When there are issues with your water heater, you’ll need to consider the model you have. Most are either gas or electric models. While many water heater problems in Ocean City, MD, are fairly simple to correct, you’ll need to understand the most common issues.
Water Leaks From the Top
If you are experiencing a leak from the top of the heater, then there are several possible causes. The cold and hot inlet and outlet pipes may be loose, the inlet valve may be leaking or the TP valve may be bad. Fortunately, these issues are easy to fix.
Water Leaks From the Bottom
A water heater that’s leaking from the bottom can have one of several issues. In most cases, it’s simply a buildup of condensation. However, it could be a leaking drain valve or the TP overflow valve letting out water because of too much pressure in the tank.
If you have an electric water heater, then the element gasket could have a leak. These are small issues, but if the problem turns out to be due to corrosion, then the hot water tank will need to be replaced.
Lack of Hot Water
An electric water heater typically uses two heating elements. If you have no hot water, first check the breaker. Another possible problem could be with the thermostat, which may have tripped or stopped working.
For gas water heaters, check that the pilot light is on and that you have a flow of gas. If this is not the problem, then the thermocouple may not be communicating with the pilot light, and so is not igniting the gas. The thermocouple is an easy replacement.
Less Hot Water
If your system is not putting out enough hot water, then the problem is likely with the thermostat. You may just need to adjust the temperature for the heating elements. One consideration is that the thermostat may need adjusting to a slightly higher temperature during the winter months.
For electric water heaters, the thermostat is set at the factory but still may need adjusting manually. Other possible issues can be a faulty thermostat, loose wiring, a failed element or too small of a water tank for your home.
If your water heater was made before 1996, then a bad dip tube could be the problem. This is an easily replaceable part.
Water Takes Longer to Reheat
An electric water heater can take twice as long as a gas model to reheat the water. But if it seems to be taking longer than usual to reheat, then the heating elements or the thermostat may be at fault. If there is no obvious problem, then you may want to replace your water tank with a larger capacity model or install a tankless system or a point-of-contact water system that is closer to the bathroom.
Dirty or Rusty Water
If your hot water appears to be darker than usual or rusty in hue, then you may have an issue with corrosion of the anode rod or the tank. If you leave this issue uncorrected, then you may end up needing to replace the entire tank if the corrosion continues.
Replacing the anode rod is simple and will extend the life of your water heater. If your hot water isn’t actually rusty, then it could be discolored due to a buildup of sediment or water scale.
Low Pressure
It may be that you are experiencing low water pressure from your hot water heater. If your home is older, then you could have a problem with the half-inch diameter galvanized piping that directs the water flow in and out of the tank. If this is the issue, then the piping needs to be replaced with modern, larger piping.
Other possible causes of low pressure can be a buildup of sediment, rust and calcium in the plumbing. This accumulation can also occur inside the sink aerator.
If you’re experiencing issues with your hot water heater, you need to have it serviced before more serious problems occur. To arrange for repair or maintenance services, give Griffith Energy Services a call today.
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