Are you mystified by your water heater? For years it has done its job providing you with the hot water you so desperately want. Then, one day out of the blue, it decides to stop working. You're astounded that it has let you down but are now worried about what's wrong with it and how to get it working again quickly. Water heaters, just like any other appliance, do have a lifespan. Once they exceed their life expectancy, they will have issues and need repairs or to be replaced. Which option is best for you might depend on your budget at the time and how severe the repairs needed are.

Because different water heaters have different problems, we'll focus on hurting and information regarding your home's most used appliances.

First—Gas or Electric

The first thing you'll want to know is whether or not you have an electric or gas water heater. This is an easy thing to identify as one will either be plugged into the wall, or one will have a pilot light located at the bottom of the unit. Once you've identified which type you have, you'll be better prepared to troubleshoot what's wrong. Let's take a look at some of the common issues with both.

Pilot Light

The pilot light in your gas water heater is what will heat the water. There are different components, including a control valve that allows pressure to build and the heat to rise within the tank. If a pilot light goes out and none of this will work. Fix the problem. You may simply need to relight the pilot light. If there is a gas line leak, you may find it difficult to do this.

Thermostat

Thermostats are how electric water heaters control their temperature. You can change the settings to heat the water hotter, but it will cost you more money over time. Thermostats go out due to faulty units or age. If your hot water has sporadic temperatures or is not heating at all, this is one of the first places to look. Thankfully, replacing a thermostat is both easy and cost-effective.

Other Issues

Other issues you may run into with your water heater could include a leak in the tank or broken heating elements. Either of these can be a costly repair. Gas water heaters typically have greater repair costs but lower installation costs.

Final Thoughts

If you notice any leaking from your water heater or have lost hot water at all, contact your local plumber for assistance. They will be better able to serve you.