No Hot Water or a Frozen Pipe? What to Do First
Cold weather is hard on water heaters and pipes. Here’s what to check and what to do first, from the calls we run every winter around Sandy and the Salt Lake Valley.
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No Hot Water
Winter is when worn out water heaters finally give out. Start here.
Why do I have no hot water?
On a gas water heater, check that the pilot is lit or that the unit isn’t showing an error light. On an electric one, check the breaker. If it’s lit and you still have no hot water, it’s often the gas valve, the thermocouple, or a heating element. If there’s water on the floor, shut the cold water valve on top and call.
How long does a water heater last in Utah?
Usually 8 to 12 years for a tank. Our hard water shortens that, because sediment builds up in the bottom. A yearly flush helps a lot. Winter is when most worn out tanks finally give out.
Frozen Pipes
A frozen pipe can split and flood a basement fast. Here’s what to do.
What do I do if a pipe freezes?
Open the faucet it feeds so water can move once it thaws, and warm the area slowly with a space heater or hair dryer. Never use an open flame. If the pipe has split or you see water, shut off the main water valve right away and call us. Knowing where your main shutoff is before winter saves a lot of damage.
How do I keep my pipes from freezing?
Unhook garden hoses before the first freeze, keep the garage door closed if pipes run through it, and open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls during a cold snap. On the coldest nights, a slow drip at the farthest faucet helps. And find your main water shutoff now, before you need it.
When to Call Instead of DIY
The simple checks are worth trying. Past that, here’s when to pick up the phone.
- Water is leaking or the tank is sitting in a puddle
- A pipe has split or you can’t get water to a faucet
- You smell gas near the water heater (leave first, then call the gas company)
- The water heater is 10 to 12 years old and acting up
- You tried the simple stuff and it’s still not working
Still No Hot Water? We Can Help.
We answer 24/7 and get out same day whenever we can. Weekday service calls are $39 and go toward the repair. After hours, weekends and holidays are $99. You get the price in writing before we start.
More help: Water Heaters · Tankless Water Heaters · Frozen & Burst Pipes · Emergency Plumber