Being a homeowner is a big responsibility, and it often comes with some unexpected challenges. One of those challenges comes in the form of hot water. Either the water is super hot when it comes out of the faucet or showerhead, there never seems to be enough of it, or worst of all the hot water gives out completely. All three of these scenarios have most likely happened to you or someone close to you, and should you decide to get the water heater professionally serviced it could be pretty expensive. Today we are going to discuss some of the ways you can troubleshoot your water heater, what may be causing the issue and how you know if its time to call a professional. Is my water heater gas or electric? The first step to diagnosing a water heater is determining what type of heating element it uses. For gas water heaters there are always going to be two things present, a gas line (usually yellow or some other bright color) and a pilot light. For electric water heaters, there is usually a control unit on the water heater that allows you to reset the heating element. You can also check your circuit box to see if there is a label for the water heater, in that case, you definitely know that it is electric. Check the thermostat If you find that the water is not coming out hot to begin with, or the hot water disappears very quickly it may just be a problem with the thermostat. One of two things could be happening, either the thermostat is just not set to a hot enough temperature or it’s faulty, in which case your water heater is not receiving the correct signals to heat up the water. For adjusting the thermostat simply turn the dial to the preferred temperature, which is most often 150 degrees or above. Look and listen for potential issues One of the most common ways that homeowners discover they have an issue with there water heater is when they go to check on a potential issue and see water all over the floor. If there is a water leak, it could be as simple as cracked tubing or something more serious like a clog or mineral buildup. Listen for unusual noises as well, the most common include hissing, popping, or loud gurgling. All of these signs and noises could be an indicator of a deeper issue. When is it time to call a professional? Troubleshooting your water heater is one thing, but if you are unsure of how to do a repair it may be beneficial to contact someone who can ensure it’s done correctly before you try to do it yourself. Another factor in water heater repair is your comfort level and safety. If something makes you uneasy or you feel that you are in a dangerous situation stop what you are doing and give our team a call. There are many safety features on water heaters designed to keep you and your family safe, but they still produce an immense amount of heat and steam that can be harmful if not handled correctly. Our team is ready and waiting to answer any questions you may have about water heater repair and troubleshooting. Contact us today!