Water Heater Problems You Shouldn't Ignore

Heating water for the home is easier than it's ever been, but like everything, hot water heaters can malfunction. When they do, there are water heater problems you shouldn't ignore.

By just leaving them, it can reduce the life of your unit, and in worse case scenarios with gas systems, it can put you and your family at risk.

It can be useful identifying some of the common signs that your hot water system is failing to prevent the problem escalating.

Problems with hot water storage tanks

There are several common water heater problems with storage tanks.

These are:

• Yellow pilot light flame
• Discoloured water
• Rotten eggs
• Water leaks
• Inconsistent water temperature
• Noises

A yellow pilot light flame. If you have a gas hot water system and it's operating correctly, the pilot light will be blue. If the pilot light flame is yellow, it's a sign that there isn't enough oxygen for the flame to combust properly. A yellow flame has the potential of producing carbon monoxide which is colourless, odourless and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Discoloured water. If the water is cloudy, murky or rusty in colour, then it's a sign your tank is on the way out, or already gone. There is a sacrificial anode inside your steel hot water storage tank to protect the tank from rusting. It needs to be replaced every 5 years. If left, the anode will rust, and then your tank will rust. The rust will transfer into your water.

Rotten egg smell. If you have a gas hot water system and it smells like rotten eggs, this can be serious. It may be indicating a gas leak. This can endanger you, your family and your home, so it needs to be addressed immediately.

Water leaks. Hot water storage tanks have temperature and pressure relief valves TPV. If water is leaking from the system, it can be a sign that the valve is faulty and can't handle the heat and pressure. Water heaters have been known to explode if the TPV continues malfunctioning over a period of time.

The Water Temperature is inconsistent. If the water temperature is not consistent then it's possible either the thermostat or heating element is faulty.

Noises coming from the hot water storage tank. If you hear subtle banging or rattling noises coming from your hot water storage tank, it's possibly a build up in the storage tank or a faulty heating element.

Instantaneous water heater problems

There are some common problems that can occur with instant hot water systems.

These are:

• The pilot light won't ignite
• Inconsistent water temperature
• Lukewarm water
• Lower pressure or less water than normal
• Backdrafting
• Leaking water

Pilot light. If the pilot light is not igniting it's usually because the flow of water is not strong enough. If it is always going out there is a serious problem that needs addressing.

Inconsistent temperatures. This can be for a number of reasons. The diaphragm on the gas meter could be faulty, not enough gas is getting to your hot water system, or you may have a faulty shower head or a restrictor.

Lukewarm water. If the water temperature is just luke warm, it could mean either the thermostat is faulty, the diaphragm needs replacing or there may be a blocked strainer valve.

Lower pressure or less water than normal. If the water flow is reduced the problem could be either the thermostat or a blocked strainer valve.

Backdrafting. If the fumes from your gas hot water heating are ending up inside your home, you need to have the gas water heater's vent checked.

Leaking water. If water is leaking out of the system then the unit is probably too far gone and will need replacing. If you have an electric hot water system, a water leak can be a serious safety hazard.

Maintaining your hot water system can help prevent problems

Some issues can be avoided simply by maintaining your hot water system.

If you have a storage tank, then replacing the sacrificial anode every 5 years helps extend the life of the unit by protecting the tank from rusting.

Test your temperature and pressure valve regularly. If your TPR valve isn't functioning properly, it can pose quite a serious risk.

Flushing the system regularly helps remove sediments and minerals that cause the appliance to malfunction and corrode.

When you have water heater problems, sometimes it may mean getting an entirely new hot water system, such as the Rheem Pronto 12 Litre PROPANE LP GAS 60C Instantaneous Hot Water Heater 834012P0 from Plumbing Sales.

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