Whether you use a water heater for showers and dishes or for heating your whole home, having it underperform or quit working altogether can range from a nuisance to a major problem. Following its manufacturer's maintenance procedures is the best way to ensure good performance and a long life, but even if you do, troubles can arise. When they do, here are some things to check.

Electric Water Heaters and Boilers

The first thing to check, of course, is the electrical service. Check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. Electric heaters and boilers should be on a dedicated circuit. If anything else is on the circuit, it's probably a code violation and should be checked by a licensed electrician.

If your heater is over 10 years old and works erratically (or not at all), chances are you need to replace it. Ditto if you notice any leaks around the base of the tank. Be sure to investigate the source any water you see, though, because it could come from leaky connections or condensation, too.

If your water isn't as hot as you want it and the heater seems to be working okay otherwise, the problem could be caused by sediment buildup in the tank, a faulty thermostat, or a bad heating element. Sediment collects in tanks over time and will reduce performance. Get rid of it by flushing out the tank according to your manufacturer's instructions. Periodically flushing the tank will help avoid problems and extend the life of your heater.

Licensed electricians and plumbers can test thermostats and heating elements and repair them if that's where the problem lies.

Gas Heaters

Aside from making sure the gas supply is on and the pilot light or electronic ignition is working properly, repairs to gas water heaters are best left to pros. Maintenance such as draining sediment and checking for water leaks can be done by homeowners, of course, and troubleshooting is similar to electric heaters.

Even though they burn gas to heat the water, gas heaters use electricity, too, so check that those connections are working properly. Beyond routine maintenance and troubleshooting, call for help if you're experiencing trouble with gas water heaters and boilers.

To address your water heater and boiler issues, give us a call at (303) 399-7420 or email gstone@allstarelectrical.com. We offer 24/7 radio-dispatched emergency servicethroughout our Front Range service area.

Allstar Electrical Services inspects, repairs, and replaces electric water heaters for homeowners and businesses. We have served Colorado's Front Range for over 15 years and we're top-rated by the BBB and Angie's List. We offer homeowners, builders and businesses reliable, professional work that is safe and up to code.