A sudden loss of hot water can disrupt your day fast — especially during cold mornings, busy family routines, or essential cleaning tasks. While it’s frustrating, many water-heater failures have simple causes you can check before calling a professional.
Here’s what to do step-by-step to diagnose the issue and get your hot water flowing again.
1. Check the Power Source
The first place to start is at the source of your water heater’s power. Identify whether you have an electric or gas water heater.
Electric Water Heaters
If you have an electric unit, start by verifying that it’s receiving power. Check the circuit breaker panel for a tripped breaker and reset it if necessary. Next, inspect the on-unit safety switch — sometimes it flips off after a surge or overload.
- If the breaker continues tripping, do not keep resetting it. This can signal a failed heating element or wiring problem that requires immediate professional attention.
Gas Water Heaters
For gas units, confirm that the gas supply valve is open. Then look at the pilot light — is it out? If so, follow your manufacturer’s relighting instructions.
- If it won’t stay lit, there could be an issue with the thermocouple or gas control valve.
2. Inspect the Thermostat and Temperature Settings
Incorrect temperature settings can trick you into thinking the water heater has failed. Make sure your thermostat is set between 120°F and 140°F.
- If the temperature keeps fluctuating or won’t rise at all, the thermostat may be malfunctioning.
Pro Tip: If your water is lukewarm rather than cold, this often points to a partially failed heating element — not a full system breakdown.
Having trouble with water pressure? Learn the common causes (and simple solutions) here: Water Pressure Problems? Here’s What Could Be Causing It
3. Look for Leaks or Visible Damage
Walk around your unit and look for pooling water, rust streaks, or moisture around the tank. Leaks can cause both performance issues and severe property damage. Even small, slow leaks indicate tank corrosion, which may require a full replacement.
- If the tank is making popping or rumbling noises, sediment buildup may be the culprit.
- Flushing the tank annually can prevent this problem — and extend the lifespan of your system.
4. Evaluate Hot-Water Output Throughout Your Home
Before concluding that your water heater is the issue, test multiple faucets and appliances. If you have hot water in some locations but not others, you may have a plumbing issue such as:
- A Malfunctioning Fixture
- A Failed Mixing Valve
- A Clogged Line
Priority Plumbing and Restoration can diagnose whether the problem is appliance-related or caused by something deeper in your plumbing system.
5. Know When to Call a Professional
If you’ve checked the basics and still have no hot water, it’s time to bring in a certified technician. Persistent pilot-light issues, electrical failures, leaks, and unusual noises often indicate underlying problems that require professional tools and training to repair safely.
Pro Tip: Water heaters typically last 8–12 years. If yours is approaching the end of its lifespan and showing repeated issues, replacement may be more cost-effective than repair.
For more on the life span of water heaters, read our guide: How Long Do Water Heaters Last? Signs It’s Time for a Replacement
Avoid Shivering Showers this Winter
A non-working water heater doesn’t always signal a major disaster. With a few simple checks, you can often identify the source of the problem — and sometimes resolve it quickly. But when the issue is more complex, contact Priority Plumbing and Restoration.
We’re ready around the clock with fast, reliable service to restore your hot water and protect your home!
