Do you have an electric water heater? If so, you may need to know about how to solve the water heater not turning on. A water heater can be useless if there is damage or a problem.
The common problem is when the water heater can’t be turned on. How to solve it? You can use the tips below.
What is the Cause of Water Heater Can’t Be Turned On?
Every problem happens because of a reason. What is the cause of water heater can’t be turned on? Actually, some factors cause it. But, the common reason is because of the controller. Yes, some water heater controller problems can cause the water heater doesn’t want to start.
When it happens, the water heater can’t be used optimally, even lead to another bad thing—it will not work and will not provide hot or warm water.
When this condition happens to your water heater, replacing the controller is the best way to solve it. On the gas water heater, the controller is called a thermocouple. When we can fix the thermocouple problem, the water heater will be able to work as usual.
Read also: What Causes Water Heater Igniter Won’t Spark
How to Solve Water Heater Can’t be Turned On
If you have a gas water heater, there are some steps you can use to solve this problem. Here are easy and simple steps you can follow:
- The first step is checking your gas supply. For you who have a propane tank, check it because it may be empty. You will see valves between the heater and gas sources. Make sure all the valves are in one position.
- Please turn off the gas valve and turn it on to the pilot. You can do it while lighting the pilot light. If the pilot light can’t start, you have to clean the pilot supply tube. After that, disconnect it by blowing compressed air and wrenching through it.
- Sixty seconds after the pilot light starts, you can hold in the gas valve to release it.
- Prepare a new thermocouple that is suitable for your water heater. To install it is straightforward. It may just need one or two screws. It depends on the type or model of your water heater.
- You can replace the gas valve if your water heater still can’t be turned on. Make sure you do every step carefully to avoid bad risks. If you are not sure about doing it yourself, you can call a professional.
For those experiencing issues with their electric water heater, checking the reset button can be a crucial step. Often, simply pressing the reset button located on the unit can solve the problem by restarting the heating process. This is especially true if the water heater suddenly stops providing hot water, indicating that the reset button may have tripped due to overheating or a power surge.
Another common issue could be the failure of heating elements within the water heater tank. These elements are vital for heating the cold water that enters the tank. If your water heater has stopped working, inspecting the heating elements for damage or malfunction can be essential.
The water heater typically has two heating elements – one at the top and another at the bottom of the tank. A malfunction in these elements can lead to a complete halt in producing hot water.
Maintaining the water heater tank also involves periodically checking the drain valve for leaks or blockages. Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and efficient operation of your water heater, preventing many common water heater problems.
If your hot water heater is not functioning as expected, these steps can guide you toward identifying the issue. However, don’t hesitate to call a professional when the situation is beyond basic troubleshooting. Experts can handle complex problems, such as issues with the upper thermostat, which controls the heating elements, ensuring your unit efficiently produces hot water again.
Remember, regular maintenance of your water heater, including checking the drain valve and ensuring the heating elements are in good working order, can prevent issues before they start. If you find yourself out of depth, calling a professional is the safest and most efficient way to handle water heater problems.
