Why Your Water Heater Isn’t Producing Hot Water: Troubleshooting Tips
It’s annoying to open the faucet and only get a trickle of lukewarm water. Well, there can be several reasons for a water heater not to produce warm water as it should. But, the most frequent causes of improper water heater heating are –
- A defective heating element.
- A malfunctioning thermostat.
- A tripped circuit breaker.
- A blocked pipe.
You can try flushing the tank, checking the breaker, and resetting the thermostat – these help to ensure your water heater is producing hot water.
Also, in this blog, we’ll go over how to identify and fix a water heater that isn’t producing water. We have also discussed how to inspect the heating system and power supply. So, before you call a water heater repair service, you can attempt a few DIY solutions to check why your water heater isn’t producing hot water.
Here are 5 water heater troubleshooting tips to ensure your unit is producing hot water consistently –
Check The Water Heater’s Power Supply
When the power supply is malfunctioning – it might give you ice-cold water. It might be possible that you have a tripped circuit breaker or some issue with the power connections. They are easy to troubleshoot – and you can do it on your own without calling a professional, and here’s how –
#1: Check The Circuit Breaker
Breakers usually trip due to an overload or power surge – which causes the water heater to lose power. Find the circuit breaker panel for the water heater and turn it back on if it has tripped. If the issue persists, it is advisable to call a professional electrician.
#2: Check the Power Connections
If the circuit breaker is fine and working well – check the water heater’s power connections. All you need to do is –
- Switch off the water heater’s electricity at the circuit breaker.
- Take off the water heater’s front access panel to check the connections and wiring.
- Verify that the cables are firmly attached and look for any loose or disconnected ones.
- Check the conduit or power cord that joins the water heater to the electrical source and check for any exposed insulation or frayed wires for indications of damage.
Electric appliances are risky to handle if you don’t know how to handle them. To safely manage these issues, get in touch with a qualified and licensed electrician.
Check The Heating Components
Check the heating elements when you are looking for faults in the water heater. Your unit could not have enough hot water if these components aren’t working correctly. This is because these components are in charge of heating the water in your tank.
Here’s how you can do it –
#1: Check The Lower And Upper Components
You need a multimeter to test the upper and lower elements. To check the components –
- Switch off the water heater’s electricity.
- Take off the tank’s side access panel, where you can find the heating elements. Once you find them – check their resistance with the multimeter.
You will find a reading of ZERO if the component is defective. Also, infinite resistance can indicate the same. Once you find the issue, you can proceed with troubleshooting.
#2: Replace Any Problematic Components
Once you find what is wrong with the lower and upper components – it is advisable to replace them immediately. This is because faulty heating components can result in increasing energy costs and the production of less hot water.
To replace them, the first thing you must take care of is – you must empty the tank and take out the old elements before replacing the ones. Also, read the manufacturer’s instructions before conducting the replacement.
As safety should always be prioritized – be sure to get in touch with an expert water heater installation service if you are unsure about doing it yourself.
Check The Thermostats
Check the thermostats – because when they don’t function properly and cannot control the water temperature, you might not get hot water. Here’s how you can troubleshoot your thermostat –
#1: Reset Your Thermostat
Try resetting the thermostat if you think it might be the cause of your lack of hot water. You will find a reset button on the thermostat panel of your water heater. Press and hold for a few seconds, and then let go. Check if you are getting hot water – and if not, it’s time to call a professional – as it might indicate a serious issue.
#2: Test Your Thermostats
You can execute a quick test to see if the thermostats are operating properly if resetting them doesn’t fix the issue. First, switch off the water heater’s electricity. The thermostats can then be seen by removing the access panel.
Note: Check the voltage at the thermostat terminals with a multimeter. A malfunctioning thermostat that requires replacement may be indicated if there is no voltage.
While testing, if you find any broken parts – it’s time to replace them. You can find thermostats online or at your neighborhood hardware store. It’s advisable to call a professional and qualified plumber to make sure the work is done correctly.
Pro Tip: Ensure that the thermostats you buy are compatible with the model of your water heater.
Clear The Tank Of Sediment
One of the major reasons why your water heater is not producing enough hot water is – sediment accumulation in the tank. When minerals and debris build-up at the tank’s bottom, it decreases the tank’s effectiveness and capacity to heat the water.
Here’s how you can clean the tank –
#1: Turn Off The Electricity
Turning off the water heater’s power is important before you start. You can do this by flipping the electrical panel’s breaker switch. But, it is also advisable to turn off the gas supply if your water heater runs on gas.
#2: Find The Drain Valve
Next, find the water heater’s drain valve. It is found close to the tank’s bottom – which looks like a tiny spigot. Connect a hose to the valve to divert the water from the tank and into a bucket or drain.
