Having no hot water when you need it is frustrating, and pinpointing the root of the problem can be a hassle. Fortunately, not every issue requires professional help — several problems only rely on a DIY fix. Hot water is crucial for completing daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing, so familiarizing yourself with the potential causes of an improperly working water heater is vital to ensuring you can get your unit back up and working in no time.
Below, we look into some common reasons your water heater isn’t working as it should be, how to resolve the issue yourself, and when to call on a professional.
Reasons Your Water Heater Isn’t Working
To fix issues with your water heater, you need to know just what potential causes to look out for. Some reasons you may have no hot water and ways to resolve the issue, include:
The Pilot Light Is Out in Your Gas Water Heater
The pilot light is a small flame that ignites water heaters. When the water dips below the thermostat’s level, the pilot light ignites the natural gas used to power the unit, heating the element at the unit’s base, which then heats the water in the tank.
If there is an issue with the pilot light, the water in the tank cannot be heated. Ensure the pilot light is not clogged or worn down. If so, it’s time to replace it. If there is an issue with the thermocouple, gas line, or gas valve, contact an Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning technician for a professional inspection and repair or replacement when needed.
Frozen or Burst Gas Line Pipes
Gas line pipes that freeze or burst must be addressed ASAP. If this occurs, your water heater won’t receive the fuel it needs for operation. This constitutes an emergency, so immediately turn off the power to your unit, evacuate your home, and call Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning for prompt, reliable gas line services.
Your Electric Water Heater Flipped a Breaker
If you rely on an electric water heater for hot water, your unit might have flipped a breaker. This can occur from a malfunctioning thermostat, a burnt heating element, bad wiring, and more. Try fixing the issue by flipping the switch on and off to reset the breaker. If this doesn’t solve the problem, contact a professional for expertise.
Choose Isaac for Water Heater Repair
Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning was founded in 1945, and our family-owned and -operated company is dedicated to providing our community with top-notch water heater repair services. Our team features licensed, certified, and background-checked technicians ready to take on whatever you need. We offer upfront pricing, free estimates on replacement quotes, and financing options to make the process seamless and stress-free.
Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning covers our clients in Buffalo and the surrounding areas with dependable water heater services — call (585) 546-1400 to schedule a service.