Cold showers are great for circulation, but being doused by a cold stream of water in the middle of a hot shower is definitely unpleasant.
What could be causing a water heater that’s not heating?
Read on to learn more about common water heater issues, how to troubleshoot them, and when to look into emergency water heater repair. We’ll also answer the big question: Is it time for a new water heater?
Check Circuit Breakers
Is your electric water heater giving you trouble? First things first: Check if it’s getting power.
All you have to do is open your electrical panel and look for tripped breakers. The breakers look like small switches. A tripped breaker will be in the off position and usually make a clicking sound when it trips.
You can reset any tripped breakers by moving them to the ‘on’ position. If tripped breakers are a recurring issue in your home, it’s time to call an electrician.
Reset the High-Limit Switch
Your water heater has a neat built-in feature: If the temperature inside the tank gets too hot, the high-limit switch will trip, preventing the appliance from overheating.
You’ll usually find this switch at the top of your water heater, not far from the thermostat controls. If it’s tripped, just reset it.
However, if the high-limit switch keeps tripping, you likely have a bad thermostat or another faulty part that causes your water heater to overheat. It’s best to call a plumber for a closer look.
Is the Pilot Light On?
Got a gas water heater? Checking the pilot light should be one of your first troubleshooting steps.
Gas water heaters warm water by burning gas. To start the process, they rely on a small pilot light that stays on all the time. The usual ignition sequence can’t happen if the pilot light goes out.
The good news? There is a simple fix:
- Locate the control panel at the bottom of your water heater. It should have a light that blinks or changes color when the pilot light goes out (look for a sticker indicating what the different lights mean).
- You might also see the pilot light through a small opening at the bottom of the heater. If it’s dark in there, the pilot light has gone out.
- To get the pilot light back on, hold the gas control knob down while pressing the ignite button. It might take a few tries!
What if the pilot light doesn’t come back on? You probably need a new pilot and igniter assembly – it’s a cheap repair that your local Middle Tennessee plumber can complete. You should also call a water heater repairman if the pilot light keeps going out.
Troubleshooting a Faulty Heating Element with Airstream Services
Electric water heaters have a heating element. It works a little like a burner on an electric stove: It consumes electricity, gets hot, and transmits this heat to the water in the tank.
Sediments are a common culprit for heating elements going bad. Over the years, sediments carried by water can build up, form a thick coating around the heating element, and stop the heat from reaching the water.
In Middle Tennessee, especially around Nashville, moderate to hard water is pretty common due to limestone deposits in the Cumberland River. Sediment buildups are a likely explanation for a water heater not heating.
Things like cold water, noises coming from your tank, and breakers tripping often could indicate a bad heating element and call for an emergency water heater repair.
Sediment Buildups in the Tank
Speaking of sediments – they can also build up at the bottom of your water heater tank and form a hard layer.
Common signs include:
- No hot water.
- A sulfur-like odor in your hot water.
- Unusual noises coming from the tank.
- Cloudy water.
- Higher energy bills.
In bad cases, sediment buildup can damage the pressure relief valve and even cause the tank to crack. A water heater pro can inspect your tank and determine if sediments are building up.
You’ll likely need a new water heater if there is a bad buildup of sediment, and you can protect the new appliance with a water treatment solution.
Pro tip: Scheduling an annual water heater flush is the best way to prevent sediment buildups!
Water Heater Thermostat Problems
A thermostat controls the temperature inside your water heater tank. A bad temperature sensor means the thermostat is unable to trigger the heating element when the water inside the tank gets cold.
Check the thermostat, adjust the temperature if needed, and call a water heater repair service if the thermostat isn’t responding – it’s a simple and inexpensive fix!
Low Water Pressure
If you have a tankless water heater, low water pressure can prevent it from creating enough hot water.
Want some tankless water heater troubleshooting tips? Check for common causes of low water pressure:
- Is water pressure low in other areas of your home? It could indicate a leak or a clog.
- Make sure the main water shutoff valve is fully open.
- Inspect plumbing pipes for signs of leaks, rust, and damage.
- Call a plumber for a thorough inspection if you suspect a leak.
Is It Time for a New Water Heater?
Many of the common water heater issues listed above don’t usually require a new water heater—fixing or replacing the faulty part is usually enough.
However, you might need a new water heater if yours is getting close to the end of its lifespan or if the tank has serious signs of damage:
- Gas water heaters last 8 to 12 years on average.
- Electric models can last 10 to 15 years.
- Tankless water heaters last the longest, at up to 20 years.
The benefits of replacing your old water heater? You’ll save big on your energy bills. Modern water heaters use less energy, and you can opt for a model that matches your family’s needs more closely (Keeping an 80-gallon tank of water warm isn’t necessary if you have a small family).
You can also look into getting a tankless model. If you use under 41 gallons of hot water a day, a tankless water heater could be 24 to 34% more energy-efficient for you!
Emergency Water Heater Repair in Middle Tennessee
While these troubleshooting tips can help you diagnose common problems, it’s always best to call in a pro for a thorough inspection of your water heater.
The Airstream team is here to deliver water heater repair and installation services. With our expertise, top-quality workmanship and five-star service, we’ll get your water heater back to running smoothly in no time!
No hot water? Book your service today or call us at (866) 238-5432!
FAQ
Is no hot water a plumbing emergency?
Yes! Going without hot water is a major inconvenience. For your comfort and peace of mind, calling an emergency water heater repairman should be a priority.
How much does a new water heater cost?
You should expect to spend $800 to $2,000 on a new water heater, although the amount can vary depending on the model and capacity.
What causes a water heater to give you no hot water?
Common culprits include electrical problems, a bad heating element, and sediment buildup.
Who should you call if your water heater does not have hot water?
A local plumber or water heater repairman is your best bet. If you’re in Middle Tennessee, give Airstream a call at 866-238-54-31.
Can I fix my water heater myself, or should I call a professional?
While you can troubleshoot simple problems yourself, it’s best to have a professional inspect your water heater to diagnose and fix the problem properly.
