Ever taken a less-than-two-minute shower? You hop on in, and you’re met with an icy tundra from the faucet—no better way to take a quick shower! If you aren’t practicing for the fastest shower time in the history of America, then perhaps it’s time to look at your water heater.
There are a few things you can do to make sure it is in up-to-date condition and keeping you nice and warm. And if all else fails, it might be time to call in a water heater professional.
Check the Temperature
First things first, check the temperature setting of your water heater. A good ballpark range is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is set at a lower temperature, you can try bumping it up a notch and see if there’s a change.
How Should I Fix My Gas Heater?
If your heater runs on gas, there are some things you can do before calling in a professional. While you may not feel qualified, it doesn’t always take a lot of background knowledge to run a few checks.
Check the Pilot Light
The pilot light is the flame at the bottom of the tank. If it is not staying on, you may be able to relight it yourself. Access the panel and turn off the power to the unit before attempting this step. Then, press down on the reset button for about 10 seconds and let go—the pilot should remain lit after releasing the button.
Messing with the pilot light of your gas water heater can be risky. Although it may seem like a simple task to perform, one should always ensure proper safety precautions are taken before attempting to relight the pilot light. Ignition of any kind is inherently dangerous and if not done correctly, can result in flare-ups or even further damage to the unit.
Check for Leaks
Leaks can be very difficult to locate. However, if you suspect there is a leak somewhere in your water heater, it’s best to call a professional. They will have the tools and experience needed to detect the source of the leak and repair it properly so that the problem does not persist.
Test the Pressure Valve
Another thing you can do is test the pressure valve to make sure it is working properly. If it isn’t, then that might be why your water heater isn’t heating up correctly. To test the pressure valve, use a gauge and attach it to the valve (if installed). The gauge should read between 12-15 PSI. If the gauge reads higher than that, then you may need to replace your pressure valve.
How Should I Fix An Electric Heater?
Fixing an electric water heater is a little different than a gas one. There are some things to be aware of when it comes to safety—but also easy fixes to consider before resorting to calling a water heater professional.
Restart, Reboot, Retry
To begin, make sure to turn off the power to the unit by turning its circuit breaker off. After doing so, wait 15 minutes to ensure any residual electricity has been cleared from the system. Once this time has elapsed, switch the breaker back to the on position and see if your water heater is now functioning properly.
Check the Breaker
Sometimes, the issue may be with the breaker itself. Go to your circuit box and check that the breaker has not been tripped. If it’s on, but hot water is still not coming out of the faucet, you may need to reset the breaker. To reset a tripped breaker, simply switch it off and then switch it back on again.
When in Doubt
While you can do some things to get your water heater back into shape, it may require the work of a professional. If it turns out that your water heater is too far gone, it’s time to call in a professional. A knowledgeable Bell Cow technician can diagnose the issue with your water heater and offer repair or replacement solutions.
You don’t have to be standing under a cold faucet any longer. A water heater installer can inspect and fix your problems quickly—and safely. If you need a replacement, a Bell Cow professional can do it for you in no time at all.
Bell Cow Services: Water Heater Installation and Maintenance
When you choose Bell Cow Services, you get a team of experienced professionals that can help with any water heater needs. Whether you need a new one installed, or an existing one serviced, Bell Cow Services has the tools and knowledge to get the job done right. With competitive prices and emergency service available in most locations, there is no reason to go without hot water any longer. Contact Bell Cow Services today for your water heater needs.