When your gas water heater fails to turn on, it can be a frustrating experience. After all, you rely on hot water for basic hygiene and to do laundry and dishes. Fortunately, it’s usually not too hard to get your gas water heater working again. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common causes of gas water heater failure and how to troubleshoot them.
Check the Power
If your gas water heater isn’t turning on, the first thing you should check is the power. Make sure the water heater is plugged in and that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped. You can also check the pilot light to make sure it’s lit. If it’s not, then a lack of power could be the cause of your problem.
Check the Gas Supply
If the power is fine, the next step is to check the gas supply. If your water heater is not receiving enough gas, it won’t be able to heat the water properly. Make sure the gas shutoff valve is in the open position and that there are no blockages in the gas line. If the gas line is blocked, you’ll need to call a plumber to clear it.
Check the Thermostat
Another common cause of gas water heater failure is a faulty thermostat. If the thermostat is not set to the proper temperature, the water in the tank will not be heated properly. If your thermostat is adjustable, you can try adjusting it to a higher temperature. If the thermostat isn’t adjustable, you may need to replace it.
Check for Leaks
If your water heater is leaking, it won’t be able to heat the water properly. Check the water heater for any signs of leaking, such as water on the floor or a damp spot on the wall. If you find a leak, you should call a plumber to repair it before you attempt to use the water heater again.
Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod is a metal rod inside your water heater tank that prevents corrosion. Over time, the anode rod can become corroded and need to be replaced. If the anode rod is not in good condition, it can reduce the efficiency of your water heater and prevent it from working properly. To check the anode rod, you’ll need to remove the access panel on the side of the water heater and inspect it.
Check the Gas Valve
If the anode rod is in good condition, you should check the gas valve. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the water heater and can become clogged over time. If the valve is clogged, you may need to replace it. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
Check the Pilot Light
Finally, if your gas water heater is not working, you should make sure the pilot light is lit. The pilot light is a small flame inside the water heater that ignites the gas. If the pilot light is not lit, you may need to relight it. You can do this yourself, but if you’re not comfortable doing it, you should call a professional.
Conclusion
If your gas water heater is not working, it can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are usually simple solutions to get it working again. In this article, we discussed the most common causes of gas water heater failure and how to troubleshoot them. If you’re still having trouble, you should call a professional plumber to help you.
