That first blast of icy water from the shower is usually the moment you realize something is wrong with your water heater. Maybe the hot water runs out halfway through bath time, or you hear a strange popping noise from the utility closet in the middle of the night. For many homeowners in McKinney, TX, water heater issues show up suddenly and disrupt daily routines: dishes pile up, laundry gets delayed, and showers become a race against the cold.
Water heater problems are frustrating, but they’re rarely random. Most issues come from a handful of common causes: sediment buildup, failing components, improper installation, or simple wear and tear over time. Understanding what might be going wrong helps you decide whether you can safely monitor the situation, perform a basic check, or need to call a professional like Sewell Plumbing for prompt water heater repair. With the right information, you can often catch small issues before they become major leaks or total system failures.
This guide walks through the most frequent water heater problems, what they usually mean, and how they are typically repaired. Whether you have a gas or electric unit, a traditional tank or a tankless system, knowing the warning signs and solutions can save you money, reduce downtime, and help extend the life of your equipment. And because McKinney’s water quality and climate play a role in how heaters age, we’ll also touch on local factors that make proactive maintenance especially important.
No Hot Water Or Not Enough
One of the most common complaints is simple: there’s no hot water at all, or the hot water runs out far too quickly. For a traditional tank-style heater, a complete loss of hot water often points to a failed heating element (in electric models) or a problem with the burner or gas supply (in gas models). In electric units, a tripped breaker or faulty thermostat can cut power to the heating elements, leaving the tank full of cold water. For gas heaters, issues like a blown-out pilot light, a faulty thermocouple, or gas valve problems can prevent the burner from igniting.
When you still get hot water but it runs out quickly, the issue may be capacity or sediment buildup. As water heats, minerals in McKinney’s relatively hard water can settle at the bottom of the tank. Over time, this sediment layer reduces the effective volume of the tank and insulates the water from the heat source, causing you to experience lukewarm or short-lived hot water. A tank that once comfortably served your household can start to feel undersized even if the heater’s size hasn’t changed.
Technicians from Sewell Plumbing typically start by checking power or gas supply, inspecting thermostats and heating elements, and verifying burner operation. If the hardware is functioning, they may drain and flush the tank to remove sediment, restoring both capacity and heating efficiency. In some cases, especially when a heater is undersized for a growing family, the most practical “repair” is an upgrade to a properly sized unit or even a tankless system that provides continuous hot water.
Homeowners sometimes try to fix hot water issues by simply turning up the thermostat, but that can be risky. Overheating water increases energy bills and can create scalding hazards, especially for children and older adults. A professional can ensure your thermostat is calibrated correctly and that your system is producing safe, consistent temperatures.
Strange Noises And Rumbling
Another red flag many McKinney homeowners notice is unusual noise coming from the water heater: banging, popping, rumbling, or hissing sounds. While a quiet hum is normal, loud or persistent noises usually signal a problem inside the tank. The most common culprit is sediment buildup. As water is heated, trapped moisture under the sediment turns to steam and pops or rattles as it escapes, creating that distinctive rumbling sound.
Left unaddressed, sediment does more than just make noise. It forces the heater to work harder to warm the water, increasing energy consumption and stressing components like the heating elements or burner. This extra strain can shorten the lifespan of the unit and lead to more frequent repairs. In gas units, heavy sediment buildup can also cause uneven heating at the bottom of the tank, sometimes leading to overheating and damage to the tank liner.
During a service visit, Sewell Plumbing will typically drain and flush the tank to remove sediment and inspect for any underlying damage caused by long-term buildup. If the noise persists after a thorough flush, the technician may check for other issues such as a failing heating element, loose components, or expansion and contraction in the pipes due to temperature changes. They also verify that the burner is burning cleanly and that there’s no evidence of overheating.
Because McKinney’s water contains minerals that accelerate sediment formation, regular flushing is more than a suggestion—it’s a key part of preventive care. Many homeowners schedule annual or biannual flushing to keep their heaters quiet and efficient. Ignoring noises might not cause an immediate failure, but it almost always leads to higher energy usage and a shorter service life for the heater.
