Common Geyser Problems And Their Solutions

It is common to experience some problems with geyser over its lifespan. Though some of these issues need professional assistance, some can be resolved by yourself.

Resolving them at earliest will provide uninterrupted usage and also improves its lifespan.

Here, in this article we discuss all the common problems that one can face with a geyser. Also, we will learn how to diagnose them along with the appropriate solutions.

Let us dive into the discussion.

a) Water Temperature Issues

The most common issue that we face with a geyser is water temperature. These include extremely hot water to inadequate hot water to no hot water. Let us troubleshoot these issues now.

Problem 1 – No Hot Water

If you are not getting the hot water despite the geyser operating, it is something you need to pay attention to. There are several reasons contributing to this, and you need to figure out the exact cause. Let us try to analyse each possible factor and diagnose the prime issue. Let us try solving it using the elimination method.

Cause 1: Is there absolutely no hot water from your geyser? The most common trigger could

be the tripping of the circuit breaker. Firstly, try checking the breaker box. This is how you should do:

Solution: Follow the below steps.

• Check the circuit breaker to see the signs of tripping.
• If yes, this is what you ought to do. Turn the circuit breaker off and then turn it on again. You just need to reset your circuit breaker once or twice to check for the problem.
• If the tripping continues, you better call an electrician immediately to fix this.
• In case of a blown fuse, you may have to replace the fuse.

Cause 2: Let us say there is no tripping, and the power supply is stable. Despite this, if you still have no hot water, it is a clear indication that there is a fault with the thermostat or the heating element.

Solution: In such a case, it is advisable to seek the help of a professional for this. You may have to replace the thermostat and the heating element. Remember, you should always replace them together.

Problem 2 – Water Not Hot Enough

Sometimes, the water you get from your heater is not as hot as it should be. Again, there can be different reasons for the same. Let us try figuring out what they are:

Cause 1: The first reason could be that the tank of the heater is very small. If it is not big enough for your family members and requirements, the amount of hot water may not be adequate. It could be that you may be using all the hot water before everyone finishes their shower.

Solution: This is what you can do in such an instance. We suggest you to consider purchasing a new geyser that is suitable for your needs and requirements.

Cause 2: Let us move on to the next cause. Was your heater producing hot water earlier but suddenly stopped doing so? One prime cause could be that the heating element in the geyser failed.

Solution: There is not much we can do about it. Check for the condition of the heating element and replace it if necessary.

Cause 3: The third cause or reason is the thermostat. You may need to adjust the temperature on the thermostat depending on the seasons. During winters, you will have to slightly raise the temperature. Since hot water travels through the colder pipes of your home’s plumbing, it gets cooled quickly.

Solution: Th only solution to this is to increase or adjust the temperature settings on your thermostat.

Problem 3 – Water Temperature Is Either Too Hot or Cold

Here is the most common problem you may face – the water temperature is either too hot or too cold. Below are the possible reasons.

Cause 1: The temperature settings could be either too high or too low.

Solution: Check for the settings and adjust them to the desired temperature.

Cause 2: Has the problem not been sorted out even after adjusting the thermostat temperature settings? Either there is an issue with the thermostat, or there is a sediment build-up in the heater’s tank.

Solution: This is how you can solve this problem.

• Drain the water heater.
• Clean it properly and then refill it.
• If there is no sediment build-up, it means the thermostat is faulty.
• Call for a plumber immediately to assess the thermostat and the heating element.

Problem 4 – Water Too Hot

Getting extremely hot water from the geyser is primarily because of the very high thermostat settings. However, it is not that easy to solve. Let us learn what you need to do about this.

Solution: Follow the below steps.

• Switch off the geyser and turn down the thermostat.
• Now check the temperatures. See whether the upper and lower thermostat settings are between 110- and 140-degrees Fahrenheit.
• If this does not work, inspect whether the temperature-pressure valve is in good condition or not.
• If it is faulty, the heater will not shut down automatically as it should once it reaches the desired temperature.
• This is a serious concern, and you need to replace the valve as soon as possible.

Problem 5 – Water Takes Too Long to Reheat

The next common issue or one of the limitations of having an electric water heater is the recovery time or the time taken to reheat the water supply. Comparatively, the average recovery time of an electric heater is more than the gas model.

However, if it is still taking more time than usual, there is an issue with the thermostat or heating element. There could also be sediment build-up on the heating element

Solution: Inspect the heating element and the thermostat and replace them immediately, if needed.

b) A Dripping Geyser

Another most common problem that we often notice with the geyser is water leaks. The reasons contributing to this are many, including damage in the T&P relief valve. Other factors like excessive pressure, loose heating element bolts, bad gasket, leaks from the water storage tank, etc. are also the causes. Let us see how to troubleshoot these issues.

Cause 1: Fault in the Temperature and Pressure (T&P) valve

Solution: Follow the below steps to inspect the T&P valve.

