Your hot water tank holds more responsibility than you may think. Aside from providing you with hot water for taking showers, washing dishes, and doing laundry, your hot water tank is actually a huge part of your home’s plumbing system.
Your hot water tank provides storage for heating water, preventing pressurization, and reducing energy costs.
Although a hot water tank is helpful, they’re prone to certain issues and breakdowns. Take a look below at some common hot water tank issues and repairs you should be on the lookout for if you suspect something is off with your hot water.
Overflowing Tank
One of the most common issues with hot water tanks is an overflowing tank. This can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common is a clogged pressure relief valve. If this valve becomes clogged, it can cause the tank to overflow.
Another common cause of an overflowing tank is a faulty dip tube. This part of the tank is responsible for bringing cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it is then heated. If the dip tube is damaged or broken, it can cause the tank to overflow.
If you have an overflowing hot water tank, the first thing you should do is turn off the water to the tank. Then, you can try to clear the clog from the pressure relief valve. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace the valve. If the issue is a faulty dip tube, you’ll need to replace that as well.
Hot Water Tank Leak
The most common cause of a leak is a faulty or degraded tank liner. If the liner is damaged, it can allow water to seep through, which can cause the tank to leak. In some cases, the tank may also be leaking because of a faulty pressure relief valve. If the valve is not working properly, it can allow water to escape from the tank, which can cause a leak.
Often, these leaks can be easily fixed by simply tightening the fittings or replacing the washers. However, if the leak is coming from the tank itself, it is likely that the entire tank will need to be replaced.
No Hot Water or Not Enough Hot Water
If you’re not getting enough hot water from your tank, it could be due to any number of issues. The most common is simply that the tank is too small for your needs. If you’ve recently added new appliances or fixtures that use hot water, or if your family has grown, you may need to upgrade to a larger tank.
Another possibility is that there’s a leak in the tank or one of the pipes leading to it. This can cause water to drain out of the tank before it has a chance to heat up properly. A leaky tank should be replaced as soon as possible.
Finally, it’s possible that the heating element in your tank has failed. This is a relatively easy repair, but it’s best to call water heater services if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
Troubleshooting Your Hot Water Tank
There are many common hot water tank issues that can be easily repaired. Some common issues include a leaking tank, not enough hot water, or water that is too hot.
Repairs typically involve replacing a part or two, such as the thermostat or heating element. However, if you are not comfortable doing these repairs yourself, it is best to call a professional.
For more tips and advice, check out our other blog posts.
