It happens to everyone: One morning you step into the shower only to find the water is freezing cold. If your home has lost hot water, the first step is to check the water heater's pilot light.
How To Check The Pilot Light On A Water Heater
- Go to your water heater and check to see if the pilot light is lit.
- If your uncertain if it's lit, check for a blue flame.
- If it’s out, follow the relighting instructions written on the water heater.
- Often, when a water heater won’t reignite, there’s a problem with the thermocouple. This will require getting a replacement part from the manufacturer and having it professionally installed.
Other Possible Causes
An extinguished pilot light or faulty thermocouple aren’t the only reason behind your lack of hot water. There are other possible causes that a plumber can identify and provide a resolution for.
Why Don't I Have Hot Water?
- The thermostat for the water heater could be faulty
- For electric water heaters, the circuit breaker may have tripped
- The water heater is older and the heating components are giving out
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
The typical lifespan of a water heater is 7 to 10 years, so depending on your water heater’s age, it may be time for a replacement. This would almost certainly be the case if the homeowner neglected to flush out the water heater. These appliances need to be flushed out during the first few years of operation to prevent sedimentary buildup from accumulating inside the tank, which can also contribute to a loss of hot water.
How To Check A Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are more complicated, but they are also easier to troubleshoot. Many will display an error code when there’s a problem. The homeowner or plumber can then look up the code on the manufacturer’s website and identify the source of the problem. We can then find out if there’s a component misfiring or if the system needs to be flushed out. Because of their complexity, if your tankless water heater stops operating you should contact a plumbing professional as soon as possible
If you are still experiencing a lack of hot water or are in need of a repair, contact Oro Pro Plumbing, Inc. today.
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