Whether a gas or electric model, a water heater uses a simple principle to heat water. The heater has a metal tank with a heating element in it. The element is turned on, heating the water in the tank. When you turn on a hot water faucet, the water is drawn out of the tank and into your pipes.

Two types of water heaters you’ll encounter are—tankless and storage. Tankless water heaters heat water as you need it. They don’t have a storage tank, so they take up less space. Storage water heaters have a tank that holds the water until you need it.

The size of the water heater you need depends on the number of people in your home and how much hot water you use. A family of four that uses a lot of hot water will need a bigger water heater than a single person who only uses it for occasional showers.

Water heaters are usually powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. They range in size from small, tankless heaters mounted on a wall to large storage tanks that can be as big as a car.

In part two of this article, let’s explore more common reasons why your water heater isn’t working. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Not enough water.
   If there isn’t enough water in the tank, the water heater won’t be able to heat the water properly. Ensure you have enough water in the tank before turning on the heater.

2. The wrong temperature.
   If you have the water heater set to the wrong temperature, it won’t be able to heat the water properly. Ensure you have the temperature set correctly before turning on the heater.

3. A clogged filter.
   If the filter is clogged, it can prevent the water heater from working correctly. Make sure you clean or replace the filter regularly.

4. A tripped circuit breaker.
   If the circuit breaker for the water heater is tripped, it can prevent the heater from working. Make sure you check the breaker and reset it if it’s tripped.

5. A faulty thermostat.
   If the thermostat is faulty, it can prevent the water heater from working properly. You’ll need to replace the thermostat if it’s not working correctly.
   If you’re having trouble with your water heater, it’s important to figure out what’s causing the problem. By troubleshooting the issue, you can often fix it yourself. However, if you can’t figure out what’s wrong, you may need to call a professional for help.

Know Your Water Heater

Your water heater is essential to your home, and it’s important to understand how it works to keep it running correctly. There are a few things that can go wrong with your water heater, and knowing what they are can help you troubleshoot the problem if it ever arises.

If you’re having any other problems with your water heater, such as the water being too hot or not hot enough, you’ll need to consult your owner’s manual for troubleshooting tips. By understanding how your water heater works and being aware of the most common problems, you can keep it running smoothly for years to come.

If you are looking for reliable residential HVAC services, we can help you. L.J. Kruse Co. is a family-owned and operated plumbing, heating, and cooling company located in Berkeley, California, serving residential and commercial clients. We can help get everything up and running in no time. Contact us today to learn more and get started!