If you wake up to a cold shower because your hot water heater stopped working, you’ll want to get the hot water flowing again as soon as possible. A water heater restart is usually quick and easy to do yourself without calling for costly repairs.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Turn off the power to the water heater, drain it, then refill it and turn the power back on. Run hot water until it flows steadily.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the steps to safely restart your electric, gas, or tankless water heater so you can enjoy hot showers again.
Turn Off Power to the Water Heater
Before restarting your water heater, it is crucial to turn off the power to ensure your safety. There are two main types of water heaters: electric and gas. Each requires a different approach to turning off the power.
Locate the Circuit Breaker or Unplug
If you have an electric water heater, the first step is to locate the circuit breaker that controls the power to the water heater. Typically, this will be labeled in your electrical panel. Flip the switch to the “off” position to cut off the power supply.
If you are unsure which breaker controls the water heater, it’s best to turn off the main breaker to be safe.
If you are unable to find the circuit breaker, you can also unplug the water heater from its power source. This may involve moving the water heater or accessing the outlet behind it. Make sure to do this with caution and ensure the power is disconnected before proceeding.
Turn Off the Gas Valve for Gas Water Heaters
For gas water heaters, the power source is the gas supply. To turn off the power, you need to locate the gas valve. This valve is usually located near the bottom of the water heater. Turn the valve to the “off” position to stop the flow of gas.
It is important to note that if you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, do not attempt to turn off the gas valve yourself. Leave the area immediately and contact your gas provider for assistance.
By turning off the power to your water heater, whether it is through the circuit breaker or the gas valve, you ensure a safe environment to restart your water heater without any electrical or gas-related accidents.
Drain the Tank
Draining the tank of your water heater is an important step in restarting it. Over time, sediment and minerals can build up in the tank, which can affect its efficiency and lifespan. By draining the tank, you can remove these deposits and ensure that your water heater is working optimally.
Here are two simple substeps to help you drain the tank:
Attach a Hose and Open the Drain Valve
To begin the draining process, you will need to attach a hose to the drain valve on your water heater. Make sure the other end of the hose is positioned near a suitable draining location, such as a floor drain or a bucket. Once the hose is securely attached, carefully open the drain valve.
This will allow the water to flow out of the tank and through the hose. Keep in mind that the water may be hot, so use caution when handling the hose.
Open Hot Water Faucets to Vent Air
As the tank drains, it’s important to open the hot water faucets in your home to vent any air that may be trapped in the system. This will help the water flow more smoothly and prevent any potential airlocks.
Simply turn on the hot water faucets in your sinks, showers, and tubs until you no longer hear any air sputtering or see any air bubbles in the water. Once the tank is fully drained and the air has been vented, you can move on to the next step in restarting your water heater.
For more detailed instructions and visual guides on how to drain your specific water heater model, you can visit reputable websites such as The Spruce or HomeTips. These websites provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a successful water heater restart.
Inspect Interior Components
Check for Sediment Buildup
One of the first things you should do when inspecting the interior components of your water heater is to check for sediment buildup. Over time, minerals and sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing damage to the heating elements.
To check for sediment buildup, you can simply drain a small amount of water from the tank into a bucket and inspect it for any signs of sediment. If you notice a significant amount of sediment, it may be necessary to flush the tank to remove it.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, flushing your water heater annually can improve its efficiency and prolong its lifespan.
Look for Leaks or Corrosion
Another important aspect of inspecting the interior components of your water heater is to look for any signs of leaks or corrosion. Leaks can indicate a problem with the plumbing connections or the tank itself, while corrosion can lead to structural damage and potential leaks in the future.
If you notice any leaks or signs of corrosion, it is best to contact a professional plumber to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs.
Regularly inspecting the interior components of your water heater can help you identify any potential issues early on and prevent major problems down the line. By checking for sediment buildup and looking for leaks or corrosion, you can ensure that your water heater is functioning properly and efficiently.
Close Drain and Refill the Tank
Double Check Valves are Closed
Before refilling the water heater tank, it is crucial to ensure that all drain valves are closed properly. This step is essential to prevent any water leakage during the refilling process. Check each valve, including the main valve and any additional valves connected to the tank.
Make sure they are tightly closed to create a seal and avoid any potential water damage.
