Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a hot shower after a long day or an early morning wake-up call. When you turn your shower knob and you get a rush of ice-cold water instead of the usual comforting warm gush, you might immediately dread the worst. You think about the possibility of having a malfunctioning water heater, and if you’re a proud owner of a Rheem model, it might a distressing scenario. It’s quite normal to feel this way because Rheem is one of the leading brands offering top-notch hot water solutions. We understand that when your Rheem hot water heater malfunctions, it can really set your daily routine on a tailspin.
So what do you do when your Rheem hot water heater stops working? While it’s possibly a minor breakdown that needs a simple and quick fix, it could also be more serious and require a professional inspection. As one of the top Dayton plumbers, we have experience with such fixes and are happy to share our knowledge with you.
Quick summary
If your Rheem hot water heater stops working, troubleshooting should begin with checking the power source, temperature settings, insulation breakdown, sediment build-up, or broken heating element. For all such issues water heater repairs can be conducted by an experienced professional.
Check your power source
The first thing to check when you find your Rheem water heater not working is the power source. If you are using an electric water heater, ensure that the power cord is plugged in and the circuit breaker is not tripped. For a gas water heater, confirm that the gas line is turned on and the pilot light is working.
If you discover that your electric water heater is not working, the circuit breaker could be off. Alternatively, if your gas water heater is not working, the pilot light could be out or the gas valve could be closed. In such cases, reigniting the pilot light or opening the gas valve might fix the problem.
Temperature settings and insulation
Check the temperature settings on your Rheem water heater since a lower setting will produce lukewarm or cold water. Rheem recommends a temperature setting of 120°F for optimal performance.
Water heaters are often installed in unheated areas and therefore insulation is critical to their operation. Poor insulation can lead to loss of heat, causing the system to work harder hence wearing out quicker. If you’re not sure about your water heater’s insulation, it’s best to call a professional from the Dayton Plumbing Services.
Understanding sediment build-up
- Over time, mineral sediment builds up in the bottom of your hot water tank.
- This build-up robs the system of efficiency, making it harder to produce hot water.
- If such an issue arises, you might want to consider water heater replacement.
Heating element and thermostat breakdown
A broken heating element or a faulty thermostat can be the reason why your Rheem water heater isn’t working. With a broken heating element, the water heater can’t heat the water, whereas a broken thermostat can’t correctly adjust the water’s temperature.
You might need to look into water heater installation if the element or thermostat is beyond repair. It would be best to consult an experienced professional to handle this situation.
Conclusion
Before you panic about your Rheem hot water heater not working, go through our checklist to identify if it’s a minor issue you can handle or if it’s time to call for professional help. A simple inspection and understanding of your water heater might save you from unnecessary worries and costs. However, if things still appear complicated or your heater needs replacement, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
At Dayton Plumbing Services, we specialize in all things hot water and can help get your Rheem hot water heater back to full functionality. What are you waiting for? Contact us today and let us take away all your hot water worries!