What Could Go Wrong With an Electric Water Heater?
Water heaters are the most reliable invention until they're not. You walk into the utility room and step into a puddle of water, or you might notice your desired hot shower just isn't happening because the water won't warm up.
Here are some common electric water heater problems.
Water Leaking From the Bottom of the Water Heater
Often condensation will form at the top of an electric water heater. Normal moisture from condensation isn't a true leak.
However, a puddle could also mean a leaky electric heating element gasket. It could also mean the temperature and pressure relief (also known as the t and p) valve has opened to release extra pressure from the water tank. Your tank will have an overflow pipe that will expel water when there's excess pressure.
A leaky gasket or an overflow pipe expelling water is not a cause for concern. An expert plumber can fix these problems.
However, a puddle under the tank could also mean your tank is leaking. This means your tank has worn out, and there's only one way to fix the problem. Water heater replacement is imminent since the tank is taxed.
Water Leaking From the Top
If the puddle stems from somewhere near the top of your heater, you're in luck. You probably have a problem that an experienced plumber can fix.
You may have a loose cold or hot outlet pipe if you have a leak near the top of your water heater. You may also need to replace the T&P valve because it has failed. You could also have a failed inlet valve.
Just about any plumber, even an apprentice, could fix any of these problems. Any plumber from 1800 plumbers could fix this problem.
Water Won't Heat Up
If your faucet refuses to yield any hot water, you have a water heater problem. Water heaters have two heating elements usually. Typically when you have no hot water, something has tripped your circuit breaker.
So check your breaker box before you call 1800 Plumber. You'd hate to have a plumber come out only to flip a switch and hand you a bill.
If the breaker box isn't showing a tripped breaker, then you could have a failed heating element. If your heating element has quit, you need to call a plumber to replace it.
You could also have a problem with the reset switch on your water heater's thermostat. You may need a new thermostat on your water heater if the reset switch has failed.
Water Won't Stay Hot
You might have hot water for some time, but if you're finding yourself jumping out of the shower after just a few minutes, you probably have a problem with your thermostat.
You can always adjust your thermostat on your own. However, if you have a wiring problem or a faulty thermostat, then you need a new one.
The good news is a thermostat replacement is a simple fix. However, you should still use a professional for this task. It's not a weekend-warrior type project.
You could also have a usage problem if the water won't stay hot. If you've recently increased your water usage, you might have a tank that's too small for your usage.
For example, if you recently moved your college-age kids back home or if a set of grandparents recently moved in, you will need a bigger water heater to compensate for the number of people now showering daily at your house.
Water Heater Makes Noise
Water heaters should be a fairly silent appliance. You should not hear any popping, banging, knocking, or hissing from the water heater. If you do hear strange noises, you could have a build-up of scale on the heating elements. You also might have too much sediment built up in your tank bottom.
If your tank leaks, it will make noise as well. Also, if you have too much pressure inside the tank, your pipes will expand and contract more and make noise.
Usually, a noisy water heater means something harmless. However, you should still call a professional like those at 1800 Plumbers to check it out and give you peace of mind. If you don't want to hear your water heating working, then you shouldn't have to.
Hot Water Pressure is Low
If your hot water pressure alone is low, then you most likely have a water heater problem. Just like with a noisy water heater, rust, calcium-deposits, and sediment inside the plumbing or sink aerators could create low hot water pressure.
You could also have an issue with your pipe diameter. If you live in an older home, you most likely have 1/2-inch galvanized pipes that go in and out of the water heater.
Your pipe sizing paired with your water heater will limit your water pressure. A plumber can fix the problem by installing modern 3/4-inch pipes. This will allow more water to flow and fix your pressure problems.
Water Smells Foul
Smell water, hot water, in particular, comes from bacteria in your tank. If your home uses well water, you're susceptible to smelly hot water. You can fix this problem by flushing out your water heater every once in a while.
Flushing the tank will fix the problem temporarily. If you want a more permanent solution to the rotten-egg, sulfur-like smell, you need to replace the anode rod. Rather, you need to have an expert replace the anode rod.
An experienced plumber can replace the anode rod and can even use a powered anode rod that rids your water of the awful smell for a longer period.
Water is Dirty or Rusty
If your hot water is rusty, then you have a corroded anode rod or even a corroded tank. If your problem is the tank, then you will have to replace it eventually anyway when the corrosion causes a leak.
Replacing the anode rod is a simple task any plumber can handle. Also, a new anode rod will extend the life of your water heater.
Gas Water Heater Service Needs
Gas water heaters carry unique problems. Each of the problems mentioned with the electric water heaters applies to a gas water heater as well. You will still need a professional water heater service to fix your problems.
Here are problems unique to a gas water heater.
Water Takes a Long Time to Reheat
If your water heat recovers slowly, you need to make sure the thermostat isn't set too low. You could also have a dirty or clogged burner orifice. If the gas pressure is too low or the vent flue is too dirty, your water heater will be sluggish.
A professional plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and clean these surfaces safely.
Stubborn Pilot Light
Gas heaters require a pilot light to work. If your pilot light will not light, you have a problem. The pilot light office could be clogged as could the tube. You could also simply need a new pilot light.
If the thermocouple is loose or if you have air in the gas line or if you have a defective gas valve, your pilot will not light.
If any of these terms sound foreign to you, don't worry. An expert plumber will understand them and be able to fix the problem.
Unreliable Pilot Light
If your pilot light goes out frequently, your water heater will not be able to do its job. You may need a plumber to replace your thermocouple.
You could also have a bad gas valve or a vent that is partially clogged. The downdrafts caused by the clogged vent will blow out your pilot light, making it unreliable.
How to Drain a Water Heater
One of the most common problems of smelly water can be fixed with a simple process of draining your water heater. This is something you can do on your own if you feel comfortable with the task.
Turn off the water. Your water valve is at the top of the water heater. Simply turn it off.
Turn off the heater. If you have a gas water heater, turn the thermostat to the "pilot" mark. If you have an electric water heater, just turn off the breaker in the breaker box for it.
Find the drain valve and attach a hose. You can find this valve near the bottom fo the tank. You just need a basic garden hose and then a place where you can drain the heater like a driveway or floor drain.
Turn a hot water top to alleviate pressure.
Open the hot water drain valve. This will open the tank and release the water through the hose.
Start everything up once the heater has drained. You do this by closing the drain valve, unscrewing the hose, and then turning the cold water supply back on. You will hear the tank fill, and then you can turn the gas valve on or turn the breaker back on.
These simple steps will help you flush your water heater and prevent smelly water.
So whether you're in the heart of Texas, the Atlantic coast of Long Island or the Pacific coast by Oregon, 1-800-Plumber +Air has your back. We have the best water heater service in your area along with all other things plumbing, heating, and cooling.
Contact us for all your plumbing needs. 
