A Bradford White water heater is built to provide reliable hot water for your home or business. However, like any appliance, it can experience issues, especially when it stops heating water. This problem can disrupt your daily routines and leave you without the convenience of hot water. Fortunately, many common causes of a Bradford White water heater not heating are easy to troubleshoot, and in many cases, the issue can be fixed by replacing or repairing specific Bradford White parts. In this article, we’ll cover the key causes and effective fixes to get your water heater working again.
Common Causes of a Bradford White Water Heater Not Heating & their Fixes
Here are the main causes of a Bradford White water heater not heating and how to fix them.
1.Thermostat Problems
In the Bradford White water heater, the heating cycles are controlled by the thermostat. The heater may not reach the desired temperature if the thermostat is malfunctioning or set improperly.
How to Fix It:
- Check the Temperature Setting: Check that the thermostat is set to a proper temperature (usually 120°F to 140°F). You might run out of hot water if it’s too low.
- Test or Replace the Thermostat: If the thermostat isn’t working correctly, it may need to be tested with a multimeter for electrical continuity. Replacing a malfunctioning thermostat is necessary to ensure proper heating operation.
2.Faulty Heating Elements (For Electric Water Heaters)
Two heating elements (upper and lower) are used in electric water heaters to heat the water. The water won’t heat if either or both of these components malfunction.
How to Fix It:
- Turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the water heater to test the heating elements. Next, check the continuity of each heating element with a multimeter. An element that shows no continuity is to be replaced.
- Replace Damaged Heating Elements: If you find a bad element, you can replace it by buying the right part for your Bradford White model. If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions or don’t know how to do it, you can seek help from a professional.
3.Pilot Light Issues (For Gas Water Heaters)
The pilot light is important for igniting the burner that heats the water in gas-powered Bradford White water heaters. Without a pilot light your heater won’t produce hot water.
How to Fix It:
- Relight the Pilot Light: Follow the instructions on the water heater’s label if the pilot light has gone out. You’ll usually have to turn the gas valve to the ‘off’ position, wait a few minutes, and then set it to ‘pilot’ before lighting it with a match or igniter.
- Check the Thermocouple: The gas flow is controlled by the thermocouple which senses if the pilot light is on. It might even shut off the gas supply if it’s faulty, even if the pilot is lit. In this case, replacing the thermocouple is necessary.
4.Gas Supply or Valve Issues (For Gas Water Heaters)
If your Bradford White gas water heater isn’t heating, it could be a gas supply problem or a faulty gas valve. Without that steady supply of gas, the burner can’t ignite and the water heater can’t heat the water.
How to Fix It:
- Make sure the gas valve is completely open by checking it. The heater won’t work if the gas supply is turned off or restricted. If you smell gas, turn off the gas supply and call a professional.
- Inspect the Gas Line: If you think there’s a problem with the gas line, or if it’s not supplying gas to the heater, you should call a licensed plumber or HVAC technician to check the line for problems and make sure it’s working.
5.Sediment Buildup in the Tank
Over time, mineral deposits and hard water sediment may accumulate at the water heater tank’s bottom. Your water heater may not be able to heat the water effectively if this accumulation insulates the burner or heating elements.
How to Fix It:
- Flush the Tank: Flushes the tank removing sediment and restores heating efficiency. Turn off the gas or electricity to the heater, attach a hose to the tank’s drain valve, and let the water run out. When the tank is empty, refill the tank and turn the system back on.
- Install a Water Softener: If your water is hard, a water softener can help keep sediment accumulation from happening in the future and prolong the life of your water heater.
6.Overheated Water (Thermal Cutoff Switch)
If the water heater’s thermostat malfunctions, in rare cases the water inside the tank can overheat. If this happens, the thermal cutoff switch can turn on to prevent the heater from overheating any further, and the heater will stop heating the water.
How to Fix It:
- Reset the Thermal Cutoff Switch: The thermal cutoff switch usually has a reset button on the water heater’s thermostat or control panel if it has tripped. To restore normal function, press the reset button.
- Replace Faulty Components: If the thermal cutoff keeps tripping, it could mean that there is something more serious wrong with the thermostat or heating elements. Any faulty parts should be inspected and replaced by a professional.
7.Defective Control Board or Wiring Issues
The water heater’s internal wiring or control board may be the cause of the problem in some cases. The heater may not function if the control board malfunctions because it might not send the signal to turn on the gas valve and heating components.
How to Fix It:
- Inspect the Wiring and Control Board: Pay close attention to the wiring and control board to check for any obvious damage or loose connections. If you are uncomfortable handling electrical components yourself, it is advisable to have a skilled expert do it.
- Replace the Control Board: If the control board is defective, it will need to be replaced by a licensed technician to restore functionality.
Keeping your Bradford white water heater in top shape so that you will be able to use it for years to come can be done by staying proactive and performing periodic inspections using quality Bradford white parts and excellent service.
