Symptom

Check

No hot water

• Pilot light out
• Gas supply shut off
• Gas valve needs replacement
• Water supply shut off

Not enough hot water

• Thermostat set too low, increase temperature. Caution: Too hot can lead to scalding and burns
• Sediment or lime in tank, drain sediment
• Water heater too small, replace with larger capacity model
• Dip tube may be damaged
• Cold water supply may be connected to the wrong side of the water heater
• Low gas pressure, check with utility company

Takes too long to reheat water

• Thermostat set too low, increase temperature. Caution: Too hot can lead to scalding and burns.
• Sediment or lime in tank, drain sediment
• Heater too small, replace with larger capacity model

Pressure relief valve is leaking

• Water temperature too high, turn down thermostat
• Water pressure too high, use a pressure reducing valve in supply line
• Valve has failed, requires replacement

Drain valve is leaking

• Many water heaters use a low quality valve which can be difficult to close tightly. Use slip joint pliers to turn the valve all the way closed. Caution: Too much force may snap the valve off
• Valve has failed, requires replacement

Condensation on tank

• Cold water entering the tank can result in external condensation. Ventilation may be inadequate
• Eventual replacement with a larger tank may help

Tank is leaking

• Determine if the leak is from pipes or valves
• Determine if it is the result of condensation
• If the tank is leaking, the water heater must be replaced

Hot water heater is noisy

• Noise can occur for many reasons and most do not signify a problem
• Lime scale on the element results in steam pockets in the scale
• Sediment in the tank
• Low water pressure results in spot boiling
• Sizzling may result from condensation dripping on the burner. Check for adequate ventilation

Hot water has an odor

• Results from naturally occuring bacteria. An alternative anode may be available to resolve the problem. Contact the manufacturer

Pilot light will not stay lit

• Check that the thermocouple is securely screwed into the thermostat assembly
• Check that the thermocouple is properly secured near the pilot light flame
• Thermocouple may have failed and requires replacement
• Condensation may be extinguishing the pilot light
• Make sure gas line is turned on
• Gas pressure may be low, check with the utility company
• There may be air or dirt in the gas line
• Pilot line or orifice may be clogged
• Are other gas appliances working, if not, check with the utility company
• Thermostat may have failed and requires replacement
• Inadequate combustion air may cause a water heater to shut down for safety reasons