There is nothing more frustrating than trying to have a shower or perform a chore and find that you have no hot water. Your first thought may be that your water heater has broken and you are facing an expensive call out from your plumber, but this may not be the case. Here are five reasons why your
water isn’t being heated and how you can address them.
The Pilot Light Isn’t Lit:
The pilot light is needed to ignite the burners of your water heater. This means that if your pilot light isn’t lit, your water is not going to be heated. Most water heater models require the cover to be removed to check the pilot light. Remove the cover and locate the control knob. In some cases, all you will need to do is move the switch to the on position. Unfortunately, if the switch is already in this position and your water heater isn’t working, it is likely that there is a problem elsewhere.
Defective Dip Tube:
If you have never heard of a dip tube, you are not alone. This is a small component, but if it fails, it can cause major issues. The dip tube converts cold water from the top of the heater to the bottom of the tank so it can be heated. If your tube is cracked or damaged cold water will leak and affect the overall water temperature. Unfortunately, a defective dip tube can be a pricey fix. You may find that it is more prudent to replace your entire water heater.
Sediment Buildup:
Just like any appliance in your home,
a water heater can become dirty and experience a sediment buildup that compromises performance. It is a good idea to clean your water heater every few months, or more frequently if you have particularly hard water. You may also benefit from installing a water softener system as it will reduce the buildup of sediment.
Some water heaters have safety protocols that will prevent the appliance from operating if it is obstructed by sediment buildup. You will need to follow the cleaning instructions listed in your owner’s manual and check to see if this resolves the issue.
A Gas Fault:
Does your water have a bad odor? If you smell your water heater and can detect a rotten egg odor, you may have a leak in the gas line. This can not only be a reason why you have no hot water, but can be a dangerous problem for your whole family. If you can smell this distinct odor, you need to call in a
professional immediately for help. An experienced plumber will be able to detect and safely repair your gas line to ensure that your water heater is back in working order and your home is safe quickly.
A Burnt Out Heating Element:
Most models of water heater have two separate heating elements. If there is a consistent water temperature drop, the problem could be related to one of your elements. You may notice that your water is not cold, but rather not as warm as it should be. This is usually the result of one of the heating elements burning out. While it may not appear urgent, if your heater is down to one working element, it will place it under strain. This means that if you delay repairs, there is a risk that the other element will also fail.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
