Water heaters—whether tank or tankless—are critical to home comfort, providing hot water for showers, laundry, dishwashing, and more. Like any mechanical system, they require regular maintenance to avoid unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and potential water damage.
In this post, we explore the most common issues that can occur with water heaters, highlight warning signs to watch for, and explain why preventive care is essential for keeping your unit running efficiently. Keep reading to learn how routine maintenance can save you from inconvenience and expense down the road.
Common Issues With Tank Water Heaters
Traditional tank water heaters store and continuously heat a large volume of water, making them especially susceptible to sediment buildup. In areas with hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium settle at the bottom of the tank over time.
This sediment layer insulates the heating element, forcing it to work harder, reducing efficiency, and causing rumbling or popping noises as trapped water boils beneath the scale. Left unchecked, sediment buildup can lead to overheating, corrosion of the tank walls, and eventual tank failure.
Corrosion is another frequent problem for tank units. The sacrificial anode rod—designed to attract corrosive elements—wears down over several years. Once depleted, corrosion attacks the steel tank itself, causing leaks and rust stains on hot water. Even minor leaks can result in significant water damage to flooring, drywall, and insulation, making early detection crucial.
Challenges With Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters heat water only as it flows through the unit, offering higher efficiency and endless hot water. However, their compact heat exchangers are prone to scaling and mineral deposits in hard water regions.
Unlike tanks where sediment settles, scale adheres to heat exchanger surfaces, restricting water flow and impairing heat transfer. Symptoms include fluctuating water temperature, reduced water pressure, and error codes indicating ignition or flow sensor issues.
Tankless units also require periodic descaling (typically every 6–12 months) using a vinegar or commercial descaling solution to dissolve mineral buildup. Failure to maintain proper water flow and cleanliness can shorten the lifespan of critical components, leading to costly repairs or replacement far sooner than expected.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention
- Noisy Operation: Rumbling, banging, or hissing noises
- Rusty or Discolored Water: Indicates internal corrosion
- Inconsistent Temperature: Hot water runs out quickly or fluctuates
- Visible Leaks: Around tank base, fittings, or connections
- High Energy Bills: Inefficient heating increases power consumption
- Frequent Error Codes (Tankless): Alerts to flow or ignition problems
The Importance of Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance prevents small issues from becoming major headaches. For tank heaters, annual tasks include flushing the tank to remove sediment, inspecting and replacing the anode rod if necessary, testing the temperature-and-pressure (T&P) relief valve, and checking for leaks or rust.
For tankless units, scheduled descaling, cleaning air filters, and inspecting burner assemblies keep your system operating at peak efficiency. Professional technicians will also verify gas pressure, thermostat calibration, and electrical connections for safe, reliable performance.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for a Breakdown
Waiting for your water heater to fail can lead to significant inconvenience, unexpected expenses, and potential water damage. Emergency repairs during peak usage often cost two to three times more than routine maintenance visits.
Moreover, a sudden loss of hot water disrupts daily life—no hot showers, dishwashing challenges, and laundry delays. Preventative care not only safeguards against these disruptions but also maximizes energy efficiency, saving you up to 30% on annual water heating costs.
It’s time to schedule maintenance with the experts at Comfy Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.