Leaks, Puddles, And Moisture
Finding water pooling around your water heater can be alarming. Sometimes it’s a minor issue like condensation; other times it’s a serious leak that requires immediate attention. Small drips from fittings, valves, or the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve can often be repaired by tightening connections, replacing worn washers, or swapping out faulty valves. However, any sign of water leaking directly from the tank itself is a strong indicator of internal tank damage or corrosion.
The T&P valve deserves special attention. It’s a critical safety device designed to release water if the pressure or temperature inside the tank becomes dangerously high. If this valve is constantly dripping or discharging water, it may be failing, improperly installed, or responding to an underlying problem like overheating or excessive pressure in the system. Simply capping or disabling the valve is extremely dangerous and can lead to catastrophic tank failure.
When Sewell Plumbing inspects a suspected leak, they’ll first determine the exact source of the moisture. They check around the cold and hot water connections, drain valve, T&P valve, and the base of the tank. If the tank is rusted through or the internal glass lining has failed, patching is not a safe option. In those cases, replacement is usually the only reliable solution. Attempting to repair a compromised tank can lead to sudden ruptures and extensive water damage to nearby floors, walls, and belongings.
McKinney homeowners should also be aware of the risk of hidden leaks. A slow, steady drip in a garage or utility closet may go unnoticed for weeks, quietly damaging drywall, subflooring, or framing. Regular visual inspections around the heater, especially in less-frequented areas of the home, can catch leaks earlier. If you see rust streaks, dampness, or corrosion on the bottom of the tank or nearby piping, it’s wise to have a professional evaluate the unit before a small leak becomes a major insurance claim.
Temperature Fluctuations And Discolored Water
Few things are more aggravating than a shower that swings from warm to scalding or suddenly turns icy cold. Temperature fluctuations can happen for several reasons. A malfunctioning thermostat may fail to regulate the water temperature properly, causing inconsistent heating cycles. In electric heaters, one of the two heating elements can fail, resulting in uneven heating and unpredictable water temperatures. In gas units, irregular burner performance or venting issues can have similar effects.
Another related issue is discolored or rusty water. If you notice brown, yellow, or cloudy water coming from your hot taps, the problem may be inside the water heater itself. Over time, the steel tank can corrode, and rust particles can mix with the hot water. More commonly, the sacrificial anode rod inside the tank has deteriorated and is no longer protecting the tank from corrosion. In some cases, the discoloration originates from older galvanized pipes in the home, but if it appears only in the hot water, the heater is a prime suspect.
Professionals from Sewell Plumbing can test the water, inspect the anode rod, and check the tank’s interior condition. Replacing a worn anode rod is a relatively simple and cost-effective repair that can significantly extend the life of the heater by slowing internal corrosion. If the tank is already heavily corroded, replacement becomes the more practical long-term solution, as continued use may lead to leaks and further deterioration.
Water with a metallic taste or a sulfur-like “rotten egg” odor is also a common complaint. This is often caused by a reaction between the anode rod and naturally occurring bacteria in the water supply. In McKinney, where mineral content can vary, adjusting the type of anode rod or installing additional treatment solutions may be recommended. A professional can help you choose the right components to reduce odors while still protecting the tank from rust.
Pilot Light, Ignition, And Gas Concerns
For gas water heaters, ignition problems are a frequent cause of no hot water. A pilot light that won’t stay lit, intermittent burner operation, or delayed ignition can all point to issues with components like the thermocouple, gas control valve, or ignition system. Dust, lint, or debris around the burner area can interfere with proper combustion, especially in heaters installed in garages or utility rooms where airflow carries in contaminants.
The thermocouple is a small but critical safety device. It senses whether the pilot light is lit and signals the gas valve to stay open only when a flame is present. If it fails, the gas valve shuts off as a safety measure, and the pilot won’t stay lit. Replacing a thermocouple is a common repair, but it must be done correctly to ensure safe operation. Problems with the gas control valve or regulator require careful diagnosis and should always be handled by a licensed professional due to the risks associated with natural gas.
In McKinney homes, where heaters may share space with vehicles, lawn equipment, or storage items, maintaining a clear, clean area around the heater is essential. Obstructions can impact combustion air supply and increase the risk of improper burning or backdrafting. Sewell Plumbing technicians not only repair failed components but also verify proper venting, check for gas leaks, and ensure the installation complies with current safety codes.
