Nothing ruins a morning like stepping into a cold shower. Most of the time the fix is easier than you think, and you don’t need to wait weeks for help. In this guide we’ll walk through the most common water heater issues, give you simple steps you can try at home, and tell you the signs that it’s time to call a professional from Glastonbury Appliance Repair Services.
1. Reset button trips – If the heater keeps resetting, the thermostat may be overheating or the heating element could be faulty. Turn off the power, wait a minute, and press the reset button again. If it flips back within a few minutes, you likely have an electrical fault that needs a tech.
2. No hot water at the shower – Check the breaker first. A tripped breaker is the simplest culprit. If the breaker is fine, feel the tank for warm spots. Cold spots often mean sediment buildup that’s insulating the heating element. Flushing the tank can restore performance.
3. Strange noises – Rumbling or popping sounds point to sediment buildup. When the heater fires up, the water around the element can boil, creating steam bubbles that pop. Flushing the tank removes the sediment and silences the noise.
4. Leaking water – A small drip from the tank’s bottom usually means the internal tank has corroded. Small leaks around the valve can sometimes be tightened, but a leaking tank itself needs replacement.
5. Faulty thermostat or heating element – If the water is lukewarm rather than hot, the thermostat might be set too low or the element could be wearing out. You can test the element with a multimeter, but most homeowners find it safer to let a qualified technician handle the swap.
If you’ve tried resetting, checking the breaker, and flushing the tank but the problem persists, it’s time to call a pro. Also call for any signs of water around the tank, a burnt smell, or repeated reset trips. These could be safety hazards that need a trained eye.
Our Glastonbury team can diagnose the issue quickly, order the right parts, and get your hot water back in under two hours for most common problems. We carry replacement anode rods, heating elements, and thermostats, so you won’t be waiting for a spare part.
Regular maintenance makes a huge difference. Flushing your heater once a year, checking the anode rod, and testing the pressure relief valve keep the system efficient and extend its life. A quick 15‑minute check‑up can prevent a costly breakdown later.
Finally, if your water heater is more than 10‑12 years old, consider a replacement. Modern units are more energy‑efficient and can lower your bills. We’ll help you pick the right size and type for your home and install it with minimal disruption.
Cold showers don’t have to be a daily battle. Try the simple steps above, and if anything feels beyond your comfort zone, give Glastonbury Appliance Repair Services a call. We’re local, reliable, and ready to bring the heat back to your home.
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