Is your water heater not working properly or has it stopped working completely? Not having hot water for your shower, laundry, dishes, and more is one of the most annoying plumbing issues you may face in your home. But what can cause water heating appliances to fail? There are so many potential causes of water heater malfunction. Keep reading on below to find out some of the most likely culprits behind hot water system failure.

Sediment Buildup

Do you hear a strange popping or knocking noise coming from your water heating system? If so, that's probably an indication that a deep layer of sediment might have formed at the bottom of your hot water storage tank. If the water that goes into your hot water tank is hard, the minerals dissolved in it may settle in the bottom of the tank over time, causing the hot water system to make loud popping noises when operating. The sediment can also slowly heat transfer to the water because it acts as a thermal barrier between the cold water and heating elements located at the bottom of the tank.

The best way to avoid this problem is to soften your water and drain your hot water tank as part of regular maintenance. 

Water Leaks

Have you thought that you could be losing your hot water to leaks in your hot water system? The presence of leaks in your hot water tank, at the valves or in the pipes supplying hot water to the various points of use, can contribute to the inadequacy of your hot water supply. Inspecting your hot water system on a regular basis can help detect and fix leaks that could cause significant hot water loss in your home. 

Bad Heating Elements

The heating elements of your hot water system do the important job of heating cold water. This may mean working for several hours non-stop. It is, therefore, not uncommon for these components to give out before the hot water system itself has reached the end of its lifespan. 

If you're not getting hot water from your water heating appliance, your heating elements may have gone haywire.

Faulty Wiring 

Like other appliances used in the home, the various components of electric water heaters are connected through wiring. If the wiring comes loose or is detached, power supply between components will be disrupted, resulting in failure of your water heating system.

Scheduling regular maintenance of your electric hot water system can go a long way in preventing the above problems, but you can always contact a professional in case you encounter any issue with your water heating appliance. In order to learn more about the causes of water heater malfunctions and hot water repairs, contact a specialist near you.