Identifying Common Hot Water Heater Problems

It helps to understand more about the properties of water in the Calgary area when considering potential water heater issues. Our water originates from the Rockies and, therefore, contains high concentrations of magnesium and calcium.

If your water is discoloured when it comes out of the taps or shower head, it is likely to be due to high mineral levels such as iron and copper in the “hard” water, leading to rusting pipes.

Installing a water softening or filtering system in your house should alleviate the problem. That will prevent the buildup of limescale in appliances, which blocks the flow of water in pipes and can lead to damage to the water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher.

If the water coming from your taps is smelly rather than discoloured, it could be due to:

• The pilot light is out (a garlic small).
• Bacteria growing inside the water tank (rotten eggs or sewage-like odours).
• The anode rod might be corroded and need replacing.
• The gas line may have an issue (leaving a very strong gas smell).

A simple way of isolating whether the hot water tank itself is to blame is to run the hot water for a few minutes and see if the problem goes away. Try flushing the tank thoroughly as a first potential fix.

For a problem with the gas line, turn off the unit, ventilate and vacate the premises, and call a plumber and the gas company.

The most common cause of a noisy water heater is the buildup of minerals and sediment. This can be avoided by flushing your water heater out at least once a year.

The sediment from the hard Calgary water can be burned by the heating element. Sometimes, the heating element deteriorates and causes noises within the unit. It then needs to be replaced.

If you hear a boiling noise, the unit is overheating and this can lead to a build-up of pressure, which can be dangerous and should be checked by a professional.

Lower water temperatures can also be due to leaks in your water heater. This should be quite obvious as water will start to pool near the unit and may also drip from the unit or the pipes leading to it.

This could happen for several reasons:

• Simple old age
• A corroded tank
• Poor installation
• Poor maintenance
• The pressure to the tank

These problems all need professional attention and/or a replacement tank but it’s also worth checking the drain valve, which may simply need tightening.

Your water heater will likely malfunction if the thermocouple is dirty or has other problems.

The thermocouple is part of the pilot burner assembly and connects to the gas control valve on the outside of the water heater. It converts the heat from a burning flame into a small electrical current, allowing it to work as a switch to control the flow of gas from the gas supply valve.

If it is not working properly, try relighting the pilot light. If the water still does not heat up, the thermocouple likely needs to be replaced. While this is quite simple, it is best to get the job done professionally.