Ever woken up on a chilly Wisconsin morning, stepped into the shower, and… surprise! Cold water hits you right in the face. If you live in Union Grove, WI, or anywhere in southeast Wisconsin, Northern Mechanical, LLC is here to help. We get it—nothing ruins your morning faster than a water heater that’s not heating. It’s a common issue, and in 2024, we’re still getting calls for it all the time. Let’s dive into why your water heater might not be heating and what can be done about it (without any DIY disasters). Here are five potential causes and fixes to get your hot water flowing again.

If you have a gas water heater, one of the most common reasons for no hot water is a blown-out pilot light. In 2024, gas water heaters are still common in homes across Union Grove, and the pilot light can sometimes go out due to a draft or a simple malfunction.

How to Fix It

• Locate the pilot light access panel.
• Turn the gas valve to the “off” position and wait a few minutes for safety.
• Follow the instructions on your heater to relight it (usually with a long match or lighter).

If you’re not comfortable doing this, give us a call. A licensed contractor near you can safely relight the pilot light and check for other issues.

For electric water heaters, a faulty heating element could be the culprit behind no hot water. These elements heat the water in the tank, and if one of them breaks, you might notice only lukewarm water.

Signs of a Faulty Heating Element

• Water heats up but cools quickly.
• Only getting lukewarm water.
• Hot water runs out faster than usual.

How to Fix It

This isn’t really a DIY fix. An experienced contractor near you, like Northern Mechanical, LLC, can replace the heating element and get your water heater back on track.

Your water heater has a thermostat that tells it when to heat the water and how hot it should get. If the thermostat is acting up, your water heater might not heat properly.

What You Can Do

First, check the thermostat setting. It should be set around 120 degrees Fahrenheit for safe and efficient heating. If adjusting the temperature doesn’t help, the thermostat may need replacement. Call in a professional contractor to safely diagnose and replace it if needed.

Living in Wisconsin, where water can have high mineral content, means sediment buildup in water heaters is a common issue. Minerals settle at the bottom of the tank, affecting the heater’s efficiency and sometimes stopping it from heating entirely.

Signs of Sediment Build-Up

• Rumbling or banging sounds from the water heater.
• Hot water running out quicker than normal.
• Higher energy bills.

Fixing Sediment Issues

A good fix for sediment buildup is draining and flushing the water heater tank. It’s a messy job, best left to professionals. Northern Mechanical, LLC can help—we’ll make sure your water heater is running efficiently without damaging the tank.

The dip tube is an important part inside the water heater that directs cold water to the bottom of the tank, where it gets heated. If the dip tube is broken, cold water mixes with the hot water at the top—leaving you with lukewarm or cold water.

Signs of a Broken Dip Tube

• Water is lukewarm rather than hot.
• Hot water runs out too soon.

What’s the Fix?

A broken dip tube isn’t something easily spotted unless you know what you’re looking for. A certified plumber can inspect your water heater, replace the dip tube if needed, and make sure your hot water supply is back to normal.

• No hot water after checking the pilot light or thermostat.
• Unusual noises coming from your water heater.
• Water heater age: If it’s over 10 years old, it may need more frequent repairs or even replacement.
• High energy bills without an obvious reason.
• Frequent issues with water temperature fluctuation.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs in 2024

Water heaters aren’t something to take for granted, especially in chilly Wisconsin winters. If you’re dealing with any of these issues, acting quickly can save you from bigger, more expensive repairs. Northern Mechanical, LLC specializes in water heater fixes for Union Grove, WI, and surrounding areas, ensuring your family can stay warm and comfortable all year long.

Why Call a Professional?

You might be tempted to try some of these fixes yourself, but water heaters involve gas, electricity, and pressure—all things that require proper safety measures. In 2024, safety is still our top priority, and as licensed, bonded, and insured professionals, we’ve got the experience to do the job safely and correctly the first time.

Call Northern Mechanical, LLC Today!

Having trouble with your water heater not heating? Whether it’s a minor fix or something more serious, Northern Mechanical, LLC is here for residents in Union Grove, WI, and surrounding areas. We handle everything from quick water heater fixes to complicated piping issues. Don’t let a cold shower become a cold nightmare—give us a call today, and let’s get that hot water flowing again!