Common Causes of Water Heater Failure

For most homeowners, their water heaters are crucial for a comfortable and convenient life. So when it suddenly stops working, it can be worrisome and frustrating because many homeowners rely on it for bathing, doing laundry, washing dishes, and other household chores. While you can actually fix some water heater failure causes, others will require professional intervention.

Issues With Your Thermostat

Because your thermostat regulates the water temperature in your heater, if you set it too low or too high, it will affect your water temperature, and you may think that your unit is broken. Ensure your thermostat is set to the proper temperature to see if this fixes the problem.

Problems With The Circuit or Pilot Light

If your water heater has ceased to work completely, inspect the pilot light (if you have a gas heater) or the circuit breaker (if you have an electric heater). Try restarting the circuit breaker to see if this is the cause. Relight the pilot light if you own a gas heater. Call a professional that offers water heater services in PA if you can’t relight the pilot or it turns on and off.

Sediment Buildup

If you are hearing weird noises coming from your water heater, sediment buildup is the most likely culprit. When sediment accumulates in your heater tank, it will be difficult for the water to flow through the heating elements. Sediment accumulation can also result in unpleasant odors. Make sure to have your heater flushed at least once a year or more, depending on how hard your water is and whether you have a water softener.

Leaking

If you see leaks and your heater has stopped working, call your local plumber who offers water heater services in PA ASAP. Leaks can occur in various parts of your heater and may be caused by corrosion, rust, or condensation, so regularly inspect your unit for leaks.

Your Water Heater Tank is Too Small

A tank that’s too small for your household’s needs will underperform. It will not be able to generate sufficient hot water, use up hot water faster than expected, and must work harder than normal to meet your demands. Have a plumber evaluate your water heater system to prevent further issues down the line.

Issues With The Dip Tube

Dip tubes transport water to your tank for heating, which means an issue with the dip tube will significantly affect the heating mechanism of your heater. Water will not be sent to the bottom part of your tank if your dip tube is malfunctioning, meaning that it will not be heated. Call your local plumber for dip tube repair or replacement as soon as possible.

Need Water Heater Services in PA? Get In Touch With Us Now

Our team at Di Gravio Heating and Plumbing, Inc., offers water heater services in PA and can help you figure out why your water heater has ceased to function and determine the best way to fix it. Call our office at 610-565-5870 or complete our online contact form to arrange your consultation with our team today.