Reasons Your Water Heater Isn’t Working According To A Water Heater Repair Expert | Harvey, LA
Are you dealing with a malfunctioning water heater? It can be an incredibly frustrating problem to have, especially on those days when all you want is a hot shower. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure out the solution to this challenge alone. Water heater repair experts have encountered and fixed a wide variety of problems over the years, giving them a wealth of knowledge on the most common causes of water heater issues. From sediment buildup to a broken thermostat, here are some reasons your water heater may not be working, according to water heater repair experts in Harvey, LA.
Reasons Your Water Heater Isn’t Working
No Gas or Power
A simple issue, such as a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse, may cause an electric water heater’s inability to provide hot water. For gas-powered water heaters, the problem may be as simple as a lack of gas.
Water Leak
Water must be heated in a water heater for a while before it can be used in household fixtures like faucets and showerheads. Water heaters heat the water that comes into your house from your utility company or well. It’s functionally analogous to a tea kettle.
A water heater that leaks will never be able to fill with water; thus, it won’t have anything to heat. To determine whether your water heater is leaking, examine the surrounding area for puddles of water. If this is the case, the device may need to be replaced. You should consult a water heater repair expert to get a second opinion and see if they can fix your heater.
Gas Leak
Natural gas leaks in the supply line or where the line enters the tank can prevent your gas-powered water heater from producing hot water. Not only is this inconvenient, but it might be really risky if that happens. You must immediately contact your gas utility company if you detect a natural gas odor. It might also be best to find another place to stay until the company sends a water heater repair professional. In most cases, the utility provider is responsible for repairing gas leaks. To get your water heater back up and running, you’ll need to light the pilot and give it some time to see if it’s functioning correctly. If that doesn’t work, you should contact a water heater repair company to diagnose and fix the issue.
Thermostat Malfunction
Just like your HVAC system, your water heater also has a thermostat so you can regulate the water temperature. If the hot water runs out faster than usual, try resetting the thermostat. If that doesn’t work, turning up the thermostat might. Monitor how long the hot water lasts after you’ve reset and raised the temperature on your thermostat. If neither of these temporary fixes helps, it may be time to bring in a water heater repair expert. Lack of hot water is a serious issue that has to be addressed immediately.
Sediment Buildup
Over time, your water heater will accumulate sediment and minerals from the water that runs through it. Since the sediment and grime are heavier than water, they will eventually settle at the bottom of the tank.
This sediment buildup can lower the efficiency of your water heater, leading to a lack of hot water. You should flush your hot water tank every year to prevent sediment buildup. Call a plumber for assistance if flushing your water heater seems like too much of a challenge. Your water heater’s limescale buildup can also be mitigated using a powered anode rod.
Pilot Light Issues
The pilot light is responsible for maintaining a steady flame inside your water heater. The water heater will open a valve to let gas flow over and ignite the pilot when it senses that the water within needs to be heated. Most water heaters have a tiny window on the front that can be used to check on the status of the pilot light. If you can’t find the flame, taking the access panel off may help you find it. If the flame still isn’t visible, try lighting it again as directed by the manufacturer.
A functional pilot light usually burns with a bright blue flame. If it doesn’t, check for drafts that could prevent it from operating normally. A yellow flame could indicate the presence of carbon monoxide, which is extremely dangerous and requires immediate inspection by a plumber.
Defective Thermocouple
A defective thermocouple is one of the main reasons your pilot light may be out. A thermocouple is a tiny device found in the flame of the pilot light. It will shut off the gas supply if it detects that the pilot light has gone out. A thermocouple can easily be knocked off course, so keeping it within the flame is important. They can also accumulate residue that inhibits them from functioning correctly, so try cleaning yours with steel wool. If your pilot light still won’t stay lit after you’ve attempted these fixes, the thermocouple is most likely broken, and you need to call a technician to fix it.
Faulty Heating Element
Heating element issues may be to blame if your water heater is not producing hot water. If that’s the case, it will need to be replaced. It’s best to leave the replacement to a plumber.
Your Water Heater is Old
It’s important to remember that most water heaters only last around ten years before they need to be replaced. If yours has reached the end of its life, when it breaks down, it’s probably time to replace it because it’s served its purpose. If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, you may want to upgrade it before you get caught off guard by a cold shower.
Leave the Repairs to bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans
If you need water heater repair, look no further than bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans. We are a full-service HVAC and plumbing company that has been serving residents of Harvey, LA for years. Each of our plumbers is an expert in water heater repair, having received extensive training and certification in this area. They are well-equipped to deal with any issue your water heater may have. Furthermore, we offer emergency assistance 24/7, 365 days a year, and will dispatch a specialist to your residence as soon as possible to address the issue.
Call bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans at 504-229-4848 or contact us online if you need water heater repair in Harvey, LA.
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