When your water heater stops working, it can be a major inconvenience. Water heater problems can occur for many reasons, from a mechanical failure of the water heater to an outside influence. Here are the problems that can cause hot water failure.
No power or gas
If you notice a lack of hot water in your home, it means that your water heater is faulty and you should call a cheap plumber for professional repairs and to avoid future breakdowns. No one wants to take a shower without hot water.
If an electric water heater isn’t producing hot water, it could be a simple problem, like a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.
In addition, some electric water heaters have a circuit-type safety switch located near or on the thermostat. Other simple solutions include an unplugged or defective power cord for electric water heaters. For gas water heaters, it could be as simple as running out of gas.
Thermostat
Thermostat problems can often be difficult to diagnose. Thermostats are generally less prone to failure than heating elements. However, it is necessary to test the thermostat when your water heater stops working.
If the thermostat turns off in a one-element heater, there will be no hot water at all. Two-element water heaters sometimes have a thermostat for each element. The upper thermostat can serve two purposes. First, it can control the upper element in the upper part of the tank.
When the water in the upper part becomes hot, the thermostat cuts off power to the upper element and redirects the current to the lower element. If the lower thermostat turns off, the water heater will still produce a limited amount of hot water. However, if the upper thermostat turns off, there will be no more hot water.
The reset button, known as the upper limit switch, is designed to prevent water from going above 180 degrees Fahrenheit. If the high limit switch keeps popping out, it’s probably because your water is over 180 degrees, indicating a faulty thermostat.
Electronic ignition
The electronic gas ignition system has proven to be safe and reliable. It is currently used in many gas applications including water heaters, boilers, and hot water tanks. An electronic ignition system for gas water heaters uses a solid state circuit that controls the ignition and maintenance of the flame.
Electronic ignition systems do not use a thermopile or thermocouple to produce a flame, but a sensor to measure voltage. If the flame sensor is clogged, it can prevent the electronic control sensor from reading current.
Usually the sensor will start working again after cleaning. It is a good idea to request the intervention of a boiler change service to check the condition of the equipment and avoid more dangerous breakdowns.
Pressure and temperature limiting valve
The pressure and temperature limiting valve is a safety feature designed to relieve excess pressure if the water temperature inside the tank overheats. If this valve failed, the water heater could explode with the power of a small rocket-like bomb, which could cause property damage or death.
If the pressure and temperature limiting valve leaks, it should be replaced as soon as possible. It is important to note that the pressure and temperature limiting valve should never be capped, as this will raise the pressure to dangerous levels.
Due to this potential danger, the pressure and temperature limiting valve and the water heater should be tested annually to confirm that they are functioning properly.