12 WATER HEATER PROBLEMS AND TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

March 25, 2025

Few things are more shocking than being in the middle of a perfect, soothing shower when the water suddenly turns ice cold.

Trouble with the water heater can announce itself when you least expect it. However, certain signs can give advance warning of a malfunctioning water heater.

Your local team of HVAC experts can help you with troubleshooting water heater problems. Avoid the worst-case scenario of water spraying from a decrepit water heater, or wandering around reaching for the towel with soap in your eyes, we’ve put together this list of 12 water heater problems and water heater maintenance tips.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A WATER HEATER GOING BAD?

We rely so heavily on hot water that its lack can disrupt our daily routine. Keep an eye open for any signs of the following water heater problems so you can contact a professional plumber before they grow into more urgent issues.

1. NO HOT WATER AT ALL

It’s not surprising that the most common water heater problem is the lack of hot water. What may come as a surprise, though, is that several different factors could cause it. If your water heater isn’t giving you any hot water, then the trouble may be a tripped limit switch or a broken component in the water heater. 

Check the water heater’s circuit breaker in the service panel and make sure it hasn’t tripped. If the breaker has tripped, switch it off and then switch it back on again. If the breaker is still on, then it may help to reset the high-temperature limit on the heater. But the safest move at this point is to give us a call so we can come check out the problem in person.

2. UNUSUAL NOISES

If your water heater is producing a rumbling, popping, or whining noise, there may be excessive sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank. 

The more hot water you use, the more frequently your water heater must replenish the supply. Over time, you may notice your water doesn’t seem as hot as it once was, and eventually, it is no longer heated at all. Many Kansas City homeowners aren’t aware they should flush the tank every year or so. Over time, water heaters fill up with sediment, which needs to be flushed out. 

If your water heater continues to make strange noises, reach out to the Hamilton Plumbing team for an accurate assessment of the problem.

3. RUST-COLORED WATER OR A FOUL SMELL

Brown, yellow, or reddish water is a sign of corrosion in the water heater tank or in your home’s pipes. If the water coming out of your faucet smells like rotten eggs, then the issue may be bacteria in the water heater tank. To fix this, you’ll need a professional to replace the tank’s anode rod.

4. RUST OR CORROSION ON THE TANK

You may notice visible rust or corrosion on the exterior of the water tank, especially around the seams, connection points, water inlet, or pressure relief valves. Leaks, reduced pressure, and discolored water will likely become more pronounced if you don’t have the tank replaced.

Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter can help: Just give us a call at  913-227-4943.

5. LEAK FROM WATER HEATER TANK

A leak in your water heater may be caused by leaking valves and plumbing connections, loose heating elements, tank corrosion, or other tank-related problems. Reach out to Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter for a free water heater inspection.

6. EXTREMELY HIGH WATER TEMPERATURE

If your showers have turned boiling hot, then the issue may be with the water heater’s thermostats. Check the heat setting on each thermostat and make sure the temperature is set between 115℉ and 125℉.

7. NOT ENOUGH HOT WATER

If you aren’t getting enough hot water, maybe your water heater isn’t big enough to meet the household’s hot water demands. Typically, a water heater stores 75% of its capacity as hot water. If you’re not open to replacing your water heater with a bigger unit, try spreading out your hot water usage throughout the day. Avoid simultaneous laundry, dishwashing, and showers.

8. LOW WATER PRESSURE

Low water pressure could result from sediment buildup in the tank, a partially closed or malfunctioning shut-off valve, or a clogged pipe or fixture coming from the tank. Solving the issue could be as simple as tightening a fixture or unclogging a pipe.

Flushing the water heater could help get rid of sediment and should be a part of yearly maintenance from a plumber. 

Low water pressure can be prevented by having the anode rod replaced before corrosion becomes a problem, and it’s also possible that installing a water softener can help reduce mineral buildup. But, low water pressure is a sign of multiple potential plumbing concerns that require a professional plumber.

