This is for informational purposes only.

We always recommend having a professional water heater specialist properly diagnose your water heater's problem and perform the needed repair solutions. 

The first thing we look at is (1) the age of the unit, (2) its current operation, and (3) its history of problems and repairs. These three factors are always used to determine the best solution to restore your hot water.

 

 

GAS WATER HEATERS 

 

PROBLEM A: The pilot light won't stay lit.

 

Solution #1

Check to see if the pilot flame has gone out. If so, it is the most common cause of a gas water heater failure that most service professionals encounter. You may need to have your thermocouple assembly replaced. This device measures the heat from your pilot flame, signals the main gas control valve, lets it know an ignition source is present, and permits your water heater to fire its main burner.  

 

Solution #2 

Your main gas control valve may be wrong and needs replacing. This device cannot be properly tested in the field, and no parts can be replaced; it is factory-sealed. This is always an expensive repair, and given the age, history, and condition of your water heater, we may recommend a water heater replacement as a solution to this problem.

 

PROBLEM B: The main burner won't fire, but the pilot is burning.

 

Solution #1 

It could be a bad sensor that needs replacing. Water heaters 2000 and newer now come with heat and CO sensors.

 

Solution#2

There is no gas pressure or not enough pressure to allow the main gas control valve to work properly. The gas inlet connection to the water heater may need to be disassembled and checked for debris. The gas pressure should be tested using a manometer that measures gas pressure. A specialist should perform this diagnosis.

 

Solution #3

Your main gas control valve may be bad and needs replacing. This device cannot be adequately tested in the field, and no parts can be replaced in this factory-sealed device. This is always an expensive repair, and given the age, history, and condition of your water heater, we may recommend a water heater replacement as a solution to this problem.

 

 

 

 

ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS

 

PROBLEM A: The water is cold and won't get hot.

 

Solution #1 

Check the breaker marked "WATER HEATER" in the electric panel box. It may have simply tripped and may need resetting. However, this may cause other electrical problems within your water heater and should be diagnosed and repaired by a professional water heater technician.

 

Solution #2

The electric heating element(s) may have gone bad and need replacing. Some water heaters have one, most have two, and commercial electric water heaters have as many as twenty.

 

Solution #3

The thermostats, usually upper and lower, have gone wrong and need replacing. Some water heaters only have one thermostat, while most have two, upper and lower. Be careful; "220 volts" is the most common problem, but remember there are many other reasons you have no hot water. We always recommend having a professional technician properly diagnose your water heater.