Why does your water tank not heat water?

Answer 1

Lots of probable causes:

• no gas flame
  
• the electrical element is not powering up
• no water in the boiler
• no electrical connection or gas connection to boiler

Answer 2

If your accessing water from a spout it could be a number of things. Some places only have a Cold water line, and do not have a hot water line. If your spigot has 2 lines going to it, it should have a hot water line. To test if the hot water heater is damaged (which it most likely maybe) turn off the cold water source and open the faucet or spigot to a generous flow, if it does not warm up within 5 minutes, there is something wrong with your heater.

Check the circuit breaker (if electric), if it is tripped DO NOT re-set it without checking the water heater for leaks or grounding. It is best to call an electrician to check the load and setup.

Check the Pilot light (if gas) If the pilot light is out (the little blue flame) Shut off the gas to the heater and CALL THE GAS COMPANY. Many newer heaters however can be re-lit by the typical homeowner. Follow the directions on the heater CAREFULLY. If no directions are found CALL THE GAS COMPANY.

If not the above and it is electric, The elements maybe worn out or broken. Many heaters can replace them, but often times it is best to replace the heater in entirety due to rust and scale buildup in the tanks. Replacing the elements should not be done by a typical homeowner, call a specialist.

Answer 3

Hot water tanks are typically fueled by gas and electric. First, if one or both utilities are shut off, you won't have hot water. Second, if the utilities are working, someone may have turned the thermostat off or too low. Third, you may have a bad thermostat. Some thermostats also shut off when there is another problem with the tank. Fourth, hot water tanks get old. Rust may have built up inside the tank, flaked off the tank walls, and be blocking a sensor. Have a professional check the tank first. It may be wise to replace an old tank, and new tanks conserve more energy. It takes about an hour or less to uninstall and install a new tank.

Answer 4

tripped breaker, broken wire, burned out heater element. tripped breaker, broken wire, burned out heater element.