Common reasons why the water heater keeps shutting off
It’s hard to name anything worse than being in the middle of a shower at the perfect temperature when suddenly the faucet turns icy. In addition to getting cold and frustrated, you now have to figure out how to fix the problem so it doesn’t happen again.
Reasons why your gas water heater keeps turning off
If your gas water heater keeps shutting off, it could be a sign of a malfunction or simply that your system has exceeded its useful life. The answer to the question of how long a water heater lasts depends on the frequency of use and maintenance, but in general, the answer is about 10 years. So, if it’s been more than a decade since you’ve replaced your water heater, you may be out of luck.
Problems with the gas supply
If there is a problem with the gas supply, the water heater may not operate. A blockage in the gas line or a faulty gas valve can interrupt the flow of gas and cause the water heater to constantly shut off.
If you suspect a gas problem, turn off the gas and contact a water heater repair contractor immediately.
Faulty thermocouple
A thermocouple helps convert the heat from the pilot flame into an electrical current that ignites the heater by controlling the flow of gas.
If a thermocouple is faulty, no gas will reach the pilot or burner, which means no heat. A good way to find out if it is the thermocouple is to see if the pilot is lit. If it is not or does not stay lit, the thermocouple could be the problem.
Dirty pilot tube
The pilot tube can become clogged if it is too dirty, preventing the pilot light from receiving enough gas to stay lit. You can try to clean it yourself by following these simple steps:
- Turn off the gas and power
- Vacuum the pilot tube
- Use a brush to clean off any extra debris
- Clean the pilot burner with a soft brush
- Secure it back in place
Clogged air inlet
Air intake vents can easily become clogged with debris, pests or even stray objects (such as clothing if located near your laundry room). Without a good supply of incoming air, your water heater will not work properly and may continue to shut down.
As with the dirty pilot tube, vacuum and brush the air intake grille to ensure adequate air flow. Your water heater should also be located in a well-ventilated room with access to oxygen, i.e., no closed doors without ventilation.
Sometimes, it’s better to call the professionals. Contact Emergency Plumber in Warrington. We are 24 hours available.