What Would Cause A Water Heater To Stop Working?

Just imagine that your water heater stops working all of a sudden when the temperatures are freezing- all of a sudden every shower is cold and there is no relief from the Winter months. In a hot water emergency, there is no other alternative than to call a reliable technician to complete a water heater repair.

However, in the majority of the cases, it has been seen that the water heater gives out signs and signals that problems are developing. If regular servicing and maintenance are done on the water heater, such problems can be located and resolved before they become dire or ever arise. But without maintenance, the problems go unnoticed and then lead to you shivering in a cold shower.

As a homeowner, it is beneficial to be aware of the key perpetrators of a faulty water heater. This might give you an advantage in locating the problem on your own and with the right tools and equipment you may be able to fix the problem at home. However, if you don’t have any technical know-how in this matter, do not try doing anything and contact a licensed technician.

Mentioned below are some causes for which the water heater might stop working:

• There Might Be a Gas Leakage Problem– Pure gas is odorless and colorless. Hence, it is very difficult to identify if there is a gas leak. In most cases, mercaptan is added to pure gas to give it that pungent smell so that gas leakages can be detected. If you smell gas anywhere around the water heater unit, immediately lock or switch off the gas valve. Push the valve downwards to turn it off. In the case of a broken gas valve, immediate replacement is recommended.
• There Might Be No Gas Supply– Gas supply levels are essential when it comes to working on a water heater. If the water heater is on and still there is no hot water, check the gas supply. It might happen to be that the gas supply has been turned off by mistake. Turn it on and see if the heater works. If not, it is time to call a technician.
• Defective Thermostat– Thermostat problems might lead to the water heater failing to heat up. The upper and lower heating elements of the electric water heater are controlled by the upper thermostat. In the case of a faulty thermostat, it will not allow the heater to heat the water. In the case of a faulty lower thermostat, the hot water produced in the heater will not be hot enough. Consult a technician to get the thermostat fixed and solve this problem.
• Problems With Heating Elements– One of the prominent causes of a failed water heater is problems with the heating elements. The longevity of a water heater is about 10 years. If the heating elements are causing problems and the water heater is almost 10 years, there is no use for water heater repairs. Replacement of the heater is a better idea.

Four Seasons Plumbing offers all kinds of water heater repair and replacement services in Asheville and the surrounding areas. Call us at 828-216-3894 for more details about our services.