5 Hot Water Heater Problems That You Can Fix Easily

Not all hot water heater problems require a hot water heater replacement. Some water heater issues can be fixed with a few household tools and some water heater replacement parts. Here is a list of 5 hot water heater problems that can be easily fixed at home:

- No hot water. For gas water heaters, first check the pilot light to see if it is on. If it is, the gas thermocouple may be faulty and need replacement. Alternately, if the pilot keeps turning off after being lit, the gas pilot control valve could be faulty. On electric water heaters, the thermostat or upper electric heating element may be faulty and need replacement.

- Rust colored water. Hot water heaters contain an anode rod (sometimes called a sacrificial rod) that slowly dissolves to prevent rust from collecting inside the water tank. When the anode rod starts failing, the rust starts showing in the water. Replacement of the anode rod fixes this issue.

- Smelly water. If the water starts smelling like rotten eggs, there is probably a bacterial infection inside of the tank. These bacteria feed on the hydrogen gas that is emitted by the anode rod. To fix this problem, flush out all the water from the tank and fill it with 2 pints of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (assuming a 40 gallon tank). Let this solution sit in the tank for 2 hours before refilling it with water. If the problem persists, replace the anode rod with a zinc alloy anode rod.

- Popping noises or high pitched whining. Excessive sediment has probably built up in the bottom of the tank and is causing the water to actually boil. Flush out the water heater and then refill it. Also, check the condition of your water softener. Whining noises can occur on electric water heaters because of sediment buildup on the heater elements. Again, a complete water flush is in order as well as the removal and scrubbing of the heater elements.

- Water leak. The water T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve may be releasing excess water because of water overheating. Reduce the thermostat setting and see if this eliminates the leak. Also, consider replacing the valve itself. If the leak is originating underneath the tank or the water that is leaking out is rusty, there may be a hole in the tank itself because of rust. If this is the case, a water tank replacement is in fact necessary.