A hot water heater has an average lifespan of between eight and twelve years. Individual high-end units are expected to live longer. During this lifespan, many things can go wrong and require repair.
One common problem homeowners face is a hot water heater not heating. What can cause your unit to stop producing hot water for your dishes and shower?
Numerous issues could cause this, but some are much more common than others. Continue reading to learn three of the most common reasons your hot water heater isn’t heating anymore.
1. Tripped Circuit Breaker
Both electric and gas hot water heaters could cause your circuit breaker to trip. Check your breaker box by locating the switch for your water heater. If it’s been tripped, flip it off and back on.
If this problem happens only once, it could simply be a fluke. If it happens more than once, something is probably wrong with either your hot water heater itself or your home’s wiring.
A recurring tripped breaker isn’t something you should try to fix on your own because electricity is dangerous. A mistake could cause injury or even be lethal. Avoid these mistakes and more by calling a plumber or, if they find no issues, an electrician.
2. Heating Elements Have Failed
If you have an electric hot water heater, the heating elements may have failed. This will cause your heater to produce no hot water. If the heating elements no longer work, they generally require replacement.
Some homeowners can replace these elements on their own. However, if you don’t have extensive handyman experience, it’s highly recommended you have a professional do it for you. You don’t want to accidentally break your unit further.
3. Broken Thermocouple
If you have a gas hot water heater, you may be facing a broken thermocouple. A thermocouple is a piece that senses when the pilot light is on and ignites the gas. When gas is ignited, the water can begin heating up.
If the thermocouple isn’t working correctly, it doesn’t sense the pilot light or ignite the gas. The part may need to be replaced. Sometimes, the thermocouple will only need a thorough cleaning.
Some homeowners will feel confident replacing or cleaning a thermocouple themselves. However, most people will want to call a plumber who works on hot water heaters to do it for them. It’s always better to have a professional do the work if you don’t feel confident in your ability to do so.
Do You Have More Questions About a Hot Water Heater Not Heating?
There are many reasons why hot water heaters may not be heating the way they should. The three reasons listed above are among the most common reasons your unit isn’t producing hot water.
Is your hot water heater not heating? Do you have more questions about how to fix it?
Check out our other blog posts. You’ll find many posts on related topics to help you dive further into the subject.