Let’s face it, a cold shower is no fun, especially when it’s because your water heater is on the fritz. But before you start shivering uncontrollably, there’s good news! Many common water heater problems have quick fixes that you can perform to get your hot water flowing again in no time.
No Hot Water? Check the Thermostat First
Your water heater has a thermostat that controls the water temperature. You won’t get a hot shower if the thermostat is set too low. You can check the thermostat setting and adjust it if needed. Some thermostats even have a reset button that they can try.
Relighting the Pilot Light (For Gas Water Heaters)
If you have a gas water heater, a common culprit for a lack of hot water is a pilot light that’s gone out. The pilot light is a small flame that keeps the burner ready to ignite when hot water is needed. Without it, the burner won’t light, and your water heater won’t be able to produce hot water.
A professional plumber can quickly diagnose whether the issue is the pilot light or if there are other underlying problems, such as a faulty thermocouple or gas valve. With the right tools and expertise, a plumber can efficiently relight the pilot light, ensuring that it stays lit and operates correctly. If the pilot light issue is due to a faulty component, such as a thermocouple, a plumber can replace it with the appropriate parts, ensuring a reliable and long-term solution.
Flipping the Breaker or Resetting the GFCI Outlet
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the water heater but the electrical supply. If your water heater is electric, check the circuit breaker to see if it’s tripped. A tripped breaker cuts off power, so resetting it might be all it takes to get your hot water back. Also, check the GFCI outlet (ground fault circuit interrupter), a safety feature that can shut off power in case of a ground fault.
Bleeding the Pressure Relief Valve
Water heaters contain a pressure relief valve, a safety feature that releases pressure if it builds up too high. Sometimes, this valve can get stuck open, causing a slow leak and preventing the water heater from properly refilling and heating water. A plumber can bleed the valve, releasing a small amount of water to clear any blockage and reset the valve.
If your water heater struggles to provide the hot water you need, it is time to call a professional plumber. For water heater service in Yuma, AZ, call PHD Plumbing.