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DIY Solutions to Common Hot Water Heater Problems

Last updated on September 28th, 2021

Are you experiencing hot water heater problems? Like any component of the HVAC system within your home, you hot water heater can sometimes fail to work as expected.

While hot water heater problems can be an annoyance, there are some DIY solutions you can take on to get your water heater working correctly. Below are some of the most common water heater issues experienced by home owners and how to troubleshoot them:
No Hot Water

If your water heater is producing no hot water at all, its pilot light may be out. Check to see if the pilot light is lit, and if it requires relighting, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. If you are not comfortable relighting the pilot light, we recommend that an HVAC technician do this for you.

Water Isn’t Hot Enough

Increasing the temperature of your water is an easy fix for many home owners. Simply check your hot water heater’s thermostat. The recommended temperature is around 120 degrees F, so if it is any lower, increase the temperature. If this does not solve the problem, you may be facing issues with the heating element or have a broken thermostat, which are both repairs that need to be handled by an expert.

Not Enough Hot Water

If you’re consistently running out of hot water for showers or baths, you likely have an undersized water heater for your household’s needs. You may need a new hot water heater with a larger capacity or a tankless water heater, which produces hot water on demand rather than storing it in a tank.

Water Heater Leaks

Finding water pooled around the bottom of your hot water heater is never a good sign. Check all valves and pipe connections for the source of the leak. If none of these areas seem to be the cause of the leak, you are most likely dealing with a leak in the actual tank or another complex component that must be replaced by a water heater technician.

Noisy Water Heater

Some sounds from your hot water heater are normal and occur when metal parts expand or contract due to temperature changes. However, if you hear popping, gurgling or banging noises, they may be caused by a buildup of sediment inside the tank, which is a more serious concern. Try draining or flushing your water heater or call in a pro for help.

If you have tried these DIY tips and are still experiencing hot water heater problems, it’s time call in a professional water heater repair technician. The experts at Evam Canada are on hand to determine what is causing the problem and will repair or replace your water heater so you can enjoy warm water when you need it.

When you are experiencing any of the above common hot water heater problems, contact us to book an appointment and we’ll get your water heater running properly!