If your water heater isn’t working, it can be a huge inconvenience. No warm showers, no hot water for dishes or laundry. If you’re experiencing this issue, there are a few things that you can do to try and repair it yourself before calling a professional. In this blog post, we will discuss a few common reasons why your water heater might not be working properly.
Check the power source
The first thing that you should do is check the power source. If you have an electric water heater, make sure that the water heater is plugged into an outlet, that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped, and that you haven’t blown a fuse. If you have a gas powered water heater, the issue may just be that you have run out of gas.
The pilot light could be out
If your water heater runs on gas and it’s not making hot water, then the pilot light might be out. You can follow these steps to relight it:
- Find the pilot light opening on the water heater. This is usually located near the bottom of the unit.
- Remove any debris that might be blocking the opening.
- Look for the red button near the pilot light opening. This is the reset button.
- Push and hold the reset button while you use a long match or lighter to relight the pilot light.
- Once the pilot light is lit, release the reset button and turn on the gas valve.
Thermostat Issues
If you’re not getting enough hot water, or none at all, the thermostat could be the problem. It may seem like too simple of a fix, but go ahead and check to see if the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and the water heater still isn’t working, the thermostat itself may need to be replaced. Some water heaters employ the use of two thermostats, one for the upper compartment of the heater, and one for the lower. If you still have it, look in the user manual to see what type of water heater you have and if it has two thermostats, or one. If you don’t have the manual, you can always google the water heater’s model number which should be visible somewhere on the unit.
Pressure relief valve
The majority of water heaters have a safety component called the pressure relief valve. This component is designed to relieve pressure from the tank if it becomes too high, without it, the water heater could become something akin to a small rocket, and could explode in your home — bad news. If you spot any leaking in or around this valve, or even suspect that this could be the issue, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. This is a job that may be better left in the hands of a professional, as they will be able to verify the valve’s functionality with a test, and safely replace the valve if it has gone bad.
Water Heater Repair Services — Bucks County Fuel
Most Affordable Water Heater Repair in Bucks County, PA
If you have any uncertainty when it comes to fixing your water heater, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professionals at Bucks County Fuel. We offer the best rates in the area and unmatched professionalism, with over 10 years spent helping the residents of southeastern PA.
