There’s nothing quite like stepping into the shower on a cold winter morning only to discover that your hot water heater has stopped working. Sometimes the reason is simple. Perhaps the pilot light has gone out (if you have a gas model), or the power cord has gotten disconnected from the outlet somehow. Other times, the reason is more complicated and requires professional attention.

Here’s our top five reasons hot water heaters stop working. 

1. No power

If you’ve got an electric water heater, this should be the first thing you check. More often than not, this is the reason it’s stopped working and usually it’s a quick fix. Sometimes all it takes is plugging the power cord back into the outlet because it somehow became disconnected. 

Other reasons for losing power to the water heater include a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. You may also need to reset the safety switch if your model has one. Have a gas water heater that’s suddenly stopped working? Check to make sure it isn’t out of gas. 

2. Loose parts 

Sometimes your hot water heater can stop working if there’s a part that’s come unhinged or loose. If you suspect this is the culprit, check your water heater’s bolts to make sure they’re tight and look to see if there’s any water leaking from them or other parts. If you notice water on the floor near the bottom of the tank, you may need it replaced. Don’t wait, though, because the leak could cause serious damage to your floor. 

3. Faulty pilot light 

Just like you would on a gas stove, you’ll need to check the pilot light on your gas water heater if it’s not working. If a draft of wind or a power outage caused the pilot light to go out, all you’ll need to do is relight it. Other times, the gas valve may need to be replaced, especially if it’s become corroded or defective.  

Additional problems that can cause the pilot light to go out include the thermopile, which keeps the flame going. If it stops working, the pilot light won’t either. Gas valve, thermopile and other pilot light problems need to be fixed by a professional. Never attempt to fix a pilot light on a gas water heater on your own as it’s a dangerous job. 

4. A bad thermostat 

If the thermostat on your water heater stops working, it can stop the water heater from doing its job, too. Here’s why: since the thermostat controls the water temperature, once it goes out, the hot water heater can work for a little while, but eventually it won’t heat the water at all. Alternatively, if the high-limit switch is faulty, the thermostat will not be able to regulate the temperature and can cause water temps to exceed 180 degrees. 

5. Electric ignition problems 

Some hot water heaters use an electric ignition system. While this is usually a pretty straight-forward efficient system, it can cause the hot water heater not to work properly if its sensor flame gets clogged or otherwise compromised. If your hot water heater has electric ignition and it stops working, start by cleaning the ignition sensor. If that doesn’t work, call a professional for help. 

We recommend getting your hot water heater serviced every year. If yours stops working, give the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call or Contact us. We can get it up and running in no time.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.

Water leaks can do serious damage to your home and lead to some very costly repairs. That’s why it’s important to check for leaks on a regular basis and why you should consider installing a water leak detection device.  

Not only are water leak detectors readily available at places like home improvement stores, but many types are also easy to install and inexpensive. In fact, you can’t afford not to have one, especially when you consider how expensive it can be to repair a part of the home that’s been damaged by water. 

So which water leak detection device is best for your home? Take a look at the most popular types of leak sensors below to find out.  

Battery powered alarms 

Battery powered leak alarms work by placing them on the floor near water heaters, washing machines and by any other appliances that can leak. In fact, placing one on your basement floor can help detect if your sump pump stops working properly. 

Once the sensor detects a leak, it will sound an alarm not unlike a smoke alarm. Once you hear it, you can turn the sensor off and contact a plumber to assess and fix any water damage. These are often the least expensive water leak detectors you can buy, and you can find them at most home improvement stores.

High tech leak alerts

These water leak sensors go a step further than battery powered detectors by sending you an alert via your home’s internet modem. The real advantage with these types of detectors is that you don’t have to be home to learn you’ve got a leak someplace.  These systems send alerts to your smartphone and computer when one is detected. 

Shut-off systems 

A single point shut off system is a great option, especially if you’re worried you won’t be able to return home to remedy the situation once a leak is detected. This system will automatically shut off the water when it detects a leak. 

To use this type of leak detection system, you’ll need to plug it into an outlet and place it near the appliance you’re wanting to watch, like a washing machine or a water heater. If a leak occurs, the shut-off valve will quickly turn off the water source. 

Note: some shut-off systems can be connected to a home alarm system and many can also shut off electricity to gas powered water heaters. 

Entire home shut off systems

Entire home shut off systems are by far the most comprehensive. One of the biggest benefits of these systems is that they can help prevent major flooding, as well. These extensive systems operate after sensors are placed throughout the house. 

Full shut off systems can detect everything from frozen pipes to a leaking toilet, and then turn off the water supply. Many offer a Wi-Fi feature so you can access alerts from your smartphone or computer.  

Remember: One of the easiest ways to prevent water leaks is to check for them on a regular basis. Look around your faucets, at the base of the toilet, and inspect pipes, supply hoses and shut-off valves to determine whether or not you have a leak. And never wait to fix a leak if you find one. Otherwise, it could lead to a costly repair down the road.  

Want to learn more about water leak detectors for your home? Give the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call or  click to Contact us. We’re serious about leak prevention and are here to help you prevent leaks in your home, so you don’t have to spend money on repairs.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.