If your water heater isn’t working, it can be a major inconvenience. Not only will you not have hot water to shower with, but you may also find yourself unable to do dishes, laundry, or any other essential household chores or maintenance. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common reasons why a water heater breaks down, as well as whether or not it is possible to fix it yourself. We will also provide information on professional companies providing emergency water heater replacement Orange County.
Emergency Water Heater Replacement Orange County
Most Common Reasons Your Water Heater Isn't Working
Water heaters can easily become a fixture in our household we take for granted—that is, until we desperately want hot, on-demand water and all we’re getting out of the tap is icy to tepid water at best. There are a number of factors that can affect your water heater’s efficacy, including improper installation—but sometimes, even with the best professional water heater installation company, problems simply end up occurring over time, for one reason or another. Here are some of the most common reasons why your water heater may go on the fritz:
1. Thermostat problems: If your hot water tank stops working, one of the first things you should check is the efficacy of the thermostat. There are actually two thermostats on most water heaters—and if the top one malfunctions, you are likely to have no hot water at all. Lower thermostat issues will still produce a small amount of hot water, but nothing like your water heater’s peak efficiency. If the thermometer is broken, it’s likely you will need to replace it.
2. Pilot light goes out: Tasked with heating the thermocouple or thermopile, creating an electrical current that keeps the gas valve open, the pilot light plays an essential role in keeping your water heater operational. If it happens to go out, the gas valve will shut and the warming reaction will fail to occur. Checking on your pilot light is one of the fastest and easiest ways you can check you water heater.
3. No power source: If your water heater cannot access its primary power source due to a tripped circuit breaker or fuse, not being properly plugged in, or even being out of gas, of course it is not going to work. Always check its source of fuel or power when assessing the situation, as this might save you the expense and hassle of calling your local plumber.
4. Dirty flame sensor for electronic ignition methods: When using a gas electronic ignition system, part of the heater’s design includes a flame sensor that plays a part in translating the electrical current to the electronic control sensor. If this flame sensor becomes gummed up or clogged in any way, it can prevent these vital messages from being passed, resulting in an overall malfunction. This can usually be solved by cleaning the sensor.
5. Leaking and associated problems: If any of the hardware on your water heater is loose—or even if you have a bad gasket somewhere, you may experience unwanted leaking. This is an example of a problem that is not easily fixed by the average homeowner, and it may be prudent to call in a professional who can easily rectify the problem for you!
6. Malfunctioning Temperature and Pressure-Relief valve (TPR): Designed to release extra pressure should the internal temperature of your heater climb too high, this critical valve plays a crucial role in not only keeping your water heater running but also in keeping it safe. In fact, if this were to malfunction, your tank could possibly explode, causing property damage or even death. It’s important to regularly check your TPR valve for signs of leaking and other damage.
7. Dropped water pressure: Also typically caused by the TPR valve, drops in water pressure can occur as the result of a buildup of temperatures, or pressure, or both, within the tank itself. This can cause the TPR valve to leak—though this can sometimes be mitigated by installing a nearby expansion tank. Again, this is one job that is often better left to the pros.
Can You Fix a Malfunctioning Water Heater Yourself?
If you have the tools to repair your water heater on your own and are intimately familiar with how to source, diagnose, and effectively treat the problem so it does not happen again, absolutely feel free to repair your water heater yourself! However, it’s important to keep in mind that a partial job or an unsustainable fix means the problem will resurface down the road, and may even exacerbate the original problem. If you have any doubts about diagnosing your broken water heater or how to go about fixing it, you can always call up a reliable plumber and get their professional opinion on the matter as well as a no-obligation quote!
What If My Water Heater Needs to Be Fixed ASAP?
If we’ve been waiting months for a book release party to roll around and you need to look your best for the meet and greet and book signing, job interview, date, whatever it may be—it may help you feel your best to take a shower. At the very least, we need hot water to help make our homes more hygienic, as they are crucial for many household maintenance functions. Sometimes you don’t have time to wait for a plumber who’s booked out for the next few days, works limited hours, or doesn’t visit on weekends. For those of us who want our lives back on track ASAP, it may be prudent to call services for emergency water heater replacement; Orange County is just one popular area where 24/7 plumbing services are in high demand. Experienced plumbers like Rooter John will make the process as transparent, easy, and painless as possible, getting you the relief you need as efficiently as can be.
Rooter John Emergency Water Heater Replacement, Orange County
In the modern age in fortunate, developed nations, it’s hard to imagine being without basic creature comforts like the hot water that makes us feel human, safe, clean, and comfortable. When a water heater goes on the fritz, life often won’t wait for you to dabble around and experiment with solving the problem yourself or even to make a deal with next week’s plumber. If you’re looking for the best 24/7 emergency water heater replacement, Orange County specialists at Rooter John are as thorough as they are efficient—but don’t take our word for it!
Check out our satisfied customer reviews, or call us today to speak with a representative for a free estimate!