• Take a bucket and place it under the overhead pipe.
• Now, open the T&P valve.
• Flush the valve properly to clear the debris inside.
• If the leakage continues, get the valve repaired or replaced.

Cause 2: Excessive Pressure

Solution: Let us try to reduce the excessive pressure or heat.

• For this, the very first thing one needs to do is lower the thermostat setting.
• After adjusting, check if there are any loose connections of pipe.
• If you notice any, tighten the connections with the help of a wrench. However, make sure you do not over-tighten them.

Cause 3: Heating Element Bolts Are Loose

Solution: Let us try to check and tighten the bolts of the heating element.

• For this, inspect the heating element bolts.
• Check if they are loose.
• Tighten those bolts if necessary.
• By this, the leakage problem should stop from the heating element.
• If the leakage continues, remove the heating element and replace the gasket.

Cause 4: Leakage from The Water Storage Tank

Solution: Follow the below step to inspect the leaks.

• Check the storage tank of the water heater properly.
• The leaks can be because of corrosion or bad O-rings.
• Replace the O-rings if necessary.

 c) Water Leaking Through the Ceiling

Sometimes, you may observe water leaks through the ceiling. This is a clear indication that either the geyser has burst, or a serious leakage issue developed. Another possible reason could be a problem with the drip tray, or the overflow system is not able to cope.

Solution: All you can and should do is to switch off the power supply to the geyser. Also, turn down the cold-water supply to it. Now, call a plumber immediately to resolve this issue.

d) Dirty or Rusty Coloured Water

Is your hot water dirty or rusty? Observing rusty hot water indicates corrosion either of the anode rod or the storage tank. The key role of an anode rod is to prevent the formation of rust in the tank. When the rod fails to do its job, there can be corrosion in the heater. When you neglect this, you might end up with leaks from the tank and even have to replace the tank.

Solution: The only solution to this problem is to replace the anode rod, and it is very easy to do. This helps in increasing the longevity of your water heater.

e) Foul Smell from Hot Water

Observing foul smells from the hot water is yet another common problem that an individual may encounter with the geyser. The possible reasons could be bacteria in the tank or a decaying anode rod. Let us lookout for the solutions.

Cause 1: People who use well water as their water source are more susceptible to this issue.

This will cause their water to give off a stink or foul smell.

Solution: There is only a quick fix for this problem, and that is, increasing the thermostat temperature to high. Raise the temperature to about 140 degrees. This kills the bacteria present in the water.

Cause 2:  A decaying anode rod releases hydrogen. This makes the water smell like rotten eggs.

Solution: A temporary solution to this problem is flushing the geyser periodically. A more permanent way to fix this is by replacing the anode rod with a powerful one that not only eliminates the foul odour but also lasts longer.

f) Water Heater is Making Strange Noises

At times, we may hear strange sounds coming out from the geyser. While there are a few reasons for this, the most common one is the scale build-up inside the storage tank and on the heating element of the water heater. Hence, you hear noises like rumbling, popping, and even banging, as the water gets heated.

Solution: Below are the steps to tackle this issue.

• The very first thing one needs to do is drain the storage tank completely.
• After draining, try to descale the build-up.
• If the scaling is so severe that you cannot get rid of it, better replace the tank.

Sometimes, because of heat, the geyser and pipes can expand or contract. This is a general scenario, and hearing sounds during this time are completely normal. Moreover, it is harmless too.

If you are hearing a boiling sound, it may be because of the unit overheating of the unit. Hence, you hear such noise. It indicates that the heater is building pressure inside, which can be dangerous. Seek the help of a professional immediately to get it sorted out.

g) Overheating Geyser

We all know how a geyser thermostat works. Once the water reaches the desired temperature, the thermostat cuts off the power supply to the unit to maintain a steady temperature. Sometimes, the thermostat can face an issue wherein it gets stuck in the “on” position only. Consequently, the water gets overheated, and there are chances of an explosion of the geyser.

But, how do you make out if this happens? Very simple. If you observe both hot water and steam coming out of the overflow pipe, it is a clear indication that the geyser is overheating. Since excessive pressure and temperature keep building up in the T&P valve, the hot water and steam tend to escape from the pipe.

Solution: As discussed earlier, a fault in the thermostat facilitates this issue. Hence, all you need to do is switch off the geyser completely and call a plumber immediately before things get worse.

h) Low Hot Water Pressure

People often complain about the low hot water pressure. However, those reporting such issues must be living in an older home having a galvanized pipe of half-inch diameter to the geyser. Because of this, the pressure gets limited automatically.

Solution: The only possible solution for this problem is to install modern pipes having a 3/4th inch diameter. Installing wider pipes will not limit or reduce the water pressure.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance of your appliance can prevent it from the issues cited in this article. If your geyser faces any of the common problems, this comprehensive troubleshooting guide will help you fix them. Let us know your experiences if you tried any of these hacks and help us with your suggestions if any.

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Stay healthy and stay safe!!!