Gas Hot Water Heater Problems

The great amount of hot water is used in a short period and the tank is refilled with the cold water.

Gas hot water heater problems.

Water heaters are often ignored until they run out of hot water or make weird noises. Popping sounds mean you have sediment build up. Excessive sediment left in your hot water heater could cause problems such as the rotten egg smell many people observe around water heaters low amounts of water because the sediment was taking up space in the tank where more water couldn t be and noises of the sediment literally burning up from the heating mechanism inside the tank. This gas hot water heater troubleshooting exercise starts with the thermostat.

System overload depending on your tankless water heater s capacity too many simultaneous hot water applications such as multiple showers running can overload your water heater. There are three the most common causes of the condensation problem on gas tank water heaters. Gas hot water heater troubleshooting information no hot water. The thermocouple provides a safety feature for a gas hot water tank.

Your water heater may struggle to supply the hot water needed or shut down altogether if it becomes overloaded. When you see water that appears to be leaking from the bottom of a gas water heater it could be because of condensation try turning up the thermostat a leaking or loose drain valve or the t p valve draining some water through the overflow pipe due to tank overpressurization. If your water is not at an agreeable temperature your water heater could be at the root of the problem. Check the pilot light.

Usually it will be a broken heating element thermostat or gas valve that leads a homeowner to consider a replacement. Go to gas hot. Others can indicate a need for action on your part. Removing these depositions can solve the problem.

Incomplete burning operation and improper ventilation cause problems in air combustion which can hinder the heater s function. Some noise is normal like the crackling sounds made by a gas water heater. Key things to check on a gas water heater are the pilot the thermocouple and the gas control valve. Barnes getty images.

Various depositions in the heater usually due to hard water or dust affect the heating capacity of the heater. Not enough hot water. With proper maintenance you may be able to keep your water heater in service for up to 15 years. On an electric unit look at the thermostats and the heating elements.