9. FLUCTUATING TEMPERATURES

When your water temperature fluctuates, it could be for one of several different reasons, including:

• Sediment buildup

• Faulty thermostat

• Faulty heating element

• Broken dip tube

• Issues with a pressure-balancing valve

If this occurs regularly when more than one person in the house uses hot water, or if the hot water doesn’t last for long, it’s possible you simply need a larger water heater tank.

In each of these instances, you should call in a professional.

10. INCREASED ENERGY BILLS

If your water heater is the cause of rising energy bills, identifying the problem can be challenging. Mineral buildup in the tank could cause the water heater to work overtime to overcome the sediment insulating the heating elements.

This could be the result of malfunctioning parts, a slow leak, or multiple issues that are hard to diagnose.

11. DECREASED EFFICIENCY

Decreased efficiency in a water heater can be caused by several factors. Here’s an overview of the main causes and potential solutions:

Like so many water heater issues, a decrease in efficiency can happen for multiple reasons. Once again, the culprit could be sediment buildup that creates a layer of insulation inside the tank, making it harder to perform correctly. 

Poor insulation can cause standby heat loss, which makes the water heater work harder than it should, causing it to struggle to perform. This could also be the result of corrosion, leaks, or simply the water heater’s age.

Having a trustworthy plumber to help you diagnose is great, just make sure you find the right one! 

12. VISIBLE DAMAGE 

Visible damage to a water heater can be a significant indicator of underlying problems. Here’s an overview of how visible damage manifests and what actions to take.

If you see rust or corrosion on the tank's exterior, it means the protective coating has been compromised. This can quickly progress into more serious problems.

Water pooling around the base of the water heater means there’s probably a small leak, which could be coming from cracks, loose connections, or more corrosion.

Any visual signs of damage are a wake-up call that a professional inspection is needed right away.

Schedule that inspection with Hamilton and get your water heater working again! Whether there’s a component that needs to be fixed or it’s time to consider your options for a new water heater, we’ll get to the bottom of the matter as soon as possible.

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON COMPONENT TO GO OUT ON A WATER HEATER?

The sacrificial anode rod is the most common water heater component to go out. It’s an important component because it prevents rust and corrosion in the tank by attracting minerals and other destructive elements. When the anode rod deteriorates, rust begins to develop in the tank, and the heater’s lifespan becomes significantly reduced.

The sacrificial anode rod usually needs replacing every 3–5 years.

ARE TANKLESS WATER HEATERS THE SOLUTION?

Traditional water heaters with tanks are still the most common choice for heating your home’s water. However, if it’s time to say goodbye to your old water heater, tankless water heaters are certainly worth considering.

A Hamilton representative can talk to you about whether a traditional, tankless, or hybrid water heater is the best option for you. We offer fast, friendly service and quality products you can depend on to keep your household running! Give us a call today so we can make any necessary repairs or get your new water heater installed right away.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR WATER HEATER HAS PROBLEMS

Has your water heater sprung a leak? While this doesn’t happen frequently, some homeowners who live in older homes may encounter a situation in which hot water literally spews from the top of the heater. In most cases, the spray is a fine mist of hot water. This is the point at which most homeowners panic about what to do.

The first thing to do is shut the water heater off. Next, give us a call at 913-227-4943  so we can help you get the problem resolved quickly.

WHAT IF IT’S NOT MY WATER HEATER?

Some symptoms that seem like water heater problems could actually result from other plumbing issues. Faulty faucet cartridges can cause hot and cold water to mix improperly, making you think the inconsistent temperature is your water heater going bad. 

A plumbing leak near the water heater could cause pressure or temperature discrepancies, just as a problem with the water heater itself can. Similarly, rusty pipes could cause discolored water.

HAMILTON IS HERE FOR YOU

Give us a call at 913-227-4943 or schedule a visit, and we’ll figure out what’s going on and give you an accurate diagnosis. Whether it’s your water heater or something else, Hamilton will discover and fix the problem so you can enjoy your hot showers once again!