Troubleshooting Your Gas Water Heater

Water heaters are usually very reliable appliances, but they do have problems sometimes that require the help of a Corona plumber. These issues may include anything from a lack of hot water to rust-colored water or a strange odor, or even water leaking around the base. Troubleshooting your gas water heater is something you can do on your own, which gives you a good idea of the cost of repairs, but you want to make sure you do it safely.


Problem: No Hot Water
This problem may be caused by one of three things: a faulty gas pilot, thermocouple or pilot control valve. Start by checking the gas pilot flame and pilot operation, then re-tighten or replace the gas thermocouple. The gas pilot control valve may also need to be replaced.


Problem: Not Enough Hot Water
One possible cause is the water heater is not large enough for the demand of your household. If this is the case, you may need to call a Corona plumber to replace the water heater with something larger. The problem may also be caused by broken dip tubes that allow the hot and cold water to mix together in the tank, or faulty plumbing crossing hot and cold connections. It may even be a problem with the gas supply or control.


Problem: Rusty Water
If your water comes out looking rust-colored, it may be caused by corrosion inside the glass-lined tank, or a sacrificial anode rod is beginning to fail. These rods will dissolve slowly to prevent rusting inside your hot water tank, so the rod may need to be replaced with a magnesium rod.


Problem: Odor of Rotten Eggs
If there's an odor of rotten eggs in your water, it is probably caused by bacteria in the tank sediment, which thrive on hydrogen gas from a decaying sacrificial anode rod. Possible solutions to this problem include contacting a plumber for Corona water heater repair to flush the water heater, treat the tank with a hydrogen peroxide solution, replace the anode rod or replace the water heater with one that has a plastic liner.


Problem: Popping Sound
If you hear a popping or rumbling sound, it's actually boiling water you're hearing. This is caused by an excessive build-up of sediment in the tank, which causes the bottom to overheat, boiling the water. The sediment must be removed by flushing the water heater.


Problem: Leaking at Base
Finally, if you find water leaking at the base of the heater, it's time to call for Corona water heater repair as soon as possible. Water around the base may be caused by a leak from nearby plumbing, a faulty temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve or a leaking tank from corrosion.