorate and is becoming noisy as a result.
  • Temperature issues: In some cases, you might notice that the temperature of your hot water seems to be too high or too low. You can usually resolve this problem by resetting your thermostat. If you have no hot water, the issue is probably a malfunctioning heating element.
  • Component rust or corrosion: Once you’ve emptied your tank, you will be able to see the components, valves and parts inside. Any kind of rust or corrosion of these components can cause issues with your water heater, including ineffective operation and leaks. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to hire a plumber in Mesa, AZ to resolve the issue.

Hire a plumber in Mesa, AZ

If you need some professional help with water heater repair, reach out to PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. Since 2006, we have been serving commercial and residential customers with a wide variety of HVAC and plumbing services. Our team of expert plumbers in Mesa, AZ is experienced in providing comprehensive services, whether you are looking for maintenance, repair, product sales or installations. You can find out more about everything that we have to offer by browsing our website or giving us a call today.