5 Common Reasons Why Your Water Heater Stopped Working
A water heater breakdown can be very frustrating for you and your household. You need hot water to wash dishes, do laundry, and other things. Because of San Diego’s mild climate and the high demand for hot water, San Diegans depend heavily on water heaters.
Due to the typical household’s daily water consumption of 84 gallons, a functional water heater is essential. Making sure it is operating properly requires routine maintenance and water heater repair in San Diego.
Hard water can harm water heaters because of mineral buildup. A variety of things could go wrong with your water heater. In this article, we’ll discuss five common reasons why water heaters fail and how to fix them.
The continued failure of the pilot light
The pilot light is an important part of a gas water heater that generates heat to warm the water. If the pilot light keeps going out, it’s a sign of a problem that needs attention. It could be one of the reasons your water heater stopped working.
The following are some potential causes and remedies:
- A clogged pilot tube will prevent the pilot light from staying lit. To carefully remove the obstruction, you can use a needle or wire.
- A thermocouple that is malfunctioning will cut off the gas supply when it detects a loss of the pilot light. Even though the pilot light is on, a broken thermocouple may cut off the gas supply. In this case, you may need to replace the thermocouple.
- Gas valve problems: If the gas valve is faulty, it may not supply enough gas to keep the pilot light burning. A qualified technician can inspect and replace the gas valve.
To fix this issue, try the suggestions that follow:
- Clean the pilot tube and igniter.
- Replace the thermocouple.
- Adjust the gas pressure.
- Replace the gas valve.
If you are unsure how to perform any of these tasks, it’s best to call a professional for water heater repair in San Diego.
A water heater that makes noise
A noisy water heater can be inconvenient and may be a sign that something is wrong with the appliance. Here are a few potential causes and remedies:
Sediment buildup
Over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank and cause popping or cracking noises when the water is heated. Flushing the tank regularly can help prevent sediment buildup.
Loose heating element
If the heating element is loose, it may cause a humming or vibrating noise. Tightening the element may solve the problem.
Faulty heating element
If the heating element is damaged, it may cause a screeching or popping noise. A qualified technician can inspect and replace the heating element if necessary.
You can try the following to resolve this problem:
- Drain and flush the tank.
- Install a water softener to prevent hard water buildup.
- Replace the heating element if it’s damaged.
If the noise persists, it’s best to call a professional for water heater repair in San Diego.
Also Read: Troubleshooting And Repair Strange Water Heater Noises And Sounds
Bad Water Odor
Bacteria, most likely growing in the tank, is the cause of the bad-smelling hot water coming out of your faucet and can cause your water heater to stop working. The following are some potential causes and remedies:
Sediment buildup
Sediment buildup can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Flushing the tank regularly can help prevent sediment buildup.
Anode rod replacement
An anode rod is a sacrificial metal rod that helps prevent corrosion in the tank. Over time, the rod can corrode, and bacteria can grow in the tank. Replacing the anode rod can help solve the problem.
Chlorination
Chlorination is a process of adding chlorine to the tank to kill bacteria. A qualified technician can perform chlorination to eliminate the bacteria.
Try the following to resolve this problem:
- Flush the tank with hydrogen peroxide.
- Increase the water heater temperature to 140°F to kill the bacteria.
- Install a UV light system to prevent bacterial growth.
- If the smell persists, it’s best to call a professional for water heater repair in San Diego.
Water Heats Up Too Much
If the hot water coming out of your faucet is too hot, it can be dangerous and cause scalding. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
Thermostat problems
If the thermostat is set too high, the water will be too hot. You can adjust the thermostat to the recommended temperature. If the thermostat is not functioning properly, you might need to replace it.
Faulty temperature and pressure relief valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve is a safety device that releases excess pressure and temperature from the tank. If the valve is faulty, it may not work correctly, and the water can get too hot. A qualified technician can inspect and replace the valve if necessary.
You can try the following to resolve this problem:
- Adjust the thermostat temperature.
- Replace the thermostat.
- Replace the temperature and pressure relief valve.
If you are unsure how to perform any of these tasks, it’s best to call a professional for water heater repair in San Diego.
Water Doesn’t Heat Up
If the hot water doesn’t get hot, it can be frustrating, especially during cold weather. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
Pilot light problems
If you have a gas water heater, the pilot light is essential for heating the water. If the pilot light is out, the water won’t get hot. You can try relighting the pilot light or calling a professional for assistance.
Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse
If you have an electric water heater, a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse can cause the unit to stop working. Check the circuit breaker or fuse box and reset or replace it as necessary.
Faulty heating element
If the heating element is damaged, the water won’t get hot. A qualified technician can inspect and replace the heating element if necessary.
You could try the following to solve this problem:
- Check if the circuit breaker or fuse is tripped or blown.
- Reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse.
- Test the heating element for continuity and replace it if necessary.
Call a professional for San Diego water heater repair if you are unsure how to handle any of these tasks.
Regular maintenance of your water heater can help prevent many of these common issues from occurring. Here are some tips to keep your water heater functioning correctly:
Flushing the tank
Sediment buildup in your water heater can result in a variety of issues, such as decreased efficiency, odd noises, and unpleasant odors.
Regular tank cleaning can keep sediment from accumulating and keep your appliance operating properly.
Anode rod inspection
Anode rods are sacrificial metal rods that guard against corrosion in the tank. The anode rod may corrode over time and require replacement.
Regularly inspecting the anode rod can help prevent corrosion and prolong the life of your water heater.
Examining the temperature and pressure relief valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve, a crucial safety device that releases excess pressure and temperature from the tank, needs to be in good working order.
Regular inspections of this valve can help ensure that it is operating properly and avert any potentially hazardous situations.
If you notice any problems with your water heater, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance. Attempting to fix the unit yourself can be dangerous and cause further damage to the unit.
Final words
Your hot water heater may stop working for a variety of common causes, such as a malfunctioning pilot light, loud operation, unpleasant odors, or water that is either too hot or too cold. At this point, you need to know the common causes discussed in this article.
It’s critical to address any of these problems as soon as possible with water heater repair in San Diego to prevent additional harm and inconvenience. Our skilled technicians at EZ Heat & Air in San Diego can identify and resolve any problems with your water heater.
We can assist you in getting your hot water back online, whether you need a quick fix or a total replacement. To schedule a service visit, contact us immediately.
