Why Does My Water Heater Keep Shutting Off?

Technician performing water heater maintenance

Sometimes, few things can be more unpleasant and inconvenient than hot water shutting off — especially if you’re in the middle of a much-anticipated shower. While frustrating, this issue is not uncommon, but it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of why you’re running out of hot water.

If you’re looking for answers, there are a few common reasons to keep an eye out for. Additionally, homeowners can take steps to fix the issue before relying on professional help.

Schedule water heater services with a professional should your unit keep shutting off and you can’t find a solution. Call 844-HVAC-365 for more!

Common Reasons Your Water Heater Is Turning Off

So, why is your hot water frequently shutting off? Are you noticing any other issues? Things like discolored water, strong odors, low water pressure, and leaks indicate that a plumbing problem has surfaced, so note any symptoms you see. Your problem may be due to one or more of the following:

Gas leak: A gas leak is a serious issue that can lead to your hot water shutting off if your unit is powered by it. You may also have a faulty gas valve. If you smell gas, turn off your gas immediately, remove yourself from the area, and call for help.
Rust or corrosion: Appliances are met with wear and tear over time, and it could be that your unit or pipes are rusted or corroded on the inside.
Pilot light: Your pilot light is responsible for providing enough gas pressure to the unit to heat the water. If it’s burnt out, it won’t be able to do so correctly.
Broken temperature or pressure-relief valve: This safety feature is designed to relieve the pressure inside your system if the water overheats. If this fails, it can impact your water’s temperature but can also result in your unit exploding.
Small capacity: If your home’s water heater isn’t the right size, it won’t adequately meet your hot water needs.
Age: If your heater has surpassed its typical 10-year life span, your water heater may have begun to break down and is working much less efficiently.

What To Do If You Have No Hot Water

You can perform a few diagnostics and tricks to ensure you’ve got the hot water you need.

Check to see if your circuit breaker has tripped; it could be that you need to reset the electrical panel. If this isn’t the case, check if your unit’s pilot light is burning. If not, you may need to try relighting it several times until it stays lit.

To reduce the pressure in your unit, if it’s too high, try lowering the temperature. You can also flush your TPR valve by placing a bucket underneath it and opening the handle.

Check for any loose parts on your unit and tighten them if needed/possible.

It’s time to partner with Vredevoogd for expert help when all else fails. We offer dependable water heater repair solutions for your benefit!

Schedule Water Heater Repair With Vredevoogd

Vredevoogd has worked hard to serve Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas with proper water heater repair since 1964. We are the team to call for top-notch same-day services, 24/7 emergency HVAC services, free estimates on replacements, financing options, and discounts for the military and veterans! Our technicians are background-checked, and our team is licensed and insured for added peace of mind.

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