There’s nothing worse than jumping into a shower and getting hit with ice-cold water. If your water heater has suddenly stopped working, don’t panic. Whether you’ve got a gas or electric unit, there are a few things you can check before going to google to search for plumbers near me.
Sometimes the problem is simpler than it seems. For electric water heaters, make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped. Flip it off and back on if needed. For gas water heaters, check to see if the pilot light is out. If it is, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it if you feel comfortable doing so.
Also, you might want to confirm that no one in the house recently used up all the hot water. It sounds silly, but this happens more than you would think, especially in busy homes with higher water usage.
2. Second, Listen for Strange Noises
Is your tank making banging, popping, or rumbling sounds? That can be a sign of sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. Over time, this can reduce heating efficiency and even damage your unit. If this is happening, a professional flush might solve the issue or if your unit is old enough, and hasn’t been flushed, you may be looking at a replacement.
3. Check for Leaks Around the Tank
If you spot water pooling around the base of your water heater, turn off the water supply valve and call a local plumber right away. Leaks can lead to major water damage fast.
Some water on the ground might just be condensation, but if it’s a large pool, consistent leaking, or the tank is rusting then don’t wait.
4. Smell Something Off?
If you have a gas water heater and notice a rotten egg smell, that could be a gas leak. Don’t try to fix it yourself, shut off your main gas line if you know where it is located and evacuate your home. Once you’re outside, call the gas company immediately to report the leak.
5. Look at the Age of the Heater
Water heaters don’t last forever. Most have a lifespan of 8-12 years, depending on the brand, type, and maintenance. If yours is pushing that age and giving you trouble, replacement may be more cost-effective than repair.
When Should You Call a Pro?
If your DIY checks don’t solve the issue or you’re unsure about anything then give your local plumber a call. At Rooter Man, we’re experienced in diagnosing, repairing, and replacing all types of water heaters, including tankless and traditional units. In June we responded to a water heater call and tried to reignite the burner in the photo below. Sadly we were unable to do so, and ended up replacing the unit, but you can count on us to repair first, and replace second.
Rooter Man- To The Rescue! Give us a call at (843)-402-7799 or book services on our website: plumbers in charleston
