Few things are more stressful for a homeowner than a failing appliance. If your water heater is experiencing problems, it can be tough to know why and know what to do about it.
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to uncover the cause of water heater issues. If the problem is simple enough, you may even be able to resolve it yourself without the help of a plumber.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to troubleshoot a failing water heater and how to know when it’s time for a plumber for repair or replacement.
Troubleshooting For When Your Water Heater Isn’t Working
It’s crucial to get ahead of issues before they become worse. If you can uncover the cause of a problem early, you may be able to fix it yourself. If not, a professional plumber may need to handle the job. If the problem isn’t caught for a long time, you may need a new unit installed.
When you experience inconsistent or no hot water in your home, here are a few tips for troubleshooting:
Check Your Thermostat
If you’re not getting hot water, one of the first steps you can take is to make sure your unit’s thermostat is turned on and set to a comfortable setting. Usually, we recommend a temperature setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A faulty thermostat may be the culprit if you’re getting extremely hot water, no hot water, or the breaker keeps tripping.
Change or Replace the Air Filter
Some water heaters have an air filter that keeps internal mechanisms clear of dust and debris. If your system has a filter, be sure to remove and clean it, or replace the filter if needed. This could help your system run more efficiently.
Check the Circuit Breaker
Even if a water heater uses gas, there are electrical elements within the system. Be sure to check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If the circuit trips frequently, it may indicate an electrical issue.
Check the Pilot Light
The pilot light is a constantly burning flame your gas water heater uses to ignite and heat the heating element. If this flame is out, it needs to be relit. A common rod lighter can be used to light the pilot light. Turn off your system and wait 10 minutes before attempting to turn it back on.
Flush the Drain Lines
If there is a clog in the drain line of your water heater, it could lead to flooding of the nearby space. When the drain line is clogged, you can carefully use an object such as a coat hanger to push debris through the line, breaking up the clog. This can allow water to drain freely once again.
Consider these troubleshooting tips to get your water heater running like new. If they don’t work, be sure to call a local plumber for water heater repair services.
Call Masters for Water Heater Repair
Since 1980, Masters Heating & Cooling has been a reliable choice for heating, cooling, and plumbing services in Southern MI and Northern IN. We know how to take on any challenge and resolve your system issues quickly. For upfront pricing, special discounts, and financing for new systems, look no further than us!
Take good care of your system with help from local experts. Contact Masters now to schedule water heater repairs.
