# 5 Reasons Why Your Water Heater Light Might Blink

- Link: https://alpscomfortair.com/5-reasons-water-heater-light-is-blinking/
- Published: 2023-08-09T15:31:32+00:00
- Author: alpscomfortEditor

These days, water heaters are standard equipment in every modern home. However, 
they’re not the kind of appliances that demand constant attention from homeowners.
As a result, many homeowners assume the worst when they lose hot water and find 
a light blinking on their water heater. In reality, though, a blinking water heater
status light can indicate a plethora of conditions. The good news is that water 
heaters typically feature a label near their status light to help you interpret 
the condition codes. Here are five of the most common reasons that your water heater
light might begin blinking.

### 1. Your Water Heater Is Refilling

Depending on the model [water heater](https://alpscomfortair.com/water-heater-installation-anaheim-ca/)
you own, it may be perfectly normal for its status light to blink from time to time.
On some models, this is an indication that your water heater is refilling with water.
This might happen after someone in your home takes a shower or you do a load of 
laundry. If you notice your water heater light blinking but you still have plentiful
hot water throughout your home, this is likely the cause.

### 2. A Temperature Sensor Issue

Another common reason that a water heater’s light might blink is if the unit senses
a temperature sensor malfunction. When this happens, it could cause your water heater
to stop producing hot water.

![5 Reasons Why Your Water Heater Light Might Blink](https://alpscomfortair.com/
wp-content/uploads/5-Reasons-Why-Your-Water-Heater-Light-Might-Blink.jpg)

Therefore, you’ll need a [heating professional](https://alpscomfortair.com/heating-company-anaheim/)
to diagnose and solve. When you call in a professional, they’ll test the output 
voltage coming from your water heater’s temperature sensor—called a thermopile—to
see if it’s working correctly. If not, they’ll replace it. If it is, they’ll investigate
further to see if a heating element is responsible for the fault.

[Call a water heater professional today!](https://alpscomfortair.com/contact-us/)

### 3. An Internal Component Has Failed

Your water heater’s status light is also there to tell you if any of the system’s
internal components have failed. For example, the water heater’s status light might
blink to let you know that there’s a clog in the unit’s condensate drainage system.
Alternatively, it could be letting you know that the unit’s exhaust piping is somehow
blocked or restricted. The good news is that modern water heaters will turn off 
for your safety before any of the indicated problems pose a danger to you or anyone
in your household. However, you should have your water heater inspected as soon 
as you can, anyway.

### 4. Your Water Heater Is in High-Temperature Shutdown Mode

In most situations, a residential water heater produces hot water at a constant 
temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they also have a temperature control
setting that can allow for water temperatures as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Water that’s hotter than that can pose a severe burn risk to those in your home 
and would risk damaging components of your water heater itself.

If your water heater detects that its internal water temperature has exceeded safe
limits, it will enter high-temperature shutdown mode. This is typically accompanied
by a flashing status light to let you know what’s happening. Then, your water heater
will remain off until the internal temperature drops back to an acceptable level.
If this happens with your water heater, it could be a sign that you’ve set the temperature
setting too high or that another component is failing. Either way, you should schedule
a repair appointment right away.

### 5. Your Water Heater Detected a Leak

The final common reason that your water heater’s status light might blink is that
the system has detected a leak. If you see any water pooled around your water heater
or dripping from the unit, this is likely the reason for the flashing light. However,
a water heater can detect leaks that are still too small for you to spot. Therefore,
if you suspect that the status light is alerting you to a leak, you should turn 
off your water heater and its water supply. You should also have your water heater
repaired, and replace it, if necessary.

![A leaking faucet on a domestic water heater with tools and fittings to replace
appliance](https://alpscomfortair.com/wp-content/uploads/water-heater-leaking.jpg)

## Your Local Water Heater Experts

For over 30 years, Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has been the place to go
for water heater installation, maintenance, and repairs in Anaheim, CA, and the 
surrounding area. We offer complete [air conditioning services](https://alpscomfortair.com/ac-company-anaheim-ca/)
as well as heating services, [indoor air quality](https://alpscomfortair.com/indoor-air-quality/)
solutions, zoning systems, and more. We’re also licensed by the state contractor’s
board and maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. So, if the light
on your water heater starts blinking or it’s time for a new one, call the team at
Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today.