Hot water is something you rely on every day, whether it’s for a morning shower, washing dishes, or doing laundry. When your water heater stops working, it can turn even the simplest tasks into a hassle. From no hot water to strange noises and leaks, these issues can lead to bigger problems if ignored.
Understanding common problems and knowing when to call for water heater repair Raleigh can save you time, money, and frustration. With the right knowledge, you can troubleshoot minor issues and recognize when it’s time to bring in a professional before costly repairs or replacements become necessary.
Common Water Heater Problems
If your water heater isn’t working efficiently, you’re not just dealing with cold showers—you’re also wasting energy and money. Water heating makes up nearly 18% of your home’s energy costs, so even small inefficiencies can lead to higher utility bills. Recognizing common problems early can save you from expensive repairs or even a full replacement.
- No Hot Water: If your taps are running cold, check the pilot light (for gas water heaters) or circuit breaker (for electric models). A faulty thermostat or a burned-out heating element could also be the culprit.
- Inadequate Hot Water: Is your shower running cold halfway through? Your thermostat might be set too low, or sediment buildup in the tank could be reducing efficiency. If your water heater is too small for your household, it might be time for an upgrade.
- Water Temperature Too Hot: Scalding water is often due to a malfunctioning thermostat or a thermostat that’s set too high. For safety, it should be set at 120°F.
- Slow Hot Water Recovery: If your water heater takes forever to heat up again, sediment buildup or aging heating elements could be slowing it down.
- Strange Noises: Loud popping or rumbling sounds usually mean there’s sediment buildup in the tank, which can overheat the water and cause damage over time.
- Discolored or Rusty Water: If you notice brown or rusty water coming from your taps, this could be a sign that your tank is corroding internally, meaning it might be time for a water heater replacement.
- Foul-Smelling Water: A rotten egg smell is usually caused by bacterial growth in the tank, especially if the water is sitting unused for long periods.
- Water Heater Leaks: A leaking water heater isn’t just a nuisance—it can cause serious water damage. Loose connections, faulty valves, or tank corrosion could be behind the issue. If you notice puddles near your heater, don’t ignore them.
When to Call Professional Water Heater Repair Raleigh, NC
While some minor issues can be resolved with quick fixes, there are times when calling a professional plumber is the best and safest option.
- No Hot Water Fix: If you’ve checked the pilot light, thermostat, and circuit breaker but still have no hot water, it’s time to call an expert. Professionals can diagnose and replace faulty heating elements, thermostats, or gas valves.
- Low Water Pressure: Low water pressure could be due to sediment buildup in your pipes or issues with the water heater’s distribution lines. A professional can flush out the system and ensure optimal water flow.
- Pilot Light Keeps Going Out: A faulty thermocouple, draft issues, or gas supply problems can keep your pilot light from staying lit. These issues require expert handling to ensure safety.
- Water Heater Leak Repair: Ignoring leaks can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and higher water bills. A professional can pinpoint the source of the leak and recommend a permanent fix.
- Thermostat Problems: If your thermostat isn’t working properly, it can cause overheating or no hot water at all. A professional can replace a faulty thermostat and ensure your system runs at the right temperature.
- Pressure Relief Valve Leaks: A leaking pressure relief valve could mean your tank has excessive pressure, which is a serious safety risk. If you notice this, shut off your water heater and call a plumber immediately.
- Gas Line Issues: Smelling gas near your water heater? A gas valve malfunction or supply issue could be dangerous. Leave your home and call a professional immediately.
- Electrical Problems: Faulty wiring, burned-out connections, or circuit issues can affect your water heater’s performance. A plumber or electrician can safely diagnose and repair these problems.
Experiencing water heater issues? Contact Out The Door Plumbing at 919-659-5350 for expert water heater repair Raleigh!
Water Heater Maintenance Tips
Routine maintenance helps your water heater last longer, reduces energy waste, and prevents costly repairs. Here’s what you can do to keep your system running efficiently:
- Regularly Inspect and Test the Pressure-Relief Valve: This safety valve prevents excess pressure buildup, which can cause tank damage or even explosions. Test it at least once a year.
- Check the Anode Rod: The anode rod prevents corrosion inside the tank. If it’s worn out, replacing it can extend your water heater’s life.
- Flush the Tank Annually: Sediment buildup reduces efficiency. Draining and flushing the tank removes sediment and improves performance.
- Insulate the Tank and Pipes: Adding insulation reduces heat loss, which helps your water heater work more efficiently and lower your energy bills.
- Set the Thermostat to 120°F: Keeping your thermostat at 120°F prevents scalding and reduces energy use. In fact, North Carolina law mandates this temperature limit to improve safety and efficiency (NC General Statutes § 66-27.1A).
- Inspect for Leaks: Regularly check around your tank and pipes for signs of leaks. Catching small leaks early can prevent major water damage.
- Keep the Area Around the Water Heater Clear: Water heaters need proper airflow to work efficiently, especially gas-powered units. Make sure nothing is blocking vents or surrounding the unit.
When to Replace a Water Heater?
Even with regular water heater repair Raleigh services and maintenance, water heaters don’t last forever. Here are signs that it’s time for a replacement:
- Age Of The Unit (Over 10-15 Years Old): If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time for an upgrade to a more energy-efficient model.
- Frequent Repairs And Rising Costs: If repairs are more than 50% of the cost of a new unit, replacement is the smarter choice.
- Rusty Or Discolored Water: Noticing brown or rusty water from your faucets? That’s a red flag. It usually means your tank is corroding from the inside, and eventually, it will start leaking or failing completely.
- Visible Leaks Or Cracks: Leaks from the tank itself usually can’t be repaired. If you notice water pooling around your unit, replacement is the only long-term solution.
- Rising Energy Bills: If your utility bills are climbing but your hot water usage hasn’t changed, your water heater may be losing efficiency. An aging unit works harder to heat the same amount of water, costing you more money every month.
Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between a traditional water heater and a tankless system depends on your household size, budget, and energy goals.
Traditional Water Heaters
- Storage tank design (typically 30-80 gallons)
- Lower upfront cost
- Higher energy use (since it constantly heats water)
- Better for large families with high water demand
Best for: Homes with multiple bathrooms or families that use a lot of hot water at the same time.
Tankless Water Heaters
- Heats water on demand (no storage tank)
- Higher upfront cost but more energy-efficient
- Compact size saves space
- Endless hot water supply (never runs out)
Best for: Small to medium households that want to save on energy bills and reduce water heating waste.
Which One Should You Choose?
Consider these factors before making a decision:
- Household Size: Bigger families might need a traditional tank, while smaller households can benefit from a tankless system.
- Budget: Tankless models cost more upfront, but they last longer and use less energy.
- Energy Efficiency: If lower utility bills matter to you, a tankless unit is the better investment.
A professional plumber can assess your needs and recommend the right water heater for your lifestyle.
Hire Certified Pros for Reliable Water Heater Solutions
When your water heater needs repairs or a full replacement, you want a team that gets the job done right the first time. Out The Door Plumbing provides fast, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for tank and tankless water heater repair, replacement, and installation in Raleigh. Our experts quickly diagnose and fix problems, helping you avoid cold showers, high energy bills, and unexpected breakdowns.
We offer eco-friendly water heaters that help cut down on energy costs while keeping your home comfortable. Plus, our preventative maintenance services help extend the life of your system, so you don’t have to worry about replacements anytime soon.
Don’t wait for your water heater to fail—call Out The Door Plumbing today at 919-659-5350 or book an appointment online.
