There’s nothing more frustrating than waking up on a cold morning only to find out that your water heater isn’t producing any hot water. Besides the challenge of cold showers, you’re also facing likely hefty water heater repair if the issue comes off a serious malfunction.
But before you jump to conclusions and give in to the stress, there are a few things you should check on first. After all, there are a handful of reasons why your water heater is giving you the cold treatment— and it’s not always about serious breakdowns.
Here are the parts and issues to look out for when your water heater decides to take a break from heating your tank.
Thermostat
As silly as they may sound, it’s not impossible that you may have set your thermostat in the wrong setting. Sometimes, your water heater won’t produce hot water when you set your thermostat far below the ideal temperature.
If this is the case, simply reset your unit to the right temperature, which is often recommended to be 120°F or at least somewhere close to it.
Circuit Breaker
If you have an electric water heater, you’d never want to miss checking your circuit breaker. Sometimes, it’ll trip and cut off power to the water heater. Go to your electrical panel and look for the breaker that says “water heater.” If it’s switched off, flip it back on. If it keeps tripping, you might have a bigger electrical issue, and that’s when it’s time to call in a professional.
Pilot Light
Got a gas water heater? If there’s no hot water, it might be because the pilot light went out. No worries, though—it’s easy to relight. You can find instructions in your water heater’s manual. If it keeps going out after you light it, there could be an issue with the thermocouple or gas supply, which you’ll need an expert to look at.
Leaks
Leaks are another big concern. If your water heater is leaking, it could mess with its normal function or even cause it to stop heating altogether. Check around the base of your heater for water puddles or any signs of rust. If you find a leak, don’t wait—get it taken care of right away to avoid any bigger damage down the road. Unfortunately, if it’s a leaking tank, there’s nothing you can do but call for a new tank replacement. Normally, a compromised tank can’t be repaired.
Sediment Buildup
If your water is not getting as hot as it used to, or you’re hearing weird sounds like popping or crackling, there might be sediment buildup at the bottom of your tank. This happens mostly when there are too many minerals in your tap, which is never a good thing for any plumbing component. You can flush the tank yourself to clear the sediments by draining it until the water is clear. But if you’re not sure how you can always call a plumber to help clear it out.
Keep Your Water Heater In Top Shape With Domination Plumbing & Heating’s Tested Water Heater Solutions
If you’ve checked all of these things and still have no hot water, don’t stress—it might be time to call in the pros. After all, while it’s good to be proactive in knowing what’s causing your hot water crisis, water heater repair isn’t always DIY-friendly.
At Domination Plumbing & Heating, we know water heaters inside and out. Whether it’s a thermostat issue, a busted anode rod, or something else, we can help get your hot water flowing again in no time. We treat water heater malfunctions as a plumbing emergency, so expect our fast arrival and even faster repair!
Call us now and get rid of your hot water problems!
