From bathing and washing dishes to doing laundry, people rely on hot water to maintain the efficiency of their homes. When the hot water heater isn’t functioning correctly, it can cause inconvenient household disruptions. Continuing to use equipment could also exacerbate pre-existing issues, which is why you should call a plumbing repair specialist immediately for help. Here are a few reasons your hot water heater may be malfunctioning so you can prevent the issue in the future. 

3 Common Causes of Hot Water Heater Failure 

1. Sediment Buildup

If you’ve fallen behind with professional water heater cleaning, chances are a lot of sediment has settled at the bottom of the appliance. The grime typically includes calcium and magnesium deposits from the liquid, sand, and particles that come from the water main. Over time, there won’t be enough room for liquid, which reduces the amount of hot water available for your household. Having a plumbing repair specialist routinely remove sediment will prevent this from happening.

2. Faulty Pilot Light or Heating Elements

Without a functioning pilot light on your gas water heater, there will be no way to start the burners that heat the water. If the switch was simply shut off, turning it back on should correct the issue. Otherwise, contact a plumber for help. They will determine whether the knob needs to be replaced. A problem with an electrical connection could cause issues with electricity-operated appliances. Other heating elements might also need to be repaired to restore water heater performance.    

3. Gas Line Leaks

If you have a gas-operated appliance, leaks in the service lines could make it difficult or impossible for the pilot light to turn on and kick-start the burners. If you notice the smell of gas, evacuate the area and call a plumbing repair specialist immediately for help. Gas is highly flammable, which could lead to fires or explosions. Breathing in the fumes could also make you sick.

If you suspect one of the above problems is to blame for your hot water heater malfunction, contact the certified plumbing repair technicians at Dependable Air Conditioning. Based in Russellville, AR, the team will address any issues impacting appliance performance and share tips to make equipment last longer. Beyond fixing your water heater, they’ll also provide furnace repair to prevent frozen pipes in the winter. To schedule maintenance in Pope County, call (479) 968-5555. Visit the crew online to learn more about how they’ll care for plumbing equipment and like them on Facebook for seasonal maintenance recommendations.