Why Does My Water Heater Keep Turning Off in My Broken Arrow, OK Home?
If you hate cold showers and can’t effectively wash dishes in cold water, you’re probably at wit’s end when you’re wondering, “Why does my water heater keep turning off?” Water heaters are a vital part of daily life, so knowing why it won’t stay on will help you make sure it stays properly functioning.
Of course, you can always call the expert plumbers in Broken Arrow, OK at Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric. We’ll repair the problem so you can get back to enjoying hot water. Until then, we’ll show you what to look out for when your water heater starts acting funky.
Electric Water Heater Problems in Broken Arrow
Electric water heaters run off of electricity rather than gas. They have their benefits, but there are many electrical problems that will make the water heater turn off.
Overheating
If your electric water heater keeps shutting off, the first thing to check is the temperature. Overheating can be due to two main reasons:
- Faulty Thermostat: If the thermostat goes haywire, it can cause the heater to get too hot.
- Dirt Buildup: If too much dirt is caked around various parts of the heater, it can create too much warmth and cause it to heat up. Clean your water heater periodically to avoid the buildup.
Power Supply Issues
For a water heater to work around the clock, it will need a steady power source. A tripped circuit breaker or loss of power will disrupt the power flow and the heater will stay off until you fix it.
If you have persistent issues, it could be a wiring problem. Wires may have come loose, become corroded, or gotten damaged. If you’ve had consistent issues, the wiring may have been installed correctly.
Heating Element Damage
The heating elements in the water heater are required for hot water. If they break or burn out, you’ll be left without hot water. Though a big issue, as far as water heater repair goes, it’s a simple and inexpensive fix for professionals. You won’t be without hot water for long.
Broken or malfunctioning heating elements may make the thermostat behave as though the tank is overheating. It will turn off the tank, thus resulting in frequent shutdowns.
Gas Water Heater Problems
Gas water heaters have a different set of issues since they rely on gas to power them. You won’t have to deal with electricity, but you will have to deal with gas lines and air filters.
Thermocouple Malfunction
The thermocouple signals for the water heater to start heating after it senses the pilot light lighting up. The thermocouple can malfunction if it sustains damage or gets dirty.
Clogged Parts
The air inlet or flex tube can become clogged with dirt and residue, causing the heater to stop working as intended. The air inlet has screens that can accumulate dirt, usually at the base of the heater. The flex tube supplies gas to the burner. If either of these components can’t function, the whole system goes down, limiting your hot water usage. In such cases, a professional plumbing repair service may be needed to restore proper functionality and ensure your heater is back in working order.
Gas Supply Disruption
If the water heater can’t receive gas, it won’t be able to heat water. Check the gas valve and pipes for leaks and damage. Gas leaks can be dangerous, so call in a professional to make it safe again.
What To Do When a Water Heater Won’t Stay On in Broken Arrow, OK
The best thing you can do for a faulty water heater is call professional plumbers in Broken Arrow. But if you like to be aware of why your water heater keeps turning off, check these things:
- Gas or Power Supply: Depending on if you have a gas or electric water heater, check to see if it’s receiving the fuel. Power supplies may be broken or corroded, or gas valves and pipes may be blocked or burst.
- Check the Tubes and Screens: In gas water heaters, inspect the flex tubes, pilot tubes, and air inlet screens for grime and damage. Fixing the water heater could be as simple as cleaning it.
- Check the Thermostat: Inspect the thermostat to determine if it’s working properly.
Call Professionals When You Need Help
“Why does my water heater keep turning off?” you ask. We can answer. Water heaters are dangerous since they deal with heat, gas, and electricity, so let the professionals help you.
Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric in Broken Arrow, OK can solve the mystery and make your water warm again. Give us a call today at (918) 212-0122 for all your issues with water heaters, bad plumbing, and air conditioners.