What To Do When You Find Your Water Heater Not Heating

Few things are as frustrating as a cold shower you didn’t plan to have. Is there no hot water coming from your property’s faucets? Finding a water heater not heating could indicate several issues, but all of these would need fixing before you will be able to get daily life back to normal.

In this post, Best Virginia Heating & Cooling’s quick guide on water heater troubleshooting lets you know just what to do about some of the most common water heater problems our team sees on the job. You can also contact us to schedule your water heater repair services in Barboursville, WV, whenever you need them.

Reasons Why Your Water Heater Isn’t Heating and What To Do About It

Before you can successfully fix your water heater, you need to figure out what is wrong with it. In the interests of safety, always contact a professional water heater technician to diagnose and fix any issues. In the meantime, consider these common reasons for a water heater not heating and how to fix each issue.

Damaged Heating Element or Gas Burner

The most likely reason for a water heater not heating is because the main heating unit is broken. Modern gas heaters have a gas burner unit. Electrical heaters have a metal or ceramic heating element. 

Over time, these components sustain damage and corrosion and, eventually, can no longer perform. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may have to replace the entire heating unit to regain a steady supply of hot water.

Leaking Water Tank

Older homes in Barboursville are most likely to have tank water heaters, which can leak due to sediment buildup over time. A leaking tank not only lowers the water temperature but also wastes money by increasing your water bill. 

A leaking water tank can also constitute a safety hazard. Could standing water near the base of the unit cause people to slip and fall? Your water heater may also be leaking from pipes and connectors due to corroded or damaged seals, so you’ll have to replace these damaged sections or the entire water tank. 

Pilot Light Issues

If you have an older gas furnace, the problem might be with your pilot light, a continual flame that the water heater uses to burn gas. If the pilot light goes out, your water heater won’t be able to heat anything. 

Normally, the pilot light should be a bluish-purple color. If it is instead brown or yellow, it means the flame is producing carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is incredibly dangerous, so you should evacuate the house immediately and get expert help.

Thermostat Failure

Your water heater has a thermostat inside it that detects the temperature and adjusts its performance until it reaches the target. If the thermostat fails or otherwise malfunctions, it might read the wrong temperature. If so, it will turn off before the water is hot enough. 

Typically, a water heater thermostat is stuck on the outside of the tank or main heating unit. Temperature fluctuations happen if it comes partly off the back of the tank or sustains damage.

Wrong Size Water Heater

One last possible reason for a water heater not heating is that it is the wrong size. As a general rule, your water heater should have a capacity of about 40 to 50 gallons per household member.

If the heater isn’t large enough, it will struggle to heat sufficient water for your use. A water heater that is too small also runs the risk of breakdowns due to the additional strain.

Can I Fix a Water Heater On My Own?

Generally, it’s best to leave water heater repairs to an expert – like Best Virginia Heating & Cooling. 

Water heaters have electrical and plumbing components, so it’s easy to make a mistake that has serious consequences for yourself, your home, or the unit. We recommend contacting an expert contractor when you need any water repair maintenance, repairs, or replacement.