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Common water heater problems include no hot water, water that isn’t hot enough or is too hot, or a water heater that rumbles or leaks.
If you have no hot water or it is not hot enough, check the temperature control. If the setting is okay, it could be that the heater’s thermostat is defective. Replacing a defective thermostat is best left to a professional plumber. If you have a gas heater, it’s possible that the pilot light has gone out. If so, follow the written instructions on the tank to relight it. It’s also possible that the gas inlet valve has been closed partially or all the way; if so, turn the handle parallel to the line and relight the pilot light.
If the pilot light won’t light, it may need a cleaning or a new thermocouple. Have these jobs handled by a professional. The same holds true if you have an electric water heater with defective electric heating elements.
If the water is too hot, check the temperature control. If turning it down doesn’t help, it may be defective and should be replaced by a professional. It may also be that the flue on a gas heater may be blocked; clear any obstructions. Defective heating elements may overheat water; if they do, they should be replaced by professionals.
Rumbling and whistling noises can be caused by sediment building up in the tank; draining the tank often helps. Overheated water may also cause rumbling, whistling, or sizzling noises. If this is caused by defective heating element, call a professional to replace it.
A water leak may be cured simply by tightening the drain valve or by closing a temperature-pressure relief valve that’s open. But if the leak is serious, be aware that water heaters have limited life spans, and it’s possible that your tank has become corroded. If that’s the case, the water heater must be replaced.
For convenience at the kitchen sink, an instant hot water dispenser can provide almost-boiling hot water through a low-pressure spout at the touch of a lever. These are essentially very small, on-demand electric water heaters that mount under the sink—or a similar spot—and heat water as it passes by interior electric coils.
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