Most people only realize their hot water heater needs attention when it starts affecting their daily routine—whether it’s a freezing cold shower, unusual noises from the tank, or inconsistent water temperatures. For almost 10 years new we’ve been helping residential and commercial clients with hot water system designs, repairs and maintenance. Being aware of common hot water heater issues can save you from unnecessary stress and expensive replacements. Common issues around hot water systems that we experience in the course of our work include:
1) No Hot Water If your water isn’t heating up, it’s likely due to a problem with the heating element or thermostat. Luckily, fixing this is usually quick and inexpensive—just a simple replacement. Though not common in Kenya, some users have gas water heaters. If you have one of these then check the pilot light if its on off. If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit, it could be caused by a faulty thermocouple which needs to be replaced.
2) Running Out of Hot Water: Is your hot water running out too quickly? This commonly happens when you’re using too much water than can be stored in the hot water heater tank. An increase in the water usage means that the water isn’t being heated as fast as it is consumed. Possible solution include upgrading to a larger capacity tank where more hot water can be stored. If your usage hasn’t changed much but hot water still runs out, it could point to a malfunctioning thermostat or a build up of sediment in the tank. These can be resolved by a skilled repair technician.
3) Leaking Water Heater: If you notice water pooling around your heater, it’s likely caused by a leakage in the system. Common causes of leakages include:
- Tank Corrosion: Minerals in the water can corrode the tank over time, leading to leaks.
- Aging water heaters: Over time water heaters wear out over time and may develop leaks as they age.
- Build up of sediment: As a result of dirt and debris, small as they may be, over time they can lead to corrosion of the tank and cause leaks.
- Faulty Pressure Relief Valve: The pressure release valve is designed to release excess pressure to prevent the tank from exploding. If faulty it’s faulty it can result in leaks.
- Loose Fittings: Loose pipes or fittings can cause leakages in the hot water system. Tightening them might just be the solution to the leakage.
- Condensation: Sometimes, what looks like a leak is just condensation. Wipe it down and monitor to see if the leak continues.
4) Noises from the Water Heater: Normally a water heater would run without much noise. If you hear banging, popping, or rumbling noises then there is a problem with the water heater. A change in the sounds coming from your heater should be investigated to find out the cause of the problem and in order to avoid potential issues down the road.
5) Smelly Hot Water with some discoloration: If your hot water has a yellow or rusty tint or smells like metal, there definitely is a problem that needs to be checked. The most common cause is corrosion happening inside the tank or bacterial growth. Water heaters, have a sacrificial anode rod designed to prevent rusting. The rod attracts corrosion, keeping your tank intact from being eaten away. Typically the sacrificial anode last between 2- 3 years, depending on the quality. Once used up, the tank will start rusting. Replacing the anode regularly can extend the life of your water heater and save you money in the long run. We have done hundreds of replacements, and we can assist with that.
6) The water is lukewarm and it takes too long to reheat: If the water is not getting as hot as it should and it takes a long while to heat up the water, then it could be that your tank might be too small for your household’s needs. There could also be a problem with the water heater itself. When you start seeing signs like inconsistent water temperatures, longer waits for hot water to come out of the tap, or water that’s either too hot or too cold despite adjustments then its time to get assistance.
These some of the most common problem we encounter with customers every week. And while some hot water heater repairs are simple and can be easily fixed, others are not and require the services of a hot water specialist like us. At Support.KE our hot water services include system design, repairs, replacements and installation services. Get in touch with us today on 0743 310 983 or help@support.ke to get assistance with your hot water system.