How to Troubleshoot a House Hot Water Heater

Hot water heaters work most efficiently when you conduct regular maintenance on them. Older hot water heaters should be drained regularly and have their magnesium anode rod checked to see if it is scaly enough to warrant a replacement. A hot water heater fueled by oil should be cleaned and adjusted every few years after it has gotten dirty enough to start acting up. Troubleshooting other problems involves paying attention to how your water heater works when it is functioning properly.

• 1

  Check that the electrical power or gas power is reaching the hot water heater if you are not getting any hot water at all. On an electric water heater, you can also depress the reset button. Residents in older houses should check for a blown fuse. Residents of newer homes should make sure the circuit hasn't tripped. Replace or reset the circuit breaker as needed.

• 2

  Listen for a sound similar to something cooking. This sound indicates a buildup of sediment crust on the bottom of the tank. Unless you notice that it is affecting delivery of your hot water or the sound becomes irritating, you don't actually need to do anything, as this condition is only caused by drops of water getting underneath the crust.

• 3

  Note whether it takes a long time for hot water to get to certain faucets. If this is the case, the installation of a circulating system may be a worthwhile investment.

• 4

  Consider investing in a hot water heater with a bigger tank if it seems to take an unusually long time for hot water to be delivered throughout the house. Another reason why there might not be an adequate supply of hot water is a thermostat that is set too low. The thermostat should be set anywhere between 160 degrees and 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 5

  Turn off the heat and drain the tank if the water is suddenly rusty. Rusty water is most often caused by mud or silt getting into the tank and coloring the water, rather than the interior of the tank itself rusting and causing the discoloration.

• 6

  Look for a leak in the pipes or the tank itself if you hear a sizzling noise. If the tank itself is leaking, you can try to repair it, or it may need to be replaced. A leaking pipe can usually be easily repaired rather than replaced.