After a long day, one would look forward to getting home and jumping into a relaxing shower to wash one’s stress away. The last thing anyone wants is for there to be an issue with the water heater.
But when problems do arise, it’s best not to tinker with it unless you happen to be a qualified professional. You simply need to be able to describe the problem – is the water not heating? Is it too hot? Are there funny sounds from the unit? – and call in a repairman.
Below are some of the common issues that occur with water heaters in the home. To find out more about water heaters, click here and here.
1. No hot water
Firstly, ascertain whether you have an instant water heater or a storage one – storage heaters can run out of hot water, or the water might cool down if the power has been turned off for too long.
Here are some reasons why there’s no hot water:
- An issue with the wiring, where no power is being received. Check whether your circuit breaker has tripped, or a fuse needs replacing.
- The heater is not receiving enough water, or the heating components are faulty, causing water to heat up slowly or not at all.
- An issue with the storage tank due to sediment, or mineral buildup in instant water heaters.
Although the first of the three possibilities can be fixed by you or an electrician, you will require a professional for the other two.
2. Water too hot
Water that is too hot is dangerous as it could lead to scalding. The internal thermostat could be malfunctioning or set too high, which would require a professional as accessing the thermostat in instant water heaters would require dismantling the unit.
It could also be that the pressure-relief valve is blocked due to the buildup of minerals or rust in the heater.
3. Noises from the heater
It’s always worrisome when you hear unfamiliar sounds coming from any electrical device. In the case of water heaters, it could be caused by water being heated and then moving through sediment buildup in the pipes and in the tanks of storage units.
Another possibility is that certain components of the water heater have worn out and become loose.
4. Discoloured water
You know something is wrong when the water turns a shade of rust and there’s an unpleasant smell when you turn the water on. This is another instance where you have to call a professional.
In the case of a storage heater, the pipes or inner walls of the water tank could be rusty and/or contaminated with bacteria.
Manufacturers recommend annual maintenance of your water heater to keep components clean and the tank free of rust and mineral buildup. It also extends its longevity.
5. The heater leaks
If a storage water heater leaks, it is most likely due to the temperature and pressure-relief valve that is doing its job by releasing drops of water. In instant water heaters, narrow piping within the heater itself might be causing it to leak.
The first sign of trouble is a pool of water on the floor below your water heater. Call a professional immediately as such leaks can be very dangerous.
This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform, which offers a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and maintenance professionals. From flooring and interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.