A water heater is one of the most essential elements of any home. It ensures you have enough hot water to get your daily shower, do laundry, and more. But when your water heater breaks, it can be stressful – especially since there are no quick fixes. Luckily, most water heater issues can be resolved by following a few steps and checking off a few boxes. If your water heater is leaking or not producing enough hot water, here are some things you can try:

Check the pilot light.

The first thing you should do when experiencing issues with your water heater is check the pilot light (if it has one). If it isn’t lit, that could be the problem. If it’s not lit and you have hot water, it’s likely that the thermostat is stuck open. To fix this, you can try turning the water heater off and then unplugging it for about 30 seconds before plugging it back in. If you’re still experiencing issues, you may need to replace the thermostat. If the pilot light is on, but you still aren’t getting hot water, check the pressure relief valve. This is a safety feature that kicks in when the water pressure gets too high and shuts off the water supply.

Check for leaks.

If you’re still having issues even after the pilot light is lit, it’s possible there’s a leak. If your water heater is leaking, you’ll need to turn off the water supply and then call a plumber. If you can’t find the source of the leak, try adding more insulation to the tank itself. You can do this by covering a towel, which will help you avoid cutting too deeply into the tank.If you can’t figure out where the leak is coming from, talk to a plumber.

Check the thermostat.

A faulty thermostat can cause problems with the water heater. If you have a digital thermostat, check for water near the wires that control it. If this is the issue, you can unplug the thermostat and then replace it. If you have an older thermostat, you can try turning the water supply off and then manually setting the temperature to a lower setting.

Change your filters.

Your water filter can help keep your water clean, but it can also affect the flow of water. If you’re having issues with your water heater, try swapping out your filters for new ones. You can either purchase new filters at a hardware store or do it yourself with online guides.

Change out the carbon or check the pH levels.

If you have hard water, you may want to consider changing out your carbon filter. This can cut down on the minerals in your water, which can affect the flow of water. Additionally, you can check the pH levels of your water to see if they’re too high. You can do this with a test kit.

If all else fails, replace your water heater.

If you’ve tried everything else and have still been unable to resolve your issues with your water heater, you may want to consider replacing it. If you’re in a rental property, you may want to check in the area for what’s being used and what’s still available.If you’re in need of a new water heater, you can find a reliable model by checking out the latest models from trusted brands. Be sure to research the model to see if it meets your specific needs, including the required flow rate and energy efficiency.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.