Gas-related issues are never a good candidate for DIY experimentation. If you smell gas, hear hissing, or suspect a leak, shut off the gas supply if it is safe to do so, ventilate the area, and contact a professional immediately. Properly diagnosing and fixing ignition problems keeps your family safe and ensures your water heater runs efficiently and reliably.
Repair, Replacement, And Prevention
One of the most common questions homeowners in McKinney ask is whether it’s worth repairing an older water heater or if replacement makes more sense. Generally, if your unit is over 10–12 years old, has visible corrosion, or has a leaking tank, replacement is usually the better investment. Frequent breakdowns, rising energy bills, or chronic performance issues often signal that the heater is nearing the end of its useful life.
On the other hand, many problems are very repairable, especially on newer units. Replacing thermostats, heating elements, anode rods, T&P valves, or thermocouples can restore proper function and extend the life of the heater for several years. Sewell Plumbing evaluates the age, condition, and repair history of your system, then explains the pros and cons of repair versus replacement in straightforward terms so you can make an informed decision.
Preventive maintenance is the most effective way to avoid surprise failures. Annual inspections typically include flushing the tank, checking for leaks and corrosion, testing safety valves, inspecting electrical or gas connections, and verifying thermostat accuracy. For McKinney homeowners dealing with hard water, additional measures like installing a water softener or scheduling more frequent flushes can help reduce sediment buildup and protect both the water heater and other plumbing fixtures.
Beyond professional service, simple homeowner habits can also help. Keeping the area around the heater clear, periodically checking for moisture or rust, and listening for new or unusual noises all go a long way in catching small issues early. When something does seem off, acting quickly and calling a trusted local company like Sewell Plumbing can often mean the difference between a simple repair and a major replacement project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a typical water heater last in McKinney, TX? Most traditional tank-style water heaters last about 8–12 years, depending on the quality of the unit, water conditions, and how well it’s maintained. In McKinney, harder water and higher mineral content can shorten that lifespan if the tank is never flushed or the anode rod is neglected. With regular professional maintenance from a company like Sewell Plumbing, it’s not unusual to see well-cared-for heaters reach or slightly exceed the upper end of that range.
What are the signs that my water heater needs professional repair? Common warning signs include inconsistent water temperature, reduced hot water volume, strange noises (like popping or rumbling), visible rust or corrosion, water pooling around the base, or a pilot light that keeps going out. Discolored or foul-smelling hot water is another red flag. If you notice any of these issues, it’s wise to schedule an inspection before the problem worsens or leads to a complete loss of hot water.
Can I flush my water heater myself, or should I hire a professional? Some homeowners are comfortable turning off power or gas, connecting a hose, and draining the tank themselves. However, there are risks if the process isn’t done correctly, including potential burns, damage to the drain valve, or incomplete flushing that leaves sediment behind. A professional technician will not only flush the tank thoroughly but also inspect components, test safety devices, and spot early signs of trouble. For many McKinney residents, the peace of mind and added inspection make professional service the better choice.
Is it safe to turn up the temperature to get more hot water? Increasing the thermostat slightly can sometimes help if the temperature was set too low, but there are limits. Temperatures above 120°F–125°F increase the risk of scalding, especially for children and older adults. Very high settings can also accelerate mineral buildup and wear on the heater. If you’re running out of hot water frequently, it’s better to have Sewell Plumbing check for issues like sediment, failing elements, or an undersized tank rather than relying on higher temperatures as a workaround.
When should I replace instead of repair my water heater? Replacement is usually recommended when the tank is leaking, the unit is more than 10–12 years old, repairs are becoming frequent, or the cost of a needed repair approaches a significant percentage of a new unit. If your energy bills are rising and your heater is aging, upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can reduce operating costs and improve performance. A professional evaluation can compare the long-term costs of continued repairs versus the benefits of a new system tailored to your McKinney home’s needs.
For other plumbing issues around the house, such as clearing stubborn bathroom blockages, you may also find this helpful: How to unclog a toilet.