Refill Slowly to Avoid Air Pockets
When refilling the water heater tank, it is important to do so slowly to prevent the formation of air pockets. Air pockets can interfere with the proper functioning of the heater and may even cause damage to the heating element.
To avoid this, slowly open the cold water supply valve and allow the tank to fill gradually. This will help ensure that the tank is filled evenly and minimize the risk of air pockets forming.
It is worth noting that the process of draining and refilling a water heater tank may vary slightly depending on the specific model and type of heater you have. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional guidance if you are unsure about any step of the process.
For more detailed information on how to close the drain and refill your water heater tank, you can visit www.examplewebsite.com. They provide comprehensive guides and step-by-step instructions for various types of water heaters.
Restore Power Supply
When it comes to restarting your water heater, the first step is to restore power supply. This ensures that the heater can function properly and provide you with hot water when needed. There are two main methods to restore power supply: plugging the heater back in or resetting the breaker.
Plug Back In or Reset Breaker
If your water heater is electric, the most common way to restore power is simply by plugging it back in. Check to see if the power cord is securely connected to the outlet and reconnect it if necessary.
It’s always a good idea to double-check that the outlet is functioning properly by plugging in another device.
On the other hand, if your water heater is connected to a circuit breaker, you may need to reset the breaker. Locate the circuit breaker panel in your home and look for the one labeled for the water heater. If the breaker is tripped, switch it off and then back on again to restore power.
If you’re unsure which breaker controls the water heater, consult the breaker panel diagram or seek professional assistance.
Reignite the Pilot Light on a Gas Heater
For gas water heaters, restoring power involves reigniting the pilot light. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner, which in turn heats the water. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reignite the pilot light:
- Locate the gas control valve. It is typically located near the bottom of the water heater.
- Turn the gas control valve to the “off” position and wait for at least five minutes. This allows any gas fumes to dissipate.
- Turn the gas control valve to the “pilot” position. Hold down the pilot button or ignition switch, depending on your model, and use a long lighter to ignite the pilot light.
- Continue holding down the pilot button or ignition switch for about one minute to allow the thermocouple to heat up.
- Release the pilot button or ignition switch and turn the gas control valve to the “on” position.
- Check to ensure that the pilot light remains lit. If it goes out, repeat the process or seek professional assistance.
Remember, if you’re unsure about restarting your water heater or if you encounter any issues during the process, it’s always best to consult a professional plumber or refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
Run Hot Water Until It Flows Steadily
When restarting your water heater, it is important to ensure that hot water flows steadily through your faucets. This step is crucial because it helps remove any air bubbles or debris that may have accumulated in the water lines during the shutdown period.
Step 1: Turn on the Hot Water Faucet
Start by turning on a hot water faucet in your home. This could be a sink, shower, or bathtub faucet. Make sure to choose a faucet that is closest to the water heater to maximize the effectiveness of this step.
Step 2: Let the Water Run
Allow the hot water to run for a few minutes. Initially, you may notice some sputtering or air bubbles coming out of the faucet. This is normal and indicates that the air trapped in the water lines is being flushed out.
Step 3: Check for Consistent Flow
After a few minutes, check if the water flow from the faucet is steady and consistent. If there are still air bubbles or the water flow is intermittent, continue running the hot water until it becomes steady.
Step 4: Repeat the Process
If you have more than one hot water faucet in your home, repeat the process for each faucet. This will ensure that all the water lines are cleared of any air bubbles or debris.
Step 5: Check the Water Temperature
Once you have ensured a steady flow of hot water, check the temperature to make sure it is at the desired level. Adjust the temperature setting on the water heater if necessary.
Step 6: Monitor for Any Issues
After restarting your water heater, keep an eye out for any leaks, strange noises, or other issues. If you notice anything unusual, it is advisable to contact a professional plumber to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs.
Remember, restarting your water heater is a simple process that can be done by following these steps. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable performing these tasks yourself, it is always best to seek the assistance of a professional.
They have the knowledge and expertise to ensure your water heater is restarted safely and efficiently.
Conclusion
Following these steps will allow you to safely restart a water heater when it stops heating properly. Just be sure to monitor it closely and call for service if issues persist. Investing in regular maintenance can also help prevent unexpected shutdowns.
With some basic mechanical skills and safety precautions, you can get your hot water heater restarted quickly. Just remember to give it time to fully heat up again before expecting piping hot showers.
