No hot water? It’s a water heater problem!
You’re just about to draw a nice hot bath when you notice that there’s no hot water! It’s an aggravating problem for those of us who are so used to having hot water that we take it for granted. But where there’s a problem, there’s a solution. And in this case, the solution resides in the hot water heater.
The most common water heater problems
The lack of hot water in your home may be the result of various technical or electrical problems. Unfortunately, despite the fact that your hard-working hot water heater serves you faithfully, it isn’t infallible!
Whether you have an electric or gas water heater, here are a few potential solutions to the most common problems.
Pas une goutte d’eau chaude?
If your water is icy and you have a gas water heater, check to see if the pilot light has gone out. You may have to clean the burner or even replace the thermocouple, if necessary. If your water heater is electric, make sure that the thermostat isn’t broken. If it is, you’ll need to call a plumber to replace it..
You only have a little bit of hot water
If your water is hot, but there isn’t enough of it, you can check several different things. Generally, you can attribute a reduced quantity of hot water to the following:
- Excessive use of hot water—if you have a large family and you have to fight over the hot water, perhaps there simply isn’t enough to go around!
- A leak in the plumbing system—check all of the faucets in the bathrooms and kitchen.
- Improper thermostat setting—the temperature should be set above 49° C (120° F).
- Dirty equipment—if you have a gas water heater, the burner may be obstructed and due for a good cleaning.
- A broken heating element—if you have an electric water heater, you may need to replace the heating element.
No hot water: other possible causes
Various other things that can cause your water heater to malfunction (and diminish your quality of life!) include the following:
- Electrical problems—the voltage may be too high, the wires may not be firmly connected or there may be a short circuit somewhere.
- Fuses that often burn out—there may be rusted contacts, the wires may not be firmly connected or the power supply wiring may be insufficient for your needs.
- A dripping discharge valve—if the valve is simply open, you can shut if off yourself. However, if it’s broken, you’ll need to call an expert.
- A dripping pressure relief valve—there are several things you’ll need to inspect carefully. If it’s leaking, it may be improperly attached or broken, the thermostat may be deficient, there may be excessive water pressure or there may be thermal expansion in the water system.
Regain your usual comfort with the help of our qualified plumbers!
Are you experiencing problems with your water heater? Call on the experts at Plomberie Roger Chayer to perform the necessary maintenance and repairs on your plumbing system! Contact us for a free estimate!
