My Water Heater Stopped Working in Toston, MT

As a homeowner in Toston, MT, you almost certainly depend on your water heater for comfortable living. However, few situations feel more frustrating than finding out your water heater stopped working. That could mean not being able to bathe, do the dishes, do your laundry, and do other household chores.

It’s easy to think the worst when your water heater stops working. As the leading choice for water heater and heating repair services in Toston, MT, we can tell you that fixing it might be far simpler than you thought.



In this post, we’ll look at some of the possible reasons why your water heater isn’t working and what you can do about each one.

The Thermostat Settings May Be Wrong

What temperature is your thermostat set to? It’s not uncommon for someone to inadvertently lower the water temperature. Something as simple as a power surge can also change your thermostat setting. So, the first thing you should do once you notice your water heater stopped working is look at the reading.

The right temperature for the water heater thermostat is between 120 and 140 degrees. Any lower, and bacteria will start growing in the tank. Any higher, you risk a shower of scalding hot water.

Check for a Tripped Circuit Breaker If You Have an Electric Water Heater

Circuit breakers trip when they detect a power supply overload or an electrical fault. If your water heater stopped working suddenly, open the service panel to see if the breaker is in a different position compared to the other breakers. If it is, flip it back on, and your water heater should resume working normally.

Check the Pilot Light If You Have a Gas Water Heater

Your gas water heater won’t work if the pilot light shuts off. This is one of the most common water heater problems. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to relight most water heaters using a match or barbecue lighter. Newer units might feature a button you can press to trigger the spark ignition system. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and the pilot light should come back on.

If your relighting attempts don’t work, then you probably have a faulty thermocouple. You’ll need to call in a technician to replace it.

Confirm If Someone Else Is Using Hot Water

Most traditional water heaters store hot water in a tank. If you have multiple users in your home, there is a high chance that you may find yourself without hot water on some days. This is because it will take some time for the unit to heat up another tank of water. It doesn’t mean that your water heater is bad.

If the problem becomes frequent, consider upgrading to a higher tank capacity or installing a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters will deliver hot water on demand instead of keeping you waiting until the water stored in a tank is hot enough.

Check the Water Heater for Leaks

A leak in the water heater system will have the same effect as someone using hot water. Except in this case, the water may never get hot enough again, no matter how long you wait. As water escapes the tank, it will let in more cold water to ensure it has enough to meet potential demand. The leak will maintain this unending loop until you do something about it.

Check the area around your water heater for signs of water damage. If you find any such signs, contact a technician right away for a thorough inspection.

Consider Flushing the Tank

Did you notice discoloration in the water before your water heater stopped working? You likely have a sediment and mineral buildup problem. Such a buildup can clog up the water lines, making it harder for the tank to work.

Additionally, the heating element may no longer have enough surface area to sufficiently heat water in the tank. As such, we always include flushing the tank in our professional maintenance routine.

Get Help From Your Water Heater System Repair Experts in Toston, MT

Are you still unsure about why your water heater stopped working? Have your efforts at troubleshooting failed? Don’t worry! Our technicians here at Premier Systems excel at thoroughly diagnosing water heaters. We’ll find the cause of the problem and fix it in the most cost-effective way possible.

Whether you need to change the heating element or want help setting the water heater temperature, you can trust us to deliver. Contact our team in Toston, MT, today to schedule a consultation.