5 Common Problems with Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters are becoming more popular with homeowners across the country due to their high efficiency and ability to deliver hot water. To know what lies ahead, it is important to understand the common problems homeowners face with heat pump water heaters. Understanding the common issues will help you better address the situation with your heat pump water heater if and when it arises.

We at Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air have helped thousands of homeowners with their water heater needs, questions, and concerns for over 15 years. With heat pump water heaters on the rise, our technicians see and understand some of the common problems these units experience.

Here are the common problems seen with heat pump water heaters:

• Water leaks
• Lack of hot water
• Electrical overload
• Strange noises
• Discolored/smelly water

By the end of this article, you will be able to understand what these issues are and how to prepare for them.

Let’s get started!

5 Common Problems with Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters are the wave of the future, but if you could peek into the future, wouldn’t you want to know what problems could arise so that you’re prepared?

Some of the most common problems heat pump water heaters encounter are:

Water Leaking Or Dripping

Water leaks are one of the most common issues heat pump water heaters face, but the issue also extends to any water-based appliance. Heat pump water heaters can leak from the tank or any of the plumbing connections. If you notice your heat pump water heater dripping, you can take that as a sign that something isn’t working correctly.

Dripping water outside the heat pump water heater tank can point to a loose part or a clogged or dirty drain. A clogged or dirty condensate drain can cause water to leak from your heat pump water heater.

We recommend that you service your water heater at least once a year to prevent backups and any leaking or dripping.

Lack Of Hot Water

Although rare, heat pump water heaters can experience a lack of hot water in general or no hot water at all. One cause for a lack of hot water could be limescale or other sediment buildup in the tank or the heating elements themselves. In this case, the buildup prevents heat transfer, which is what produces hot water.

Hard water (typically found in Los Angeles County) is full of minerals that can cause buildup. For this reason, consider looking into water softeners as a potential deterrent.

A lack of hot water can also indicate something wrong with the heat pump technology or a lack of hot air in the surrounding area.

Heat pump water heaters capture the heat from the surrounding hot air and transfer it to electricity-powered coils that help transfer heat to the water and heat it up. If there are any issues along that process, it could affect the water heater’s ability to ensure hot water.

A lack of hot water can also occur due to insufficient electrical power.

Electrical Overload

Heat pump water heaters are highly energy efficient because they depend solely on the power of electricity. Most heat pump water heaters require a circuit with 240 volts. If there are other high-power appliances connected to the same circuit as a heat pump water heater, it can cause an overload.

A circuit overload can cause the heat pump water heater to break down and become incapable of heating up water. The outsurge in power can cause an electrical breakdown in the heat pump water heater, resulting in mandatory repairs.

Loud or Strange Noises

Heat pump water heaters can make a noise when heating water or releasing excess cold air. But if you hear clunking or an unreasonable amount of noise, you’ll want to check to see if there’s a problem.

Clunking, cracking, popping, or gurgling typically point to mineral buildup or faulty parts within the unit. The noise could also indicate a mechanical problem within the unit.

To check for mineral buildup, you’ll need to ensure clear components like the drain pipe and filter. Buildup in these places is a likely culprit of excess noise. If you don’t see any issues and the noises persist, then it’s time to get a technician involved.

Smelly or Discolored Water

Smelly or discolored water is a symptom of unfiltered water entering a home. Heat pump water heaters only heat water, but most homeowners would agree that they don’t want hot water that smells funky.

A water treatment system such as a carbon filter can help improve the smell and quality of water as it enters a heat pump water heater. Even if the water entering a home is filtered, it can be discolored due to the anode rod inside the heat pump water heater.

Most heat pump water heaters use an anode rod, similar to the ones found in tank-style water heaters. If you have discolored or smelly water, this is the first thing you should check. The anode is known to corrode, which causes the water to take on a muddy brown color.

Addressing Heat Pump Water Heaters Common Problems

Heat pump water heaters are currently the most energy-efficient units in the market, but that doesn’t mean they’re problem-free. Now that you know about the common issues associated with heat pump water heaters, you can prepare for the unexpected. This will help you ensure that your heat pump water heater works properly throughout its lifespan.

From tankless water heaters to conventional water heaters, we at Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air want to help homeowners by servicing their water heaters. Heat pump water heaters are growing in demand in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. As these units pop up in homes, we want to make sure homeowners know what problems to look out for so they can contact technicians to service their units as soon as possible.

If you have any questions regarding heat pump water heaters, contact us using one of the buttons below or book an appointment through our online water heater scheduler.

If you’re still unsure about installing a heat pump water heater in your home, check out this article on possible incentives associated with a heat pump water heater installation.