One way to know that your water heater is not working as it should is if you're experiencing inconsistent water temperatures. Inconsistent water temperature could signal an issue with the thermostat, but it could also point toward a problem with the heating element, which is a bigger issue to address.
The pilot light on most water heaters can be found at the base of the unit just under the gas control valve. Open the access door or panel to the burner chamber and take a look inside. You should be able to see the pilot light tube. If there's a steady blue flame, your pilot light is operational.
The pilot light orifice or tube can become clogged or worn out over time and may need replacement if the pilot light will not ignite or if it frequently goes out. A faulty or loose thermocouple, air in the gas line, or a defective gas valve may also be the source of the problem.
If you have an electric hot water system, check the fuse box marked with hot water to make sure that it's functioning properly. Check also that the power cord of the hot water heaters is plugged in correctly and the PowerPoint is turned on.
Depending on where the water heater is located, leaking and pooling water could do some severe harm to floors, walls, furniture, and belongings. If a water heater bursts, you could be looking at 50 gallons of water in your basement, laundry room, or garage. Regular maintenance can help avoid catastrophic failure.
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
The Pilot Light Is on But No Hot Water
Luckily, it's usually an easy fix: Just ensure the unit's gas valve is turned all the way on. (No need to touch the gas knob that controls the pilot light itself, since the pilot is working.) If this doesn't fix the issue, your unit may have a faulty thermocouple.
Sediment Build-Up
As water collects inside your hot water heater to be heated, it's common for debris in the water—like sand, dirt, and minerals—to settle at the bottom of the tank. As the particles collect on the bottom of the tank, the water heater can't effectively heat your water, resulting in lukewarm water only.
Although noise is relatively normal for most water heaters, it's a sign that something is reducing the volume at the bottom of the water heater's tank and needs to be addressed before it turns into something major, like leaks.
Because of its heavy workload, it is important to keep an eye (or ear) on how the water heater is functioning. While it is not uncommon for a water heater to make noise, sounds such as humming, knocking, screeching, or tapping should be addressed to rule out the need for repairs or replacement parts.
The pilot light is commonly seen in water heaters, fireplaces, and older or low-cost furnaces. Your unit's pilot light is always burning when the unit is on. If the pilot light goes out, the gas will stop flowing and your unit will shut off.
The common problem with instantaneous systems can have several causes. Some of these include a faulty gas meter diaphragm, a faulty showerhead, and low hot water pressures. Furthermore, there may be an inadequate gas input to the hot water system. This can result from an under-sized gas bottle.
Extremely High Water Temperatures
Most often, tripping the reset button happens when water is still inside your water heater tank and has become extremely hot. Hotter than the 120F.
Make sure the gas valve or tap to the hot water system is on. In the same way, the valve (i.e. the tap handle) should be in line with the copper gas line. Also check the continuous flow is plugged into it's electrical socket.
Your water heater's fuel supply has been shut off.
If you own a gas or propane water heater, someone might have closed the gas valve. Without gas, your water heater can't heat water. Ensure the valve is in the “open” position (parallel to the gas line, as opposed to perpendicular to it).
Not enough hot water – This likely indicates a problem with the upper thermostat. Slow hot water recovery – This is another problem that can occur when the lower thermostat is malfunctioning. Water is too hot – Overly hot water can occur if either thermostat (or both) is set too high or isn't calibrated correctly.
A water heater that produces no hot water might not be getting power, might have a tripped limit switch, or might have one or more failed heating elements.
The main exception is gas water heaters, which generally only last between six and eight years. Therefore, if you only occupy a given residence for an average homeowner span of seven or eight years, chances are you'll be responsible for the replacement of the water heater if it's gas powered.
A professional can sometimes repair these issues, but if your water heater is older, you'll need replacement. For example, a 20-year-old water heater is nearing the end of its service life and will need to be replaced even if repairs are possible.
Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.
In a power outage, anything that runs exclusively off electricity will not work. Gas powered water heaters however, will continue work and heat your water, because the gas is not connected to your electric system.