Common Hot Water Heater Problems

If you no longer have hot water in your home, the likely cause is that you have a problem with your hot water heater. There are several common situations that can affect how your hot water heater functions.

Function

A hot water heater functions by relying on a natural gas or electric element to heat up the water and distribute the heated water throughout the house.

Types

Common problems with a hot water heater include the pilot light going out, a damaged thermostat and a blockage in the water heater flue.

Identification

In order to identify a problem with your hot water heater, look for changes in your water temperature. Lack of hot water as well as a reduction in water temperature are the main signs of a problem.

Prevention/Solution

Check to make sure that the breakers of the hot water heater are on, that the pilot light does not have to be re-lit and that the thermostat is not set too low.

Warning

Certain common hot water heater problems should not be handled by an inexperienced person and should involve calling in a HVAC repairman.