Hard water may not pose any health risk, but it can be hard on your plumbing systems. And in the Valley, there’s an abundance of hard water. In Mesa, the water hardness ranges from 12-22 grains per gallon, indicating a relatively high amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium found in the water. In other words, our water is classified as “very hard,” and that can take a toll on your water heater over time.
Sediment and scale buildup on the inside of your water heater. Your system has to work harder, and this puts more strain on internal parts. When parts fail, your water heater shuts down. So, why does my water heater keep turning off? In many cases, hard water buildup may be the culprit.
What Mineral Buildup Does Inside Your Hot Water Heater
When hard water heats up, the minerals can separate from the water and settle inside the tank. In a traditional tank water heater, sediment often collects at the bottom. It starts out small, but over time, one layer coats the next until it starts to impact operation.
In a gas water heater, sediment can create a barrier between the burner and the water inside the tank. Instead of heating the water directly and efficiently, the burner has to work through the mineral layer. This might be why it seems to take longer to get hot water. In an electric water heater, scale coats the heating elements, which may struggle to transfer heat properly. This can cause the unit to work harder, heat more slowly, or develop inconsistent hot water performance.
Mineral buildup can also create hot spots inside your tank. Heat gets trapped underneath the sediment. You might hear popping, crackling, or rumbling noises as the hot water and steam push through the sediment during heating.
Why Does My Water Heater Keep Turning Off?
Hard water and sediment are a major reason why your hot water heater shuts down. When systems overheat or can’t operate properly, there a safety control built in that prevents the water temperature from going above a safe range or parts to burn out. While you may see a problem because your system shuts down, it’s doing its job to keep you safe. But, it’s a warning sign that you need a professional diagnosis.
Resetting your unit may get your hot water running again, but it won’t get rid of the mineral buildup or fix the underlying problem that cause the safety mechanism to kick in.
It’s not always mineral buildup, though. If your water heater keeps turning off, it may be because of problems with your thermostat or heating element in an electric unit or your thermocouple, control valve, burner assembly, or airflow in gas water heaters. Age is also a factor. An older water heater that has been working against Mesa’s hard water for years may have multiple worn parts, sediment buildup, or declining efficiency. It might be time for a new water heater if your unit is 10 years or older, but sometimes it just takes replacing a part or doing a little maintenance to extend the lifespan.
How to Reset a Hot Water Heater
Knowing how to reset a hot water heater can come in handy if your unit shuts down. You’ll want to check your manufacturer’s recommendation for how to reset your water heater, but here are the general steps to follow.
But, safety first. If you smell gas, see water near electrical components, or the unit will not stay on, stop and call a professional for water heater repair.
How to Reset an Electric Water Heater
- Turn off the power at your electric panel.
- Find the reset button, typically behind an access panel.
- Press the reset button, and you should hear a click.
- Put the access panel back on.
- Turn the power back on.
It might take an hour or two for a tank heater to reheat.
How to Reset a Gas Water Heater
- Find the gas control valve, typically near the bottom of the tank.
- Turn the dial from on to Pilot.
- Press and hold the pilot gas knob until the pilot lights successfully and stays on.
- Turn the dial back to On.
You may need to hold the knob down for 30 seconds or longer to make sure it stays lit. You may also have to click a separate ignitor button.
If your Mesa water heater keeps turning off, needs frequent resetting, or shows signs of hard water buildup, call George Brazil for professional water heater service and repair.