Common Commercial Water Heater Issues and Tips for Repairs

A lot can go wrong with commercial water heaters and repairing them can be a struggle for any technician. Although most professional plumbers will know how to diagnose and go about fixing the problem, it’s always helpful to refreshen your memory on some of the dos and don’ts. It makes things a lot easier when we can identify the problem early and not waste any time while providing service for the client.

The most common issues to arise include no hot water, not enough hot water, extremely hot water, dirty or rusty water, and foul-smelling water. These are things that occur pretty regularly and, as a repair tech, you receive calls about them all the time. However, each problem can indicate several different things that are wrong with a commercial water heater. Here is what you need to know:

There are a couple of ways you can go about fixing the issue. Check the commercial unit to ensure that it is receiving enough power. Someone may have accidentally tripped the circuit breaker (which will affect an electric water heater). Reset the breaker and replace the fuse if necessary. You will also need to check if the pilot light is lit if the client has a gas-powered water heater and hot water storage tank. If the pilot light is out, you will need to relight it.

A client calls and says that they are not receiving enough hot water. Commercial water heaters tend to produce less water as they get older because they are not as efficient as they used to be. However, a faulty thermostat may also be to blame. You need to assess the thermostat and try adjusting it. Wait a couple of hours and then test the hot water supply by running a faucet.

If this doesn’t fix the problem, then you will need to check for any leaks around the unit. Leaks will require immediate repair because they are not only responsible for the lack of hot water, but you should never allow them to go unchecked. Water leaks can cause severe structural damage to a commercial building, and you should advise the client to act immediately.

If none of these troubleshooting methods yield any results, then we recommend that you flush out the storage tank and check to see if there is any mineral buildup. Flushing out the system will certainly remove some of that water-restricting deposit, but you may need to take extra measures to remove it all.

When the water is too hot to run, then you should try turning down the thermostat. As we mentioned above, wait a few hours after you adjust it and then try running the water again at a random faucet. If you notice that the faucet continues to shoot out hot water and steam, then this can be an indication of faulty parts in the water heating unit.

Your client tells you that all water coming out of their faucets and showers is discolored, dirty, or rusty. Try running cold water only, and if the client is still experiencing rusty water, then the problem isn’t caused by their commercial water heater. However, if the rusty water only occurs when you are running hot water, then you will need to flush out the water heating unit and begin to inspect it for sediment.

Sediment will discolor your hot water supply because it collects inside large commercial hot water storage tanks. You will need to flush out the tank, which will require you to turn off the water and power supply (gas line or electrical breaker). Then, connect a garden hose to your tank to drain the remaining water (and dispose of it properly). You will also need to turn off the inlet valves and open the drain valve to remove all the water from your system completely. Close the drain valve and turn on the water inlet again for a few minutes. You may need to repeat this process until the water is clear of any sediment. Once you complete the process, close the drain valve, remove the hose, turn the inlets back on and also the power source. If none of this works, then you should recommend that your client invests in a replacement for their commercial water heater.

Before you do anything, verify that the smell is only occuring when the hot water is running. Nasty odors can also emit from your plumbing fixtures while running cold water. Run the hot water tank for about three minutes. If the smell persists, then go ahead and flush out the hot water tank. You may also need to reheat the pilot light. Try turning off your gas valve and wait for the gas to dissipate. If the gaseous odor remains, then the client is potentially experiencing a gas leak. You should then contact the gas company to report the matter and evacuate people from the building.

Noisy water heaters can happen for several reasons. The more common cause is from the scale that accumulates inside the hot water tank, which will create all of the rumbling and banging noises that your client is complaining about. To eliminate the buildup of scale, proceed to drain the storage tank and descale the inside of it. You should recommend to your clients that they hire you to flush out their system regularly (about every four months). If the sounds persist, then it might be time for your client to consider replacing it.

Slow reheating is usually because of a faulty heating element inside the client’s commercial water heater, which you will need to fix by replacing the component. Defective thermostats and buildup of sediment can also affect the system’s ability to reheat water efficiently. Recommend to your client that they have you undergo routine inspections and maintenance to ensure that their water heater remains in good working condition.

In many situations, it’s much more viable for your client to outright replace their existing system. Let them know about all the options that are available to them. This includes the more innovative electric water heater or the tankless system. You can also keep it traditional and install a hot water tank that is equally efficient and modernized. Also, take into account the customer’s needs. You want to ensure that they are replacing their current system with a new one that will meet all of their demands. Commercial water heaters are not easy to replace and install, and they are certainly not inexpensive either, so you will need to be communicative with your clients.

Commercial water heater repairs and installation services are available virtually everywhere, but reliable specialists are rare to come by. You always want to demonstrate to the client that you are committed to helping them. There is never any shame in relearning some of the basics so that you provide your clients with excellent repair and replacement services.