4 Lesser-Known Water Heater Problems

Some common water heater issues include things like sediment in the water, a burned-out element that causes tepid water, or a water heater that leaks or won't start. But water heaters have many other failure modes that can come into play, albeit less frequently.

If one of these types of failure happens to your water heater, you'll need a professional diagnosis to ensure the correct treatment and repair. Here are some of the less commonly discussed ways a water heater can malfunction.

First of all, don't panic: water heaters rarely catch fire or explode. In fact, several safety features are designed to keep them from doing so. For instance, the TPR (temperature pressure relief) valve, automatic shutoff valve, and ventilation system help to avoid fires and explosions.

Typically, the water heaters that are more at risk of fire or explosion are those in unusual circumstances, perhaps due to a combination of neglect and malfunction. Unsafe behaviors such as storing flammable materials near the water heater, for example, can also increase risks of fire and should be avoided.

An infestation by cockroaches isn't that unusual in Missouri. But finding them congregating in your water heater can still be a bit of a shock since it's a less common occurrence. While cockroaches don't want to live inside the tank, they may live in the vent and burner chamber. If you find roaches, you may need professional extermination first, then water heater repair.

Fortunately, monitoring for cockroaches near your water heater is relatively easy. Your water heater maintenance professional can check for any signs of infestation during regular checkup visits. And if you've had trouble with roaches in the past, you can set out glue traps to monitor for their presence around your water heater.

Water heater anode rods are designed as a sort of decoy to keep corrosion away from the sides of your water heater's tank. However, in some situations, the anode rod can react with the water to make an odd smell. For instance, a rod that contains magnesium may react with softened water to create sulfate gas, which will give your water a rotten-egg-like smell.

If you notice an off smell to your water, don't assume it's caused by the anode rod; sulfate bacteria in the tank is a more common cause. However, you should have your professional plumber come out to take a look. 

In some cases, a TPR (temperature pressure relief) valve, which is designed to bleed off any excess pressure, may drip even when the water heater seems to be functioning normally. This could be due to extra high pressure on your home's water supply, but in other cases, the pressure in your water heater may simply rise too high as the water heats.

One reason for this too-high pressure could be a check valve or pressure regulator on your main water line. Without a valve in the way, water could expand back through the main line if pressure in the hot water tank gets too high. An expansion tank can help solve a pressure problem so the TPR valve leak won't leave water on your floor.

Some water heater troubleshooting jobs can be quite a bit more complicated than replacing a burner or valve. Your professional plumbing experts can help you determine just what is wrong with your water heater and how to resolve the issue.

To learn more about caring for your hot water heater or to schedule a service visit today, get in touch with O'Fallon Sewer & Plumbing Repair Service . We'll be glad to help you with any plumbing or sewer issues.