Hot water is a daily commodity, from showers to washing dishes and clothes. When your water heater suddenly stops working, it can be a frustrating and disruptive experience. However, before you reach for the phone to call a professional plumber, it's worth taking a few simple steps to troubleshoot the issue. Doing so may save you time, money, and the inconvenience of being without hot water.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the most common water heater problems and provide step-by-step instructions on troubleshooting and fixing them. Whether you're dealing with a lack of hot water, insufficient hot water, a noisy water heater, or a leak, we've got you covered. You can quickly and efficiently diagnose and fix your water heater issue with some knowledge and essential tools. So, before you call a professional, let's see if we can get your hot water back up and running quickly!

Troubleshooting Your Water Heater: 5
Simple Steps to Get Your Hot Water Back

Step 1: Check the Power Supply

The first step in troubleshooting your electric water heater is to ensure it receives power. If your water heater is not functioning, it may be due to a tripped circuit breaker. To check, locate the circuit breaker panel and look for any switches that may have been tripped to the "off" position. If you find a tripped breaker, switch it back to the "on" position.

It's important to note that if the breaker trips again after being reset, you should not attempt to reset it a second time. This could indicate a problem with the heating element in your water heater, which requires professional attention to repair. A tripped breaker could also indicate an issue with the electrical wiring or a short circuit, which can be dangerous and should be addressed by a licensed electrician.

Step 2: Check the Temperature Setting

If your hot water is too hot or not hot enough, the next step is to check the temperature setting on the thermostat. The thermostat controls the water temperature in your water heater and may need to be adjusted to achieve a comfortable temperature.

To check the temperature setting, locate the thermostat on your water heater. It is typically located near the top of the tank and is often marked with a temperature scale. Turn the thermostat dial down to a lower setting if the water temperature is too hot. Turn the dial to a higher setting if the water temperature is not hot enough.

Adjusting the temperature in small increments and testing the water temperature after each adjustment is essential. This will allow you to find the optimal temperature setting for your needs and avoid making the water too hot.

Step 3: Check the Pressure Relief Valve

A loud banging or rattling noise from your water heater could indicate an issue with the pressure relief valve. This valve is an important safety feature that helps prevent overpressure and damage to the water heater tank.

To check the pressure relief valve, locate it near the top of the tank and connect it to a discharge pipe. Once you have found the valve, lift the lever slightly. If water shoots out of the valve, it functions correctly and releases excess pressure from the tank. However, it may be stuck or malfunction if the water does not shoot out of the valve when you lift the lever. In this case, it will be necessary to replace the valve to ensure your water heater's safety and proper functioning.

It's important to remember that replacing a pressure relief valve should only be done by a licensed plumber or a qualified professional. Improper installation or handling of the valve can result in severe injury or damage to your water heater.

Step 4: Check the Water Supply

If you are experiencing a complete lack of hot water, the next step is to check the water supply to your water heater. The water supply to your water heater can be turned off for various reasons, such as maintenance or repairs, so it's essential to ensure it's turned back on before troubleshooting other issues.

Locate the shut-off valve near your water heater to check the water supply. This valve is usually found near the top of the tank or the main water supply line. Once you have located the valve, turn it on if it's off. If the valve is already on, make sure it's fully open.

It's also essential to ensure that the main water supply to your home is turned on. If the main water supply is off, you will not have any water flowing to your water heater, even if the shut-off valve is open.

Step 5: Check for Leaks

A leak could be a sign of a damaged tank or a loose connection, requiring professional repair attention. The first step in addressing a leak is to turn off the power supply to your water heater. This will prevent the heating element from functioning and minimize the risk of electrical shock. Next, shut off the water supply to your water heater to prevent further water damage.

It's important to address leaks as soon as they are discovered, as they can cause 

significant damage to your home and increase your utility costs. A professional plumber can diagnose the source of the leak and repair the damaged tank or loose connection, ensuring the safety and proper functioning of your water heater.

Following these simple troubleshooting steps, you can quickly diagnose and fix many common water heater problems. If the issue persists, it may be time to call a professional plumber to ensure your water heater is repaired correctly and safely.

Common Water Heater Problems: Easy Fixes for Homeowners

In addition to the general troubleshooting steps outlined above, there are several common water heater problems that homeowners can quickly diagnose and fix.

Here are some common water heater problems that homeowners may encounter:

• Lack of hot water
• Insufficient hot water
• Noisy operation
• Leaking water heater
• Rust-colored water
• Water temperature fluctuations
• Pilot light issues
• Thermostat problems
• Sediment buildup
• Corroded pipes or fittings
• Damaged heating element
• Clogged or dirty heating element
• Malfunctioning pressure relief valve
• Leaking temperature and pressure relief valve
• Incorrectly sized water heater

Contact Us Today!

Troubleshooting and maintaining your water heater can help ensure your home's reliable hot water supply. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can diagnose and fix common water heater problems before calling any professional help.

If you need help troubleshooting the issue with your water heater or are unsure about performing preventive maintenance steps, please call DrainGo Plumbing. We can diagnose and repair any problems with your water heater, ensuring proper operation and a safe hot water supply for your home.

Don't let water heater problems disrupt your daily life and comfort. Take the necessary steps to troubleshoot and maintain your water heater today, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a reliable hot water supply.