A water heater going out can be a major inconvenience. No hot water means no showers, no dishwashing, and no laundry. So, what do you do when your water heater goes out? This post will walk you through some simple steps to get your water heater up and running again in no time.

Many people assume that they need to call a professional when something around the house breaks down. However, with a bit of research and elbow grease, it is possible to take matters into your own hands and fix simple problems without involving additional resources.

By training yourself in the basics of home repair, you can save time and money by learning how to quickly fix the most common home issues. Furthermore, working through small projects on your own can be incredibly gratifying and empowering as you gain independence from needing outside aid for every single thing that may go wrong in your home.

Put simply, sometimes all you need to do is invest some time in education and application so you can become the master of your own domain!

When The Water Heater Goes Out

1. Check the power source. First, you’ll want to check to ensure that your water heater’s power source is still working. If the power is out, then there’s not much you can do until it comes back on. However, if the power is on and your water heater is still not working, move on to step 2.

2. Check the pilot light. If your water heater has a pilot light, the next step is to check to see if it’s still lit. If it’s not, relight it according to your owner’s manual instructions. Once the pilot light is lit, give the water heater a few minutes to see if it kicks on. If it doesn’t, move on to step 3.

3. Check the thermostat. The next step is to check the thermostat to see if it’s set correctly. It’s possible that someone accidentally turned it down or turned it off entirely without realizing it. Set the thermostat according to your owner’s manual instructions and wait a few minutes to see if the water heater kicks on. If it doesn’t, move on to step 4. 

4. Call a professional. At this point, it’s time to call a professional for help diagnosing and fixing the problem with your water heater. Trying to fix it yourself could result in further damage or even injury, so it’s best to leave it to the experts.

When Your Water Is Too Hot Or Too Cold

1. Check the temperature settings first. Someone else in your household may have changed the settings without you knowing. 

2. If the temperature settings are where they’re supposed to be, check the thermostat to see if it’s working properly. 

3. If the thermostat is not working, it will need to be replaced. 

4. Next, check the heating element to see if it needs to be replaced. 

5. If the heating element does need to be replaced, follow these instructions: 

a. Turn off the power to the water heater 

b. Remove the access panel 

c. Disconnect the wires from the heating element 

d. Remove the bolts that hold the element in place 

e. Install the new heating element and reconnect the wires 

f. Replace the access panel and turn on the power to the water heater 

6. Finally, check for any leaks in your water heater and repair them as needed. 

7. Once you’ve completed all these steps, your water heater should function properly again!

When is it time to replace Your Water Heater

It can be difficult to determine when your water heater needs replacing. If your water heater is making strange noises, has rust-colored water coming from the taps, or takes longer than usual to heat up, these are indicators that it is time to consider an upgrade.

A leaky tank also warrants a replacement and you should assess the extent of any corrosion, rust or cracks in the shell.

Furthermore, if your home experiences a lack of hot water despite no changes in usage patterns, then you will likely need a new one. Similarly, if the average age of a water heater is 8-12 years and you have had yours longer than that, chances are it won’t last much longer and requires replacing.

Thus keeping an eye out for potential problems and knowing your equipment’s age range can help decide when it’s time to put in a new water heater.

Conclusion

Nothing puts a damper on your normal routine like a malfunctioning water heater. Basic daily tasks can become frustratingly difficult with no hot water at the ready. But don’t worry! A few simple steps can have your water heater up and running again in no time.

Whether it’s checking for a blown fuse or draining a tank of built-up sediment, the solutions to common issues are often quick, easy and inexpensive. If you ever find yourself stuck on a repair job or feel out of your element, remember that there are professionals available to help.

So don’t let a malfunctioning water heater weigh you down—with just a little effort and know-how, you’ll soon be back in hot water once more!