When your water heater experiences trouble, your shower, washing machine, dishwasher, and other common appliances can’t work as they’re supposed to. You may have a leak, hear strange noises, or even just notice that your water looks cloudy lately. To help you understand when it’s time to call a plumber or electrician, here’s a guide to some of the common types of water heater problems.

Types of Water Heater Issues

1. Leaks

A puddle under your water heater is usually condensation from the fuel used to warm the water. A plumber can unclog the drain line or replace any faulty valves to solve the issue. However, if you find a hole in your tank, the puddle may be caused by a leak, so you'll need to replace your heater.

2. Dirty Water

If your hot water is yellow, reddish, or brown, sediment in the water heater tank is the likely causing the discoloration. Connect a hose to the tank's drain valve to expel the dirty liquid, then run fresh water into the tank and drain it again. Repeat the process until the water runs clear.

3. Noise

Rumbling, clanking, popping, or whining noises indicate that the water inside your water heater is boiling. This can happen when there are sediments in the tank, so flush them out by following the steps outlined above. If the issue isn’t solved, try lowering the heat.

4. Cold Water

When your water heater isn't providing hot water, check that its power source is on. This will be a cord if you have an electrical unit, or the pilot light if it's gas.

If the issue is insufficient hot water, try adjusting the settings on the tank, or consider getting a new one with a higher capacity.

5. Overly Hot Water

If the water from your water heater is too hot, turn down the heat setting on the unit. If this doesn't lower the heat, there may be an issue with the controls or the water heater's internal thermostat, which an electrician can take care of.

If you need help fixing a problem with your water heater, call Service First Electrical and Plumbing. Based in Texarkana, AR and serving all four states in the Texarkana area since 1967, they offer services including emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, electrical repairs, and computer cabling and wiring to keep your home or business running smoothly. Find updates and reviews on Facebook, or call (870) 775-1035 to schedule an inspection.