Water heaters are an essential part of everyday life. So, when one starts malfunctioning, it can be a real inconvenience. Click the Water Heater Repair Aurora CO to learn more.
Many water heater problems can be fixed with easy repairs and regular maintenance. However, some issues are best left to professionals. Here are some signs you should call a plumber:

One of the most frustrating things that can happen to a homeowner is waking up in the morning and realizing that there’s no hot water for showering, washing clothes or even cooking. Your water heater is an integral part of your home’s plumbing, and if you find yourself in this situation, it may be time to call a plumber for a professional diagnosis and repair.
A lack of hot water is the most obvious sign that your water heater needs repairs, but there are other signs you should keep an eye out for as well. For example, if you notice that your hot water isn’t as hot as it used to be, it could mean that the heating elements have gone bad or are being overheated by mineral buildup. In some cases, this is a problem that can be fixed by flushing the system, but in other cases, it’s best to have the water heater replaced.
Another thing to watch for is if the hot water seems to run out quickly. This could be an indication that there is a leak in the tank, and it’s important to have this issue addressed right away to prevent extensive water damage. Look for a puddle of water around the base of the unit or any other signs of leaking, and turn off your water supply to the heater until it’s repaired by a professional.
If your electric water heater isn’t working, it’s important to ensure that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped. Also, check the temperature settings on your thermostat to make sure that they haven’t been accidentally changed. Finally, if your gas water heater isn’t working, make sure the pilot light is still lit and that the gas line isn’t obstructed.
If your water heater is older than 10 years and you’re constantly running out of hot water, it might be time to consider a replacement. A plumber can help you choose a new model that’s better suited to your home’s size and your family’s hot water usage patterns.
Water That’s Too Hot
If the water coming out of your tap is hotter than what it should be, it may be due to a malfunctioning thermostat. Both electric and gas water heaters are equipped with thermostats that manage the temperature of the water. When these thermostats are faulty, they can cause the water to become too hot. To resolve this issue, start by lowering the thermostat’s setting. If you don’t notice a difference, contact an experienced plumber to replace the thermostat.
Another reason why the water might be too hot is that the heating element is broken. While this isn’t something that homeowners can fix themselves, professional plumbers are trained to do so safely. They can also help you choose a new water heater if necessary.
While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to have your home’s water heater flushed. This helps prevent sediment and mineral buildup, which can make the water too hot. In addition, regular flushing can prolong the life of your water heater.
Noises like rumbling, popping, and whining are a sign that the tank is boiling. This means that the sediment is causing the metal elements to overheat. It’s a good idea to have this problem fixed immediately before it causes severe damage to your water heater and other appliances in the house.
Water that’s too hot is dangerous because it can burn or scald anyone who uses it. This could include people washing dishes, showering, and bathing. Anyone can be burned in just two minutes, so it’s important to address this issue as soon as possible. A professional plumber can repair the water heater quickly to prevent further damage and keep you safe. They can also provide helpful tips to help you avoid this issue in the future. Using the proper tools is vital when it comes to working on a water heater. Inexperienced individuals may try to use the wrong tools and cause serious damage to their water heater. Professional technicians know how to handle the tools correctly and safely, minimizing the risk of accidents and other problems.
Water That’s Not Hot Enough
If you have a large family and often run out of hot water, it might be time to upgrade to a larger tank or install a newer, more efficient model. If your water is lukewarm but you’re confident the thermostat and pilot light are working properly, it may be time to flush out sediment in the tank to improve heating efficiency.
Another cause of lukewarm water could be a defective thermocouple, which is used to sense when your water heater is operating at full power. If this is damaged, the unit won’t work properly and will only provide a limited amount of heat. A plumber can repair or replace this part if needed.
Lukewarm water can also result from a faulty dip tube, which is used to direct cold water into the bottom of the tank to mix with hot water in the top. The dip tube should be cleaned out regularly to prevent rusting and corrosion.
Other unusual water heater noises that signal problems include popping or rumbling, which can indicate sediment shifts in the tank. This can be resolved by draining the tank and flushing out sediment. Hissing or sizzling sounds can also indicate a problem with the heater element, which must be replaced.
If the water heater’s temperature dial is set too high, it can result in scalding and serious burns. If this is the case, the dial should be turned down to a safe setting of 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
A gas water heater’s pilot light may go out, which can cause the system to stop functioning. This is a safety feature that protects the system from overheating, so it’s important to keep it lit. Fortunately, many systems have a reset button or switch that allows you to manually relight the pilot flame.
A solid red status light on the water heater can mean a variety of things, including an empty tank, a leak, an error code, or that it is shutting down. The first thing to check is the circuit breaker and ensure that it hasn’t been tripped. If this is the case, it’s best to call in a professional before trying other troubleshooting steps.
Water That’s Discolored or Smelly
If the water coming out of your hot taps smells like rotten eggs or is discolored, this can indicate an issue with your water heater. Odd odors and discolored water can be caused by mineral deposits in your tank, a faulty anode rod, or bacteria growth. If the discolored or smelly water only occurs when you use your hot water, this could be a sign that the anode rod has started to corrode and is interacting with sulfur bacteria in your household plumbing.
This reaction can produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a foul, rotten egg odor. It’s important to flush your tank regularly to remove sediment buildup and prevent this reaction. If you’re not sure how to do this, a professional can perform a tank flush for you.
Older plumbing systems may have galvanized iron pipes, which can cause brown or yellow water when the zinc coating on the inside of the pipe wears down. This isn’t usually a big problem and can be fixed by flushing your lines for about a minute. If the problem persists, it may be time to replace your pipes.
The anode rod is a sacrificial component inside the tank that attracts minerals in your water to protect the tank from internal corrosion. It’s not a permanent solution, and eventually needs to be replaced. When it does, the rust it attracts from the water supply can cause a similar discoloration in your hot water. If you suspect your anode rod is corroded, replace it as soon as possible to avoid foul odors and discolored water.
Other problems with your water heater that can cause odors include low water pressure and rumbling or popping noises from the heating elements. Low water pressure is often due to a mineral deposit buildup on the heating element. The best way to reduce this is by installing a water softener and following the manufacturer’s guidelines for flushing your tank. It’s also important to install a water heater that can adequately serve your home size, as too small a unit will create noise and can promote bacterial growth.