Loading

Why My Water Heater is No Longer Heating?

Aug 03, 2023, 12:15pm

You may notice a temperature failure on your water heater, while it is on. If your device no longer heats up or no longer works as before, you will need to test certain elements that may be responsible for this problem:

  • Check that the water supply is still guaranteed;
  • Check that the safety is not engaged;
  • Test the thermostat;
  • Check that your tank does not need descaling;
  • Test the resistance of your water heater, which converts electrical energy into thermal energy.

These checks and tests should provide an answer to your water heater, hot water tank or cumulus problem.

Why My Water Heater is No Longer Heating?

A water heater is a cornerstone appliance in many homes, providing hot water for cooking, bathing, and cleaning. When it’s working properly, it can be easy to take for granted. But when it stops heating water, it can cause significant disruption to your daily routine. Several reasons might explain why your water heater isn’t heating, and this article will cover the most common causes.

1. Faulty Heating Elements In an electric water heater, the heating elements are responsible for heating the water. If one or both of these elements fail, your water heater will not produce hot water or will not produce enough. To check if a heating element is working correctly, you can test it with a multimeter. If the heating element is indeed faulty, it will need to be replaced.

2. Malfunctioning Thermostat The thermostat in a water heater controls the temperature of the water. If the thermostat fails, it may not adequately control the heating elements, resulting in cold or lukewarm water. Like the heating elements, the thermostat can be tested using a multimeter, and if faulty, will need to be replaced.

3. Tripped Circuit Breaker In some cases, a tripped circuit breaker may be the culprit. If the circuit breaker that powers your water heater has tripped, it will not provide power for the heating elements to heat the water. Resetting the breaker should solve this issue.

4. Sediment Buildup Over time, sediment can build up at the bottom of your water heater tank. This buildup can insulate the water from the heating elements, resulting in lower water temperatures. If this is the case, you may need to flush and clean out your water heater tank to remove the sediment.

Why My Water Heater is No Longer Heating?

5. Inadequate Tank Size If you find that you consistently run out of hot water, it may be that your water heater tank is not large enough for your household’s needs. In this case, upgrading to a larger tank or considering a tankless water heater could be the solution.

6. Age of the Water Heater Water heaters typically last around 8 to 12 years. If your water heater is approaching or past this age and is not heating water as it should, it may be time to consider a replacement.

Conclusion Understanding why your water heater is not heating is the first step in resolving the issue. While some of these problems can be fixed through routine maintenance and minor repairs, others may indicate it’s time for a new water heater. If you are not comfortable performing these checks and repairs yourself, always consult with a professional plumber or service technician.