Is your hot water not getting hot?
Depending on which type of water heater you have, the cause could be several things. A faulty water heater can be a very frustrating issue. While many jump to the conclusion that they have to call a plumber immediately, you may not need to.
Often the cause of your faucets and shower not heating up are simple to resolve. Your problem may be as simple as a turned-off gas valve or a pilot light.
Troubleshooting An Electric Water Heater
An electric water heater is usually an install and forget fixture.
However, your electric water heater still needs troubleshooting from time to time. Here are a few things to check.
Check your circuit breaker: A tripped circuit breaker to your water heater could be the cause of its dysfunction. A quick trip to your breaker box could fix the issue in a hurry. A switch that is on the off position needs to be in the on position.
Reset your water heater: Your water heater has a temperature control panel that has a RESET button on it. A reset button that is pushed out in must be back in. Pushing the button back into place should correct the problem.
Troubleshooting a Gas Water Heater
A gas water heater is a bit more complicated than its electric counterpart.
With a reliance on gas to function, a few things may be causing a problem. Take a few minutes to check the following items.
Make sure your gas supply is not shut off: The first thing to check is that your water heater’s gas supply is on. Look for your gas line and make sure the valve is open. Turn the valve into the on position if you find it closed.
Check the pilot light: The water heater’s pilot light is necessary for its function. The pilot light may have gone out, resulting in the burners not being lit. Remove the cover and relight your pilot light as necessary.
Reset your circuit breaker: A gas water heater is reliant on electricity to function. Make sure that the electric power supply isn’t a problem by resetting your circuit breaker. Switch your breaker to the off position and then back on.
Hot Water Not Getting Hot Still?
After trying these troubleshooting techniques, you might still have problems.
The cause of these problems is typically the result of two things.
The first issue is a burned-out heating element. Your electric water heater makes use of an internal heating element to heat water. Over time this element will burn out, requiring repair to replace the component. This kind of water heater repair requires the expertise of a professional.
The second possibility is that your water heater has a broken dip tube. A faulty dip tube causes cold water to shoot to the top of your heater without being heated. Correcting this problem is also a professional-level repair job.
Fortunately, Golden Rule Plumbing is ready to help get your hot water flowing again. Give us a call today for fast and friendly service.