#3: Empty The Tank
Now, to empty the tank – prepare the drain valve and open it. The water could be hot, so proceed with caution. Let the water flow until it runs clear – which could take several minutes.
#4: Refill The Tank And Close The Valve
After the drain has been emptied – close the drain valve and take out the hose if you used one. Let the tank fill up, and you can restart the gas or power supply once the tank is full.
Note: Emptying tank helps improve the production of hot water. However, it might take some time for the water to warm up again. This also increases your water heater’s lifespan – if you do it consistently once a year.
Look For Blocked Valves And Pipes
Sometimes blocked pipes and valves are also the cause of less to no production of hot water. Frequently, silt or debris can build up in the shutoff valves, faucet aerators, or supply lines, disrupting the flow of hot water.
Experts have done this, so seek assistance from the water heater repair service. They might be able to get your water heater operating normally again by checking for and clearing these possible clogs.
Here’s how it’s done –
#1: Examine The Supply Lines
Check the supply lines that link your water heater to the other plumbing components. Your faucets, showers, and appliances depend on these lines to transport hot water from the heater.
When minerals and debris build up in the pipes, they obstruct the flow of hot water. So, switch off the water heater and unplug the supply lines to examine them. These might not be visible – so use a flashlight.
Note: Before reconnecting the lines, make sure they are completely clean of any impediments.
#2: Clean Faucet Aerators
Faucet aerators are small mechanisms. They are found at the tips of your household faucets. They create a steady and even flow by controlling the water’s flow and combining air with the water stream. But when there is a buildup, it impacts the flow of hot water.
Here’s how you can clean them –
-
- Remove the aerators from the faucet.
- Soak them in vinegar for a whole night to clean them.
- After cleaning, test the hot water flow and replace the aerators.
#3: Check The Shutdown Valves
Check your shutoff valves – it help regulate the water flow to and from your water heater. You can find them close to the heater. There may not be enough hot water if these valves are closed all the way. So, check if the shutdown valves are fully open.
If not, then simply rotate them counterclockwise to open them fully if you see that they are only partially closed.
Think About Changing The Anode Rod
When an anode rod wears out, it can lead to the production of no hot water. It is the important part of your water heater – which draws minerals and other pollutants into the water to help stop corrosion. Also, anode rod depletion and inefficiency can cause corrosion and decreased heating efficiency.
If it is the cause – think about replacing it. You can search for “water heater repair services near me” to get in touch with the best local plumbers in your area. Replacing anode rods can also increase the lifespan and performance of your water heater.
If you are wondering how anode rod is replaced, so here’s a simple process for you –
#1: Cut Off The Power And Water Supply
Cut off the water heater’s power supply before replacing the anode rod. This will stop any electrical accidents. Also, turn off the water heater supply to prevent leaks or flooding.
#2: Empty The tank
Empty the tank after turning off the electricity and water supply. Connect a garden hose to the tank’s bottom drain valve and point the other end toward a proper drainage location. Let the water run out fully.
#3: Find The Anode Rod And Take It Out
You will usually find the anode rod on top of the water heater tank. It could be on its port or connected to the hot water exit. Use a socket wrench or other instruments to loosen and remove the anode rod.
#4: Put The New Anode Rod In Place
After removing the old anode rods, attach the new ones. Wrap the plumber’s tape around the anode rod’s threads and Tighten the new anode rod firmly after inserting it into the assigned port.
#5: Test And Refill
Refill the tank by closing the drain valve and turning on the water supply after the new anode rod has been installed. Turn on the water heater’s power supply after the tank is full, then watch for it to warm up. Make sure the water heater is operating correctly and look for any leaks or problems.
Note: Remember that you are always advised to get help from a qualified water heater service if you are not sure how to replace the anode rod yourself.
Takeaway
If your water heater isn’t producing enough hot water, you can probably fix it yourself with a little basic troubleshooting. Prior to examining the thermostats, clearing the silt from the tank, and looking for obstructions, begin by checking the heating elements and power supply.
Usually, heating elements and thermostat replacements are simple, do-it-yourself projects. But, if the issue is something more, and you have tried all your DIY fixes – then it is time to hire a professional service. They can diagnose problems that you are unable to identify on your own by using special equipment and testing procedures.
No Hot Water Supply At Home? Contact Heald Mechanicals For Quick Fixes!
If you are looking for the best water heater repair service in Fair Oaks, Heald Mechanical is your go-to choice. We fix your issues related to the water heater – be it inconsistent flow, no hot water, or anything that disrupts your daily life.
We have also been testing and evaluating several types of heaters for homes and businesses for more than a decade. In addition to fixing your water heater, we also help you find the ideal heater to fit your demands and budget, which is something we are enthusiastic about.
Moreover, we also offer water heater installation service in Fair Oaks – so that you don’t have to wander all over the internet, wasting your time. Get your water heater fixed with Heald Mechanical’s expert plumbers.
