Why Is My Water Heater Not Working?
No hot water? The cause depends on whether your heater is electric or gas — from a tripped breaker to a pilot light, thermostat, or failed element. Here's how to narrow it down.
When your water heater stops working, the cause usually comes down to a handful of common issues — and which ones apply depends on whether you have an electric or gas unit. Here’s how to narrow it down before calling for help.
If you have an electric water heater
- A tripped breaker or blown fuse. Check your electrical panel first; a tripped breaker is a frequent and easy-to-spot cause. If it trips again right away, stop and call a pro — that signals an electrical fault.
- A failed heating element. Electric heaters rely on one or two elements. A burned-out element means little or no hot water.
- A faulty thermostat. A bad thermostat won’t call for heat, leaving you with cold water.
- A tripped high-temperature limit switch. A reset button on the unit may have tripped due to overheating — but if it keeps tripping, there’s an underlying problem.
If you have a gas water heater
- The pilot light is out. A pilot that won’t stay lit (often a thermocouple issue) is a top cause of no hot water on gas units.
- A gas supply interruption. Confirm gas is on and other gas appliances are working.
- A faulty gas control valve or thermostat.
- Venting problems that disrupt safe combustion.
What to check safely
For electric units, check the breaker. For gas units, check whether the pilot is lit and follow the heater’s lighting instructions. Confirm the thermostat hasn’t been bumped to a very low setting. Beyond these basics, diagnosing elements, thermostats, gas valves, and wiring is best left to a professional for both accuracy and safety.
When to call a professional
If the breaker trips again, the pilot won’t stay lit, you smell gas, or you see any leaking, call for service. A plumber can diagnose the exact failure and restore hot water safely — and we’re available around the clock for no-hot-water situations.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I suddenly have no hot water at all? On electric units, a tripped breaker or failed element is common; on gas units, an out pilot light. A complete loss of hot water often points to one of these.
Why is my water only lukewarm? That can indicate one failed element (on a dual-element electric heater), a thermostat issue, or heavy sediment. It’s a different symptom than no hot water at all.
Is a no-hot-water situation an emergency? It can be disruptive, especially for a household. We offer 24/7 service so you’re not stuck waiting.
No hot water is one of the most common calls we get — and one we can usually resolve quickly. Learn more about our water heater service or contact us any time, day or night.
General guidance only; have a licensed professional diagnose your specific unit.