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Why Does My Water Heater Keep Turning Off? A Guide for Winnipeg Homeowners

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why does my water heater keep turning off

Water heaters keep a house running smoothly. However, they can backfire. Constantly turning off is one way they backfire. When that happens, you need answers and, more than likely, repairs.


If you're wondering, "Why does my water heater keep turning off?" one of the top-rated water heater repair services in Winnipeg wants you to read the following information.


Reasons Your Electric Water Heater Keeps Turning Off


The following common problems are the top answers to, "Why does my water heater keep turning off?" if it's an electric unit.


Bad Wiring

Electric water heaters rely on stable wiring. If its internal wiring corrodes from dirt and humidity or the unit's wiring backfires because of poor manufacturing, it will turn on and off. Tripped breakers also shut down an electrical water heater.


Defective Thermostat

Thermostats that fail to gauge the water temperature correctly or at all cause an electric heater to turn off. Replacing the thermostat fixes this issue. 


Tank Leaks

An electric water heater turns off when water leaks permeate its electrical parts. If the tank shuts down, look for water pooling around your tank, and don't touch anything to avoid electrocution.


Reasons Your Gas Water Heater Keeps Turning Off


The following common problems are the top answers to "Why does my water heater keep turning off?" if it's a gas unit.


Gas Supply Problems

A malfunctioning pilot tube eventually interrupts the gas flow. When this happens, the water heater turns off. A clog is the number one reason that a pilot tube stops working.


The Thermocouple Stops Sensing the Water Temp

After measuring the water temperature, the thermocouple directs the gas valve to open or close. But sometimes the thermocouple stops working properly for various reasons, including grounding issues and a faulty installation. Only reputable professionals can diagnose and fix the problem.


A faulty installation highlights the importance of checking out reviews before hiring a plumbing team. 


Wear and tear can also break the thermocouple.


Gas Valve Issues

The thermocouple issue affects the gas valve, but the gas valve can also stop working on its own. Gas leaks, valve design failures, and tanks that are too small for your home's needs can cause gas valves to stop working. That means the water tank turns off.


Start a Maintenance Routine for Your Winnipeg Water Heater 


Sticking to a regular maintenance routine means you won't need to ask, "Why does my water heater keep tuning off?".


Performing maintenance as recommended by your warranty and professional plumbers significantly reduces your risk of serious malfunctions, damaged property, and personal injuries. Here are some troubleshooting maintenance tips to follow to help reduce your need for repairs and replacements:


First, when the house is empty for long periods, turn down your water heater or turn it off. Depending on the water heater type, you can either shut off the gas supply or turn down the temperature. This saves energy and money, is great for the environment, and the downtime extends the lifespan of your unit. 


Flush your water heater a few times a year, and the question, "Why does my water heater keep turning off?" will not nag you anymore. Most industry experts recommend doing this once a year to get rid of sediment in the unit. Here are the steps for that:


  1. Turn off the gas or power. Shut down the water supply, or you'll have an enormous mess.
  2. Look for the drain valve at the bottom of the unit. Clear it by turning it on and off to get rid of any debris stuck to the inside. 
  3. Next, attach one end of the hose to the valve and the other end somewhere that can hold the water you flush out.
  4. Turn on the hot water in a room above the water heater. Doing this discourages the development of empty spaces in the water line. This provides pressure relief.
  5. Open the water heater valve and drain the tank.
  6. Check the drained water for sediment build-up and keep draining until the water turns clear. 


You want to keep an eye on the tank during this time, so bring your phone or a book because clearing the sediment out can take a while.


You'll know the flushing has done its job when you turn the cold water on. Look at the water as it comes out of the hose. Keep it running until the water appears clear.


When that happens, the tank is free of sediments. You can turn off the cold water.


Calling in the Professionals for Maintenance

It is a good idea to let professionals check out your tank once a year. They can flush the tank then, or at least explain how to do it in case you need to do it between visits. This is one of the best ways to stop wondering, "Why does my water heater keep turning off?"


Avoid DIY Fixes


Avoid the temptation of saving money with a DIY diagnosis and repair. Let professional Winnipeg plumbers inspect your water heater.  Professional plumbers prevent electrical shocks, gas leaks, personal injury, and property damage. 


DIY plumbing projects often create more problems than they fix. This is true for water heaters, septic systems, and all other appliances that involve technology that confuses non-plumbers. Professional plumbers like Winnipeg's number one plumbing team will do the right repair, and they'll do it the right way.


Contact King's Services for Water Heater Problems and Other Plumbing Issues


King's Services performs plumbing maintenance, repairs, and installations, plus handles emergency plumbing situations to keep Winnipeg residents safe and comfortable. We have built a reputation for quality plumbing services and customer care. We can handle all of your plumbing needs with expert and efficient repair solutions backed by ethical work standards and friendly service.


We encourage you to check our reviews to learn about the value of our high-level plumbing skills.


Stop asking, "Why does my water heater keep turning off?" Contact us at 204-633-9010 to make an appointment for water heater services and other plumbing needs. 

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