Gas Hot Water Heater Problems

Key things to check on a gas water heater are the pilot the thermocouple and the gas control valve.

Gas hot water heater problems.

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. The great amount of hot water is used in a short period and the tank is refilled with the cold water. 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. Usually it will be a broken heating element thermostat or gas valve that leads a homeowner to consider a replacement.

A gas water heater can last anywhere from 6 to 10 years. Popping sounds mean you have sediment build up. Incomplete burning operation and improper ventilation cause problems in air combustion which can hinder the heater s function. On an electric unit look at the thermostats and the heating elements.

Check the pilot light. Various depositions in the heater usually due to hard water or dust affect the heating capacity of the heater. Barnes getty images. Some noise is normal like the crackling sounds made by a gas water heater.

This is common on. The thermocouple provides a safety feature for a gas hot water tank. Water heaters are often ignored until they run out of hot water or make weird noises. 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.

With proper maintenance you may be able to keep your water heater in service for up to 15 years. Your water heater may struggle to supply the hot water needed or shut down altogether if it becomes overloaded. Not enough hot water. 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. Removing these depositions can solve the problem. Go to gas hot. If your water is not at an agreeable temperature your water heater could be at the root of the problem.