Propane water heaters offer a number of advantages to homeowners. They are energy efficient and environmentally friendly with better recovery efficiency. Homeowners with a propane water heater can lower their monthly energy bills, which we are all conscious of right now.
In this blog post, we will look at some of the most common water heater problems that homeowners face and how these issues can be diagnosed and fixed without delay or inconvenience. If you are looking for a trusted propane delivery, installation, and maintenance company near you, your premier choice is always Kauffman Gas.
Insufficient Hot Water
What happens when you turn on a tap in your home only to discover that there isn’t enough hot water?
Whether running a bath, taking a shower, or washing the dishes, realizing there isn’t sufficient hot water for the job is understandably incredibly frustrating. When this issue arises, there are a number of possible causes.
Damage to Water Heater Vent
One of these, for example, is that the water heater vent requires attention and repair. If your propane water heater doesn’t have enough airflow, the water isn’t going to heat as efficiently as it usually would.
The first thing you should do is check the vent draft, which you can do by holding a lighter near the fume hood (do this after the water has been running for several minutes). If you feel the fume hood pushing air out (something known as a downdraft), it’s a sign that something is wrong, and you should schedule repairs.
The issue may also be caused by blocked vents. Check the flue pipe by removing a section and use a piece of stiff wire to remove the obstruction if you find anything. If you didn’t see anything, the blockage may be located in the chimney.
Issue With Thermostat
Another possible cause of insufficient hot water in your home is the thermostat. First things first, we recommend that you double-check your thermostat’s temperature settings. Generally, the common standard temperature is 120 degrees.
It could be that your tank isn’t adequately sized for your home. It stands to reason that a larger tank will produce more hot water. If you have welcomed additional people into your home recently and notice that there is often insufficient hot water, you will likely need a larger tank to keep up with the demand for hot water.
Pilot Light Is Out
When we speak of the pilot light on a water heater, we are referring to a small flame that is kept lit. When you turn on an appliance, propane is released, and the pilot light ignites it, providing heat to your appliance.
If you determine that the issue is that the pilot light has been snuffed out, the solution is simply to relight it. You can use a built-in ignitor or a match, depending on the heater.
Thermocouple Malfunction
On the other hand, when we speak about the thermocouple, we are referring to a safety device that senses when the aforementioned pilot light is on. On occasion, the thermocouple may give a wrong signal that the pilot light is out (even if it isn’t), which prevents gas from flower to the burner.
While it is possible to replace the thermocouple yourself, hiring a professional is a good idea unless you have experience in dealing with water heaters.
Strange Noises From Water Heater
When your water heater is working normally, you will hear some noise as the water heats and moves through the pipes. This is nothing to be alarmed about and doesn’t normally indicate an issue. However, certain noises should be cause for alarm, such as pounding or popping noises.
Pounding Noises
One possible cause of pounding noises coming from a water heater is mineral buildup. This is because of an effect known as the “water hammer,” where the flow of water is suddenly interrupted and then begins to flow again forcefully.
Solutions to this issue include installing a water hammer stopper, using a water softener to prevent any future mineral buildup, and flushing the system to remove the existing mineral buildup.
Popping Noises
If the case of popping noises, this could point to lime deposited that is trapping water. Heating hard water can result in lime, which can affect the system as a whole. As with the above points, solutions here may include using a water softener and flushing the system to remove mineral buildup.
Discolored Water
Rusty or black-colored water is another issue that can affect propane water heaters. If you notice that the water coming from your faucets isn’t as clear as it should be, the likeliest cause is that there are dissolving anode rods.
Anode rods are made either from aluminum or magnesium and have a lifespan of around five years. When the anode rods begin to disintegrate, the tank begins to rust, which has an effect on the color of the water. The solution here is to replace the rod.
Water Heater Is Leaking
Not every sign of water coming from your water heater is cause for concern. For example, it’s normal to see condensation drip from the heater. However, in the case that there is spraying or flooding, this is a clear sign that something is wrong and you have a problem.
The first step when assessing the issue here is to determine whether the leak is coming from the bottom or the top of the propane water heater. Once you have determined this, turn off the water.
Leaking From the Top
If you notice that the leak is coming from the top of the water heater, there are a few possible causes. One is that there is a clogged valve. In this instance, it may be necessary to unclog the TPR valve, though if this step is not successful, replacement of the valve is the next option.
Loose pipes are another potential cause of this issue. Seal or tighten these connections and see if that has done the trick. If not, it may be time to hire an expert for professional repairs.
Leaking From the Bottom
In the case that the leak is coming from the bottom of the water heater, the likeliest cause is a drain valve issue. You should seek to replace the old, troublesome valve with a new one to solve this problem.
Only Part of the House Has Hot Water
Finally, what should you do if you notice that only part of your home is getting hot water? This is a clear sign of an issue with the connection of the fixtures.
For example, the pipes may be frozen, or mineral deposits are clogging them. It’s also possible that the water heater is positioned too far away from the fixtures. Again, we recommend hiring a professional to determine the exact cause and find a swift solution.
How to Fix Common Propane Water Heater Problems
Ultimately, only when you understand the root of water heater problems can you determine the best solution. The above information will help you to make an at-home diagnosis of your issue and allow you to oversee a quick and lasting fix.
Here in Chester County, PA, and Northern DE, Kauffman Gas serves more than 6,000 residents. We are committed to fast service and a range of convenient maintenance options to fit your lifestyle and budget. To get started, simply contact our friendly and professional team. We look forward to speaking with you.
