Hot Water is discoloured or smelly
If the hot water is giving out bad odor, then first know whether there is an issue with the heater and the tank or the source water is dirty and contaminated. If both hot and cold water smells similar, then the problem lies with the source water. In case only the hot water smells bad, then you need to flush you water heater as well as clean the tank. This should be done periodically. Iron, copper, and other minerals can cause discoloration in water. You can buy a whole house water filter or a water softener, which will solve the problem. If the heater is giving out rust colored water then it is a sign of corrosion of the anode. Scale build-up in the tank and the heating unit can also make the water discoloured and smelly.
It takes a long time for the heater to reheat the water
The cause of this problem lies in the worn out heating elements or the thermostat. Those parts may need to be replaced. There could be sediments building on the heating elements.
The water pressure is low
This could be on account of 1/2-inch diameter galvanized piping that takes water in and out of the water heater. You can replace it with a modern 3/4-inch piping which allows more water to flow through. Besides this, build-up of sediment, calcium-deposits, and rust inside the pipes or sink aerators can invite this problem. A leaking water heater can also cause this problem.
Water heater is making strange noises
Sometimes you hear strange popping, hissing, banging, knocking, or other strange noises from your water heater. The reasons could be
• Scale build-up on your heating elements or at the bottom of the tank
• Leakages in the unit
• High pressure inside the tanks or pipes
Noise from a heater is not a grave issue. But if it is there, always inspect for peace of mind.