Troubles With Water Heaters

• The hot water heater can produce trouble that does not require a call to the repair professionals. Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

  Water heaters are essentially pressurized tanks from which hot water flows through the house to the hot water faucets. A water heater can be powered by either electricity or gas, but both work in the same way and face many of the same problems. Certain problems will undoubtedly arise at some point over the length of time that you own your hot water heater. Knowing what to look for in a troubled hot water heater can save you time and money spent on calling in repair pros.

Rusty Water

• Rusty water is a common problem with hot water heaters that can be the result of a handful of causes. The rust may be lying inside the water supply lines. Slightly rusty water usually indicates a deteriorated anode rod that needs to be replaced. Another cause may be a deterioration in the glass lining of the tank. Extremely rusty water usually is an indication of rusty pipes that require replacement.

Hot Water Taking Too Long

• Improper insulation of your water pipes can result in the problem of hot water taking too long to reach the faucet. If the hot water takes too long to get to every faucet in the house, install a recirculating loop that allows hot water to constantly run to the faucets and then back to the water heater.

Not Enough Hot Water: Gas Style

• A gas-powered water heater that doesn't provide enough hot water is a problem that can usually be solved by resetting the temperature. If the temperature is set between 130 and 140 degrees but is still not providing enough hot water, it may mean that you simply need to invest in a larger capacity tank to meet your household needs.

Not Enough Hot Water: Electric Style

• An electrically-powered water heater that doesn't provide enough hot water may simply be the result of a tripped circuit breaker that needs to be reset. Press the "Reset" button on the water heater if the power source is not the problem. A common problem of water heaters that are providing diminishing amounts of hot water is that one of the heating elements is faulty and needs replacing.

Strange Noises

• A buildup of sediment on the heating elements can cause trouble in the form of a strange noise emanating from an electric water heater. Turn off the power to the heater, and remove the heating elements. Clean the heating elements by soaking them with water and removing the buildup with a soft brush.

Plastic Tasting Hot Water

• Some hot water heater trouble can be tasted. If your hot water has a plastic-like taste, the problem is most likely a plastic dip tube that is becoming faulty. You can bring back good tasting water to your house by replacing the dip tube. If the dip tube replacement doesn't solve the problem, drain the tank and look for signs of a sediment accumulation on the bottom.