A blinking light on the control panel of your water heater is a sign that something’s wrong. It could be an emergency or just a small problem you can fix yourself.
The meaning of any blinking sequence varies from model to model. But, we’ll help you figure out what yours is saying. And, we’ll clue you into warning signs that you’ve got a big problem.
Four Reasons The Light On Your Water Heater is Blinking
You can tell which problem you’re having by the color of the light or how often it’s blinking. Of course, each brand and model are different. But, the four most common issues are:
- A Thermostat Problem
- The Pilot Light Is out
- Empty Tank or Tank Won’t Fill Up
- Power or Electrical Issues
Start with the small print on the control panel. Usually, the most common messages are printed right on the control panel. If it’s not on there, check the manual or look up your model number online.
For some models, a single flash is normal: It means everything is fine. Elsewhere, there isn’t much you can do about an electrical issue. A thermostat problem has to do with the built-in gauge, not the one on your wall controlling your heater and central air.
If you’re seeing a message about an empty tank or it not filling up, do a quick visual inspection. You’re looking for water on the ground or outside the tank — any signs of a leak. If you see any, it can become a big problem really fast. We’ll explain more a little later here.
Occasionally, no light at all is a problem — it means the pilot light is out. And, this is a problem you can fix on your own.
How To Restart Your Water Heater’s Pilot Light
Restarting a pilot light on a water heater is simple and safe to do. You don’t have to ignite the flame manually or anything like that. The exact sequence may be different on yours, but you’ll find the instructions on the control panel. The basic method is:
- Turn the knob to “Pilot Light”
- Push in the knob and hold it in
- Push the “Pilot Light” button next to the knob
- Release the Knob
If all goes well, you should hear some clicking and a whoosh. Now, look underneath the panel, and there should be a little opening so you can see underneath the unit. If there’s a blue flame there where there wasn’t a blue flame before, you’re all set!
When Is a Blinking Water Heater Light Dangerous?
Most times, the error message on your water heater isn’t a sign of danger. The blinking light tells you something’s up, but most models today shut off before anything becomes unsafe.
But, if you are getting an error and notice any of the following, there’s cause for concern:
- Water Leaking From or Around the Tank
- Water That’s Cloudy or Has a Metallic Taste
We’ll break these down.
Water Leaking From or Around the Tank
The problem is obvious: You have a leak. But, you may not realize what can happen and how quickly things can escalate. If there’s a leak coming from the tank, then it’s rusting from the inside. You haven’t noticed before because you never see the inside of the tank.
But, what you’re noticing is like the tip of the iceberg. If it’s gotten so bad that there’s a hole on the outside, the inside looks much worse. The oxidation has weakened a large swath of the metal tank by now.
With all that water pushing against the rusted, worn-out section, it’s only a matter of time before that tiny hole splits open into a huge break. At that point, you’re dealing with dozens of gallons of water all over the floor in a matter of seconds.
Water That’s Cloudy or Has a Metallic Taste
Another sign of a leak or rust comes from the water coming out of the tap. If it’s cloudy or tastes metallic, rust or other contaminants are in your tank and traveling through the pipes. You don’t want to bathe or wash with that water, and you definitely shouldn’t drink it.
Instead, call a licensed plumber or water heater professional right away. At this point, you’re not only stuck with water you can’t use. Your heater may also be about to burst due to the rust damage.
Furnace or AC Acting Up Too?
Cold weather is when water heaters and furnaces both work hardest. If your heater is running but the vents feel cool, read Why Is My Heater Blowing Cold Air? For help with heating or cooling anywhere in York County, from Manchester and Dover to Red Lion and Shrewsbury, call Air Comfort Technologies at (717) 855-4101. Heating and cooling repair visits start with a $109 regular-hours diagnostic, waived if you approve the repair.