5 Signs Your Water Heater Is Overheating

5 Signs Your Water Heater Is Overheating

One of the common water heater problems you can experience is overheating. Some of the causes of water heater overheating include a faulty thermostat, a broken heating element, high temperature setting, pressure relief valve malfunction, and many more. Some of these causes are easy to fix, while others require professional expertise. Either way, water heater overheating can be dangerous and should never be ignored.

This blog post, brought to you by Neighborhood Plumbing, explores the five common signs of an overheating water heater. If you notice these signs, do not hesitate to call a local plumber specializing in water heater services.

Extremely Hot Water From Faucets

If the water coming from your taps feels excessively hot, you’re dealing with an overheating water heater. The thermostat on your water heater might be set too high, or it could be malfunctioning entirely. Water that’s too hot isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be a serious burn hazard. The safe temperature for household hot water is typically around 120°F (49°C).

Unusual Noises

A gentle humming or whirring sound is perfectly normal when your water heater is heating water. However, unusual sounds coming from your water heater, like popping, crackling, or rumbling, are a sign of a problem with the appliance. Overheating is one of the common causes of strange water heater noises. As minerals accumulate, they trap heat and cause water to boil beneath the sediment layer. This not only forces the heater to work harder but also increases internal temperatures, leading to overheating. You should call a local plumbing repair service when you notice odd sounds coming from your water heater. Ignoring these noises can shorten the lifespan of your unit and raise your energy bills.

Steam or Pressure Release

If you see steam escaping from the pressure relief valve or hear hissing sounds, your water heater is likely under excessive pressure due to overheating. The temperature and pressure relief valve is an important safety feature designed to release excess pressure. If it activates, that means the tank is dangerously hot or pressurized.

Discolored Hot Water

Overheating can accelerate corrosion inside your water heater, especially if the anode rod is worn out. If you notice brown, red, or rusty water when you turn on the hot tap, it could be a sign that the tank’s interior is deteriorating due to excessive heat. Corrosion weakens the tank and increases the risk of leaks or bursting. A common remedy to discolored hot water is flushing the hot water heater. However, a corroded hot water tank needs to be replaced. Call a local plumber specializing in water heater replacement for help.

Burning Smell

If you detect a burning smell near your water heater or notice any signs of scorched wiring, melted plastic, or singed insulation, it’s an indication of overheating and electrical issues. This is particularly common in electric water heaters when heating elements malfunction. Such damage poses a fire hazard and should be addressed by a professional plumbing repair service.

Do You Need Water Heater Repair or Replacement? Call Neighborhood Plumbing

Neighborhood Plumbing is the plumbing company to call for water heater repair if your water heater is overheating. Whether you have a tankless water heater or a storage water heater, it’s important to pay attention to these signs and take quick action. Our plumbers have years of experience servicing different types of water heaters. We have the expertise and specialized tools to diagnose and fix all kinds of water heater issues. Whether you’re dealing with a faulty thermostat, a broken heating element, or a faulty thermocouple, we have a solution to the problem. Call us to request water heater repair service.