No Hot Water
A complete lack of hot water can indicate several different possible problems with your hot water heater. The causes for a gas unit that does not generate hot water might be the pilot light that does not fire, a lack of gas flow, or a thermocouple that does not know the pilot light is on. An electric heater that is producing no hot water could be due to a tripped breaker, failure from heating elements or the limit/reset switch not working on the thermostat. A trained professional can identify the problem and take care of the repair in order to restore hot water to the home.
Little Hot Water
If it seems that the home is always ending up with no hot water, the tank could be too small for the needs of the home or there could be a defective part that needs to be replaced. Sometimes the thermostat needs raising, especially in the winter months. Again, an expert technician will be able to identify and resolve the problem.
Discolored Water
If you ever see that your water looks strange in terms of color, there are a few things that could be wrong. If the discoloration is a rust-color, this may mean the anode rod is corroded. Replacing the rod with a new one should solve the problem. However, if the corrosion is left alone it may require a total replacement due to increased damage
If your water appears dirty but not rusty, that could be from scale deposits on your heating elements, or it could be minerals building up inside the unit itself. Proper servicing can help you avoid having too much buildup in your unit and keep it efficient.
Smelly Water
Water that smells sulfuric is a sign that water might be contaminated by bacteria. Replacing the anode rod can help you solve the issue. Heating the unit to 140 degrees should eliminate any bacteria left in the water tank.
Strange Noises
The noises of popping, banging, hissing, or knocking from a water heater mostly indicate that inside the tank or on the heating elements there is too much deposit buildup. When such a thing happens, you will get a less efficient unit.
Leaks
When there is a leak coming from a unit, this can be a bad sign. If the problem comes from the top of the unit, loose pipes or a faulty valve may be at fault. If the water heater is leaking from the bottom, it could be from over-pressurization, a loose drain valve, condensation, or a corroded tank. When the tank is cracked or corroded, this may signify a need for a total replacement.