There’s nothing worse than stepping into a shower expecting warm water, only to be hit with an icy blast. If your water heater isn’t doing its job, don’t panic—there are a few things you can check before calling in a professional for water heater repair in Lacey, WA. Here’s a simple guide to troubleshooting a water heater that won’t heat.
1. Check the Power Source
First things first—make sure your water heater is getting power. If you have an electric water heater, check your circuit breaker box to see if the breaker has tripped. If it has, reset it and see if that solves the problem. For gas water heaters, verify that the gas supply is turned on. If the pilot light has gone out, you might also want to relight it. If you’re not comfortable doing this, it’s best to call us for help.
2. Adjust the Thermostat
Sometimes, the fix is as simple as adjusting the thermostat. If the temperature is set too low, the water won’t get hot enough. The ideal setting for most water heaters is around 120°F. If yours is set lower, try turning it up and waiting an hour to see if it makes a difference.
3. Flush Out Sediment Buildup
Flushing a water heater is a crucial maintenance task that a professional plumber should perform to ensure the system’s efficiency, longevity, and safety. Over time, sediment, minerals, and debris accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing heating efficiency and potentially causing damage to internal components. We have the expertise and tools to thoroughly flush out these deposits, preventing issues such as reduced hot water supply, strange noises, or even premature failure of the unit.
Regular flushing also helps maintain water quality by reducing the risk of rust and bacterial growth inside the tank. By entrusting this task to our team, homeowners can ensure proper execution, avoid costly repairs, and extend the lifespan of their water heater, ultimately saving money and maintaining a reliable hot water supply.
4. Inspect the Heating Elements
If you have an electric water heater and you’re still not getting hot water, the heating elements may have failed. Most electric models have two heating elements—one at the top and one at the bottom. If one burns out, your water heater won’t be able to heat properly. We can assess your water heater to check if this is the issue.
5. Faulty Gas Valve or Burner
For gas water heaters, a malfunctioning gas valve or burner can prevent proper heating. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, or you notice the burner isn’t igniting, you may need to get it working again. A professional plumber can assess the issue and replace faulty components.
6. Call a Professional
If you’ve gone through these troubleshooting steps and your water heater still isn’t heating, it’s time to bring in our experts. Whether the problem is a failed thermostat, a broken heating element, or a more serious issue, a professional can diagnose and fix it quickly.
For a professional plumber in Lacey, WA, contact Brooks Plumbing Co. today!
