Your water heater is an essential part of your home. But when it keeps turning off, your life can be disrupted.
There are many reasons why your water heater might keep turning off. This article will explore the most common. We’ll also provide solutions for you to try. You may be able to fix it without professional help.
Faulty Thermostat
One of the main reasons your water heater keeps turning off is because a thermostat has malfunctioned. The thermostat is designed to prevent the water temperature from rising too high, and it shuts off power to the heating element when this happens. A faulty thermostat can cause the system to shut off prematurely, leading to a lack of hot water and causing problems with other components.
Thermostats are not immune to the effects of corrosion and ageing, though. They can also be affected by electrical interference, a problem that may result from poor wiring or other problems in the system. If your electric water heater is suffering from this problem, it can prevent the thermostat from detecting when the water is hot enough to start heating and shutting off the system.
Another issue that can cause the thermostat to fail is a buildup of sediment inside the water heater. The sediment insulates the heating element, causing it to work harder than necessary and causing the system to overheat. As a result, the system will be forced to turn off until the sediment is flushed out.
The thermostat might also be prone to error due to poor construction or a faulty sensor. It can be difficult to tell which is the culprit, though, as both have similar terminals. To check whether the thermostat is faulty, you can disconnect the upper and lower thermostats from their terminal screws and use a voltmeter to measure the resistance between each of the exposed ends. If the voltmeter shows no voltage, then the upper thermostat is likely faulty, while a voltmeter reading of 0 indicates that the lower thermostat is still working.
If you are unable to identify which thermostat is faulty, it might be best to consult a professional plumber for replacement services. If you’re facing plumbing issues at home, this plumber Scottsdale offers fast, expert services to get everything running smoothly again. However, you can also try to correct the problem yourself if you are comfortable working with electricity and gas. You should first shut off power to the tank, and then carefully remove the upper and lower thermostats and cover them with something insulating. Next, you can connect a voltmeter to the lower thermostat’s terminals and use it to check for a voltage reading. If the voltmeter reads 0V, then the lower thermostat is probably faulty and needs to be replaced.
Damaged Heating Coil
When a water heater turns off during a shower, it can ruin your morning. If your heater keeps turning off, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the heating system. Fortunately, there are several common reasons why your water heater may keep shutting off, and most of them can be easily resolved.
Most gas-powered water heaters operate on either a tank or a “heat on demand” system that heats the water as it flows through your pipes. When you use hot water, a pilot light is lit to warm up the gas burner and turn on the heating elements that provide the heat needed for your hot water. If the pilot light keeps going out or is interrupted, the water heater will shut off. This is a safety feature that protects you from carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards.
One of the most common causes of a water heater that keeps turning off is a damaged heating coil. The heating element is made from a nichrome wire that is coiled around a ceramic core. Over time, the coils can get damaged by mineral deposits or corrosion. They can also wear out and begin to burn out. When the coils start to burn out, it causes the heating element to become shorted and stops the flow of electricity.
If the heating element is not repaired, it can damage the internal components of the water heater and eventually cause a fire. This is a serious safety concern and should be addressed as soon as possible.
The thermocouple is a small but crucial component of your water heater that sits over the pilot light. This sensor helps your water heater detect whether the pilot light is lit or not and keeps the gas valve open if it is. If the thermocouple is broken, misaligned, or dirty, it won’t be able to detect the pilot light and will stop the gas supply. You can inspect the thermocouple for signs of damage and clean it to remove any dust or debris accumulation. However, because this involves gas, it’s best to leave any professional repairs to a certified technician.
Pilot Light Issues
Whether your water heater has a storage tank or is designed to heat and supply hot water “on demand,” it relies on a pilot light to turn on the burner. If this pilot light isn’t working properly, your water heater will keep shutting off during cycle. Usually, this means that your heating coil or thermostat has an issue. An experienced plumber will be able to get this fixed quickly and efficiently so you can enjoy your hot water again.
A clogged or blocked air intake vent could also be causing your gas water heater to shut off repeatedly. This is a common problem that can be easily solved by simply cleaning the air intake vent with a vacuum or brush to ensure adequate airflow. In addition, make sure the duct isn’t obstructed by furniture or clutter, and that it’s located in a well-ventilated room with access to fresh oxygen.
Other issues that can lead to your water heater turning off constantly include a malfunctioning thermocouple and rust or debris on the pilot light burner. The thermocouple helps the pilot light to stay lit by generating an electrical current when it senses heat. If it doesn’t detect a flame, it will stop sending gas to the pilot and the burner will turn off.
This is why it’s important to routinely clean the pilot tube with a slender brush or similar item. Rust, dirt, and debris can cause the pilot light to burn out or the pilot tube to clog. If either of these occurs, you’ll need to have a professional clean or replace the pilot light and/or thermocouple to prevent your gas water heater from keeping shutting off.
A faulty gas valve or an electrical problem with the gas control box can also cause your water heater to keep turning off. If you suspect this is the case, it’s best to contact a licensed gas plumber right away. This is a dangerous situation, and you should never try to fix it on your own. If you smell gas, turn off the gas and leave immediately to avoid any injuries or property damage.
Faulty Gas Valve
If the pilot light is lit but your gas water heater keeps shutting off, you likely have a problem with the thermocouple. This little piece of equipment is responsible for holding the gas valve open when there’s a flame, so it can’t work properly if it gets dirty or if its wires get bent or broken. When this happens, your unit will shut off until the thermocouple is replaced.
To check the thermocouple, you’ll need to turn off your water heater, then let it cool down. Then, you can remove the access panel to inspect it. If it’s dirty, you can clean it by gently rubbing it with soft sandpaper. If the wires are damaged or bent, you’ll need to replace it entirely.
Another possibility is that your gas valve is failing, which can also cause the unit to shut off. This issue can be difficult to diagnose and should only be dealt with by a professional. You should not attempt to repair a gas valve yourself, as it can lead to dangerous leaks and poisoning if done incorrectly.
A technician will typically start by determining whether the circuit board or gas valve is at fault. If the circuit board is at fault, it will need to be replaced. Then, they’ll use a multimeter to see if there are any currents flowing through the circuitry. If the reading is OL, it means there are no currents passing through and that the gas valve needs to be replaced.
A water heater that keeps shutting off is an emergency situation. If you suspect that there’s a gas leak, you should immediately shut off your home’s gas supply and contact the gas company for help. It’s also important to not try to fix the problem yourself, as it can be dangerous if you’re not trained and licensed. For safe and reliable repairs, call Vredevoogd. Our technicians are well-versed in gas water heater repairs and can solve any issues you’re facing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We offer free estimates and a 100% satisfaction guarantee!