What to Do When You Don’t Have Any Hot Water
After a hard day of work, you can’t wait to get home and take a hot shower. You turn on the water, step in and are pelted with ice-cold water. This is definitely not what you had in mind! From washing clothes to running the dishwasher, having hot water is a must. And knowing what to do when your water heater goes out is equally as important.
Gas Water Heaters
If you have a gas water heater, you need to check the pilot light. Sometimes, the pilot is blown out by a downdraft. Instructions should be attached to the water heater itself for relighting the pilot. However, if you smell gas or if the pilot is sitting inside an enclosed chamber, it’s best to reach out to your local plumber for assistance.
If your pilot light is lit, the next step is an inspection. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas when the pilot light goes out. Check to see that the tip is inline with the flame. If so, it may need to be replaced. In this case, it’s also a good idea to enlist the help of a qualified plumber.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters work a bit differently than gas heaters. To start, see if there is a switch that can turn off your heater. Afterward, inspect your circuit breaker to make sure none of the wires are tripped. If one of the breakers is tripped, then it won’t be in the “off” position. It will simply won’t be aligned with the other breakers. If your breaker is tripped, all you’ll have to do is flip it into the “off” position and then back to “on.”
If resetting your breaker doesn’t solve the problem, you may want to contact your local electrician. Electric water heaters must have their own dedicated circuit due to the amount of power they draw. Be sure to contact a professional plumber if your water heater isn’t on its own circuit.
If your water heater is acting strange, don’t wait until the last minute. Employing the help of a professional is the best way to keep your family and home safe. Contact Dean’s Professionals by using our number at 763-515-4852 today!
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