8 Reasons Your Water Heater Stopped Working

Few things are as annoying as turning on your faucets only to get cold water. A broken water heater is frustrating, but it might not be immediately obvious why your water heater stopped working. Today, the Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling team is here to talk about the most common water heater problems. 

Contact Boiling Springs’ professional heating maintenance team today for top-notch service!

1. Bad Heating Element

A bad heating element is the most common reason for a failing water heater. Heating elements consist of metal or ceramic and heat by electrical current to produce hot water. Sometimes, heating elements can crack and won’t heat properly anymore. Testing its resistance with a multimeter allows you to tell if you have a bad heating element. 

2. Faulty Pressure Valve

Water heaters produce large amounts of pressure when they heat water and need a way to vent it without damaging the tank. Pressure valves control the release of pressure to ensure it doesn’t get too high. If the pressure valve is faulty and doesn’t respond properly, the high pressure can cause the water heater to shut off and stop working. 

3. Rust in the Tank

Since water heater tanks and elements often consist of metals, they can suffer from corrosion and rust. Rust and corrosion cause water to become discolored while sediment builds up on the heating element, making it less effective at heating water. 

4. Improper Heater Size

Alternatively, your water heater might be the incorrect size for your home. Water heaters that are too small cannot keep up with your household’s water demand, leading to faulty performance. A general rule of thumb for tank water heaters is that a household with two to four inhabitants needs a tank with a capacity between 35 and 45 gallons. 

5. Damaged Gas Burner

If your gas water heater isn’t working like it used to, it might be due to a damaged gas burner. The gas burner emits the right amount of gas to get the desired water temperature. It might not produce enough heat to raise the water temperature to set levels if broken. Barring a gas burner problem, there might be a leak in your gas lines. 

Call an expert for water heater repair if you suspect a gas leak. Gas leaks are dangerous to your health and could pose a major fire hazard, so you’ll need a qualified professional to patch any leaks and ensure gas levels are within the correct range. 

6. Tank Leaks

A leak is one of the most common reasons your water heater has stopped working. Water heaters might produce a little condensation while in operation, but they shouldn’t create enough water to collect on the floor. If you notice water spots around the water heater, they are coming from either a broken valve or a leak in the water tank itself. If you think you may have a leak in your heater, turn off the power and the water supply and drain the tank before inspecting further. 

7. Faulty Thermostat Control

Your water heater has a thermostat that controls the temperature of the water. The thermostat might be set at a non-ideal level or could be broken. Depending on what is wrong with the control unit, you must repair or replace it. You will need an expert to install a new thermostat control. 

8. Wear & Tear

Sometimes, the problem isn’t due to any specific mechanical failure but general wear and tear from age. The average water heater lasts about 15 to 25 years, depending on whether you have a tank or tankless water heater. Electric water heaters typically last longer than gas water heaters, though electric heaters need more maintenance. 

How To Avoid Water Heater Breakdowns

Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule is the best way to avoid water heater breakdowns. We recommend you get professional service for your water heater at least once every 12 months. Water heater maintenance will involve the following:

•  Flushing the tank
•  Cleaning heating elements
•  Inspecting the tank for leaks
•  Replacing the anode rod
•  Changing the filters
•  Checking the pipe insulation
•  Testing the control thermostat
•  Inspecting the gas burner
•  Testing the wiring and electrical connections

Heating & Cooling Services in Boiling Springs

If your water heater keeps turning off or stops working entirely, contact Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling online or reach out to us at (864) 689-2303 today to schedule an appointment!