Symptom |
Check
Click on underlined items for further information
|
No hot water |
- Pilot light out
- Gas supply shut off
- Gas valve needs replacement
- Water supply shut off
|
Not enough hot water |
- Thermostat set too low, increase temperature. Caution: Too hot can lead to scalding and burns
- Sediment or lime in tank, drain sediment
- Water heater too small, replace with larger capacity model
- Dip tube may be damaged
- Cold water supply may be connected to the wrong side of the water heater
- Low gas pressure, check with utility company
|
Takes too long to reheat water |
- Thermostat set too low, increase temperature. Caution: Too hot can lead to scalding and burns.
- Sediment or lime in tank, drain sediment
- Heater too small, replace with larger capacity model
|
Pressure relief valve is leaking |
- Water temperature too high, turn down thermostat
- Water pressure too high, use a pressure reducing valve in supply line
- Valve has failed, requires replacement
|
Drain valve is leaking |
- Many water heaters use a low quality valve which can be difficult to close tightly. Use slip joint pliers to turn the valve all the way closed. Caution: Too much force may snap the valve off
- Valve has failed, requires replacement
|
Condensation on tank |
- Cold water entering the tank can result in external condensation. Ventilation may be inadequate
- Eventual replacement with a larger tank may help
|
Tank is leaking |
- Determine if the leak is from pipes or valves
- Determine if it is the result of condensation
- If the tank is leaking, the water heater must be replaced
|
Hot water heater is noisy |
- Noise can occur for many reasons and most do not signify a problem
- Lime scale on the element results in steam pockets in the scale
- Sediment in the tank
- Low water pressure results in spot boiling
- Sizzling may result from condensation dripping on the burner. Check for adequate ventilation
|
Hot water has an odor |
- Results from naturally occuring bacteria. An alternative anode may be available to resolve the problem. Contact the manufacturer
|
Pilot light will not stay lit |
- Check that the thermocouple is securely screwed into the thermostat assembly
- Check that the thermocouple is properly secured near the pilot light flame
- Thermocouple may have failed and requires replacement
- Condensation may be extinguishing the pilot light
- Make sure gas line is turned on
- Gas pressure may be low, check with the utility company
- There may be air or dirt in the gas line
- Pilot line or orifice may be clogged
- Are other gas appliances working, if not, check with the utility company
- Thermostat may have failed and requires replacement
- Inadequate combustion air may cause a water heater to shut down for safety reasons
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