There may be nothing worse than finding out there's no hot water in the house. That means that your water heater could be malfunctioning. The older your water heater gets, the more at risk it is for a malfunction. But, newer water heaters can malfunction too. When your water heater shuts off, check the power source. If you have an electric water heater, make sure it's plugged into the outlet. If you have a gas water heater, check the pilot light. If the pilot light is out, relight it. If your water heater still won't turn on, read the list below. Here are three water heater problems a plumber can fix for you.
Broken or Clogged Thermocouple
If your water heater won't stay on, there's a good chance you're dealing with a thermocouple issue. Thermocouple issues can cause quite a few problems for your water heater. There are a couple of things that can make your thermocouple stop working. One of those problems involves dirt. If your water heater is in an open area, dirt and debris can get inside the thermocouple. If that happens, the valves can get clogged. Another issue involves age. Thermocouples weaken as they age. Once the components get too old, the thermocouple stops working. A plumber can resolve the issue by replacing the thermocouple on your water heater. To keep dirt out of the thermocouple, it's a good idea to install an air purifier.
Issues With the Gas Valve
If you have a gas water heater, you need to worry about gas valve issues. If the gas valve detects issues with gas flow, it will shut off the water heater. If your water heater shuts off unexpectedly, your gas valve could sense gas flow problems. Either way, your water heater won't stay running until you get the problem fixed. To avoid issues with gas leaks, call a plumber right away. They'll need to repair the gas valve and gas line as soon as possible.
Electrical Short-Circuiting
If your electric water heater shuts off, check the circuit breaker. It's not uncommon for circuits to switch off when there's a power surge. If your water heater still won't turn back on, don't try to repair the issue by yourself. Call a plumber immediately. Your water heater could have electrical issues that need to get repaired.
Don't live without hot water. If your water heater keeps shutting off, call a plumber near you. Reach out to a company like BJ Crowley Plumbing Pty Ltd to learn more.