Tankless vs. Tank Water Heaters: Whatโ€™s the Difference?

Steps to Take if Your Hot Water Heater Stops Working

Nothing can make your day go downhill quicker than stepping into an ice-cold shower first thing in the morning. Whenever your hot water heater stops working suddenly, it’s not just inconvenient โ€” it’s downright frustrating. Keeping a few tips in mind can help you determine why your hot water isn’t working.

Here’s a quick guide on what to do when your hot water system stops working.

1. Check the Power Supply

The first step is to check the power supply of your water heater. If it’s an electric model, make sure that it’s plugged in securely and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If you have a gas heater, make sure the gas supply hasn’t been inadvertently turned off.

2. Inspect the Thermostat

The thermostat controls the temperature of the water in your heater. If it’s set too low or malfunctioning, it may result in cold water. Typically, a setting between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit provides hot water comfortably.

3. Look for a Sediment Buildup

Over time, minerals in the water can build up, causing it to lose efficiency and potentially lead to damage. If it makes a rumbling or banging sound, it could indicate too much sediment buildup in the tank. In this case, flushing the tank may solve the problem.

4. Heating Element Failure

If the heating element is not functioning correctly, it may not be able to heat the water. A faulty heating element may need to be replaced to restore the water heaterโ€™s functionality.

5. Gas Supply Issues

If your water heater runs on gas, check the gas supply to ensure that itโ€™s not interrupted. If the gas supply is intact, the gas valve on the water heater may be faulty and require replacement.

6. Look for Leaks

A leak in your water heater can lead to a loss of hot water. Look for puddles of water around your heater or dampness on the heater itself. If you find a leak, call a professional plumber as soon as possible.

7. Evaluate the Water Heater Tank

If your water heater is an older model, the problem might be sediment buildup in the tank. Over time, minerals present in the water can settle near the bottom of the tank, reducing its heating efficiency. In such cases, you may need a plumber to flush the tank.

8. Seek Professional Help

If you’ve completed the above steps and still don’t have hot water, it’s time to call the professionals. They have the experience and tools to diagnose and repair a variety of water heater issues.

You Can Rely on Us

At Top Notch Heating and Plumbing, we have decades of experience in repairing water heaters. We also specialize in a variety of plumbing services including drain cleaning, sump pumps, heating services, and more for customers in the Teton, Victor, Teton, and Snake River valleys.

If your water heater stops working unexpectedly, itโ€™s important to troubleshoot the issue quickly to restore hot water to your home. Give Top Notch Heating and Plumbing a call at 833.638.4888 or contact us online for prompt, reliable services!

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