Why do I have intermittent hot water?

Intermittent hot water is usually one of two things; a faulty heating element, or slow overall heating coupled with demand elsewhere. If your wife or kids took a shower before you ran your bath, they may have drained the tank of hot water leaving none for you.

What does it mean when your hot water heater is not working?

This usually indicates that the water heater’s gas burner or electric heating elements are not producing heat. To be sure your entire house is without hot water, check every hot water faucet and fixture. If you find one or more fixtures have hot water, skip to Hot Water Not Working In Part of The House.

What to do when your water heater is inconsistent?

When this happens, incoming cold water mixes with hot water and the result is inconsistent temperatures or sometimes entirely lukewarm water. Instead of replacing the water heater, you can inexpensively replace the dip tube itself. Turn off the gas or electric supply from the water heater. Drain the water heater.

Why does my water heater take so long to heat up?

The amount of time it takes to heat up water can vary quite a bit between different models. Newer is usually better. That said, if it’s taking longer than usual for the hot water to recover, there may be an issue with the heating elements (including sediment build-up on them) or thermostat and those parts may need to be replaced.

How to troubleshoot and fix RV water heater electrical problem?

This Suburban water heater repair manual is very helpful for troubleshooting the electrical power circuit to diagnose potential problems. Follow the steps it contains for tracing power through the system to locate any short or break that may be causing the element to not heat up. NOTE: Do not “dry fire” the electric water heater element.

This usually indicates that the water heater’s gas burner or electric heating elements are not producing heat. To be sure your entire house is without hot water, check every hot water faucet and fixture. If you find one or more fixtures have hot water, skip to Hot Water Not Working In Part of The House.

When this happens, incoming cold water mixes with hot water and the result is inconsistent temperatures or sometimes entirely lukewarm water. Instead of replacing the water heater, you can inexpensively replace the dip tube itself. Turn off the gas or electric supply from the water heater. Drain the water heater.

The amount of time it takes to heat up water can vary quite a bit between different models. Newer is usually better. That said, if it’s taking longer than usual for the hot water to recover, there may be an issue with the heating elements (including sediment build-up on them) or thermostat and those parts may need to be replaced.

Why is the pilot light on my gas water heater not working?

If a gas water heater isn’t heating, a common problem is usually that the pilot light has gone out. This may be caused by the gas valve, the gas supply, or—more likely—the thermocouple located next to the pilot light. The following training video for water heater service people is excellent for gas water heater troubleshooting.