Troubleshooting Common Problems With Your Water Heater

If you’ve ever found yourself in a cold shower, you know how frustrating it can be. Water heaters are an essential part of any home, and when they go wrong, it can be a major inconvenience. In this article, we’ll show you how to troubleshoot some common water heater problems. Keep reading to learn more!

Troubleshooting a Blinking Status Light

Have you ever noticed your water heater status light blinking green? This status light is responsible for communicating several potential problems or normal functionality. The good news is that many of these problems are easy to troubleshoot. Start by checking the small print on the control panel. The most common messages will be printed on the control panel. If it’s not on there, check the manual or look up your model number online.

For some models, a single flash is normal and means everything is fine. But, the four most common issues are an empty tank, a tank that won’t fill, electrical issues, or the pilot light being out.

If the tank is empty or the tank won’t fill, you might need to call a professional to fix the water heater. If there’s an electrical issue, you will also need to call a professional. And, if the pilot light is out, you can typically fix it by lighting the pilot light.

Troubleshooting the Thermostat

If your water heater is not heating water to the correct temperature, you may need to adjust the thermostat. The thermostat on a water heater is responsible for setting the desired temperature of the water. If it is set too low, the water will not be hot enough; if it is set too high, the water may be too hot and could cause scalding. To verify that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature, check the knob or dial on the thermostat and make sure that it is in line with the desired temperature. You can also use a thermometer to test the temperature of the water coming out of your faucet to ensure that it is correct.

Troubleshooting Rusty or Smelly Water

Another common water heater problem that you can troubleshoot is rusty or smelly water. Rusty water can be an indication that your water heater is corroding from the inside out. This can happen when the water heater isn’t properly maintained, or if the water heater isn’t sized properly for the job. You can often troubleshoot this problem by flushing the water heater tank. However, if your tank is rusting out, you’ll likely need to have your water heater replaced.

Smelly water can be caused by a number of different things, including bacteria growth, algae growth, and chemical buildup. Often, smelly water is an indication that the water heater needs to be cleaned. To do this, turn off the water heater and drain the tank. Once the tank is empty, use a scouring pad to scrub the inside of the tank. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes. Once the tank is clean, refill it with water and turn on the heater. If the smell is coming from the water supply, you may need to install a water filter. A water filter can remove bacteria and other particles from the water, which will eliminate the smells, purify the water, and improve its taste.

Troubleshooting Water Heater Problems

Overall, troubleshooting common problems with your water heater is important to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your unit. By identifying and addressing any issues early, you can prevent them from becoming bigger problems and save yourself time and money in the long run. So, watch out for blinking status lights, thermostat issues, and rusty or smelly water.