Modern households call water heaters a necessity, not a luxury. These units make hot showers, effective dishwashing, and sanitized laundry loads possible. When hot water suddenly stops flowing from your fixtures, frustration and inconvenience can quickly set in.
Sediment buildup, thermostat issues, electrical troubles, and failing heating elements can be the answers to why your water heater isn’t working. Fortunately, you can solve some of these dilemmas yourself as a homeowner. When professional assistance is a must, Jolly Plumbing, Drains, Heating, & Air steps in.
Common Causes of Water Heater Malfunction
Sediment Buildup
Your water supply contains minerals that dissolve and accumulate as sediment at the bottom of your water heater tank. As the water heats, these sediments form a layer that forces your unit to work harder and longer. As a result, it overheats, sustains damage, or fails completely. Regular maintenance, such as water heater flushing and drain cleaning, can preserve your unit.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat in your water heater regulates the water temperature to ensure comfort and safety. It works by sensing the water temperature and signaling the heating element to turn on or off, balancing energy efficiency and reducing the risk of scalding. When the thermostat fails, water may become too hot or insufficiently heated. Investing in professional heating services to properly address thermostat-related problems is ideal.
Electrical or Pilot Light Problems
If your water heater isn’t working and you’re confident that your thermostat and tank are in good condition, the trouble might be in the pilot light or electrical components. Electric water heaters are susceptible to blown fuses and faulty wiring, which cause an abrupt loss of power to the unit.
On the other hand, gas water heaters commonly encounter issues with the pilot light, the small flame that ignites the gas burner, or the thermocouple, a device that shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out.
If you suspect electrical faults or experience frequent pilot light failures that cleaning or relighting can’t resolve, consult a plumbing expert in your area. These water heater concerns require professional attention, as tampering with electrical components can be dangerous.
Broken or Failing Heating Element
The heating element in a water heater converts electrical energy into heat, effectively warming the water inside the tank. When it stops working, you can edure longer heating times or deal with a lack of hot water. It’s imperative always to seek professional assessment and repair for safe, efficient handling of water heater components. Many services allow you to leverage financing options and spread the expense over a series of manageable payments.
Solutions for Water Heater Issues
Flushing the Tank
After figuring out why your water heater isn’t working, learn how to troubleshoot or prevent the same problem from happening again. Flushing your unit’s tank at least once a year is one of your best defenses.
This maintenance task extends the lifespan of your water heater by removing mineral deposits and reducing the risk of corrosion and other sediment-related troubles. Here’s how to flush your unit:
- Turn off the water heater and cold water supply.
- Get a garden hose and connect it to the drain valve.
- Turn on any hot water faucet and keep it on until you finish.
- Open the drain valve and let the unit’s tank drain.
- Turn on the cold water supply again and let it run until the water coming out of your hose looks clear.
- Close the drain valve and allow your tank to refill.
Thermostat Replacement
Replacing the thermostat in your water heater becomes necessary when you notice erratic water temperatures or a complete absence of hot water. If your troubleshooting efforts, such as checking the power supply and settings, don’t solve these issues, call an expert to remove and replace the component. At Jolly Plumbing, we have a range of thermostats and other water heater parts, giving you access to high-quality products.
Professional Inspection and Repair
Regular professional water heater inspections identify complex issues you may not catch on time. Qualified technicians can diagnose and repair even the most intricate problems, guaranteeing not only the optimal performance of your heating system but also the safety of your home. Any water heater concern beyond your DIY skills warrants an expert’s attention. Invest in heating and cooling services to give your living space comprehensive protection and comfort.
In Summary
Every water heater is simply a machine with multiple components that can fail. If you want yours to keep serving you, you must maintain it. Your water heater likely isn’t working because sediment has built up in its tank, the thermostat or heating element is malfunctioning, or the electrical or gas supply is disrupted.
To prevent bigger issues down the road, flush your unit annually and work with a reputable plumber for inspections and replacement. Jolly Plumbing, Drains, Heating, & Air is your trusted partner for all water heater woes. Get in touch with us today!
