Hot Water Hassles? Top Solutions for Water Heater Repair Services

If you’ve ever turned on a shower only to be greeted with cold water, you know the importance of maintaining your water heater. An underperforming water heater leads to inconsistent hot water and higher utility bills. It also causes premature wear, potentially leading to costly repairs or early replacement. With the help of water heater repair services, you can get your water heater working at peak efficiency!

Inadequate Hot Water Supply

One of the most frequent complaints from homeowners is not having enough hot water. 

When your water heater doesn’t provide enough hot water, it’s not just frustrating–it can affect your entire schedule. Several factors might be causing this problem, from simple adjustments to more complex issues that need a closer look. Before you find yourself in an unintended ice bath, here’s how you can tackle this issue:

• Check the thermostat settings: Sometimes, the thermostat on the water heater is set too low. The ideal setting for most homes is between 120°F and 140°F.
• Inspect the heating elements: Electric water heaters have heating elements that can burn out over time. Testing and replacing faulty elements can restore the hot water supply.
• Look for a tripped breaker or blown fuse: If the water heater is electric, a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse might be interrupting power. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse to see if this resolves the issue.
• Consider the water heater’s age and capacity: If your water heater is older or too small for your household, it may not be able to keep up with demand. In this case, upgrading to a newer, appropriately sized model might be necessary.

If you find yourself frequently running out of hot water, it might also be beneficial to investigate tankless water heaters. These systems heat water on demand and never run out, offering a continuous supply that can be more energy-efficient in the long run.

Noisy Water Heater

Is your water heater making a lot of noise. While it’s annoying, it may indicate underlying problems that need immediate attention.

Understanding the Noises Your Water Heater Makes:

• Popping or rumbling sounds: These noises often occur due to sediment buildup in the tank. As water is heated, the sediment gets agitated and can create popping noises.
• Whining or high-pitched sounds: These can be due to scale build-up on electric heating elements. When the elements are covered in scale, they have to work harder, which produces these sounds.
• Ticking or tapping noises: These sounds can be caused by the heat trap in the water heater or by the thermal expansion of the pipes as hot water flows through them.

Draining the tank annually to remove sediment can significantly reduce popping and rumbling noises. For electric water heaters, regularly cleaning or replacing the heating elements can prevent scale build-up and reduce whining noises. Meanwhile, installing an expansion tank can help manage the ticking sounds associated with thermal pipe expansion. If you need help with this, call us for water heater repair services! 

Water Leaks Around the Heater

Do you have water leak woes with your water heater? Water leaks are a serious concern as they can lead to significant damage in your home if not addressed promptly.

Identifying and Addressing Water Leaks:

• Check the inlets and outlets: Ensure that the connections at the cold water inlet and hot water outlet are tight. If they are loose, tightening them with a wrench might solve the problem.
• Inspect the pressure relief valve: Sometimes the valve is doing its job by releasing excess pressure, but if it leaks continuously, it might need replacing.
• Examine the tank itself: Look for any signs of corrosion or damage on the tank. Rust or wet spots on the tank can indicate a crack or hole that might require a new water heater.

To prevent leaks, it’s important to monitor the pressure in your water heater. Installing a pressure regulator can help maintain safe levels and prevent excessive stress on your water heater’s tank and connections. Regular inspections can catch early signs of rust or corrosion before they lead to bigger issues.

Water Temperature Fluctuations

Do hot and cold water fluctuations have you in a tizzy? Experiencing fluctuations in water temperature can be both puzzling and frustrating, especially during routine use.

Managing Temperature Inconsistencies:

• Test the thermostat: Fluctuating temperatures often stem from a faulty thermostat. Testing and possibly replacing it can help stabilize water temperatures.
• Check for crossed connections: Sometimes cold water can enter your hot water supply due to crossed connections. You can test this by turning off the water supply to the heater and then turning on a hot water faucet. If water still flows, you likely have a crossed connection.
• Assess the dip tube: If the dip tube is broken or dislodged, cold water might be entering directly into the hot water lines without being heated first. Checking and replacing the dip tube as needed can resolve this issue.

Regularly flush your tank to remove sediment that can interfere with the heating process. Also, consider installing a mixing valve. This can help by automatically adjusting the blend of hot and cold water, delivering consistent temperatures throughout your home.

Pilot Light Issues on Gas Water Heaters

For gas water heaters, a pilot light that won’t stay lit is a common problem that can prevent the heater from functioning at all.

Troubleshooting Pilot Light Problems:

• Inspect the thermocouple: This safety device detects whether the pilot light is lit and shuts off the gas if it’s not. If it’s faulty or dirty, it might not sense the flame properly, causing the gas valve to close. Cleaning or replacing the thermocouple can often resolve this issue.
• Check the pilot light orifice: A clogged orifice can prevent gas from reaching the pilot light. Cleaning the orifice with a fine wire can help restore proper flow.
• Evaluate the gas supply: Make sure there’s adequate gas flow to the water heater. If other gas appliances are also affected, the issue may be with your home’s gas supply.

Check and cleanyour water heater’s pilot light assembly can prevent many common issues. If your pilot light frequently goes out, it may also be worth checking for drafts or airflow issues in the area around your water heater that could be extinguishing the flame.

Need Water Heater Repair Services? Call Tampa’s Plumbing Solution!

Having issues with your water heater can be stressful, but you don’t have to tackle them alone. At Tampa’s Plumbing Solution, we offer expert water heater repair services to ensure your system runs smoothly. Serving Brandon, FL, for over 25 years, we’ve built our reputation on reliability, efficiency, and a commitment to excellent service. 

Rooted in strong family values, our team is dedicated to providing honest solutions at competitive prices.

Why Choose Us?

• Expertise in Residential and Commercial Plumbing
• Dedicated Local Service for 25 Years
• Free Estimates to Assess Your Needs

If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater or any other plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us today at (813) 540-1010 for a free estimate and experience the peace of mind that comes with professional, dependable service.