Lost your hot water in Central Maine? Here are a few things to know before calling for a hot water heater repair

Here are some reasons why your hot water may have stopped working:

• No fuel. Check the fuel level in your oil or propane tank
• No pilot light. This is one of the most common reasons for having no hot water in the house. We suggest arranging for a service call so our technician can determine why the pilot light went out. After checking your tank, he can safely re-light the pilot for you.
• Gas leak. If you smell gas and you have no hot water, there may be a leak in the line leading to your water tank. Call us immediately to report the problem.
• Sediment buildup. Hard water, which has a high mineral content, can result in sediment buildup. This impedes the ability of your heater to produce enough hot water. We can do an inspection of your water heater and perform a tank flush to eliminate sediment at the bottom of your tank.
• Thermostat trouble. If you’re not getting enough hot water, the temperature on your water heater thermostat may need to be adjusted higher. If this doesn’t fix the problem, the thermostat may be faulty and need to be replaced.
• Faulty heating element. If you have an electric water heater, your heating element may have failed. (Note: This would be a good time to convert your electric water to a more efficient propane or oil-fired water heater.)

For more information about solving hot water heater problems or to explore your options in new oil or propane water heaters, please contact us or call our office.