Hot water is one of those everyday comforts you barely notice—until it’s gone. From showers and laundry to cooking and cleaning, your tanked water heater quietly keeps your home running. When it stops working, though, you home comes to a standstill.
The good news? Not every “no hot water” moment means your water heater has failed. Some problems are quick fixes, while others need a professional touch to keep things safe and reliable. Let’s walk through what could be causing the issue, what you can safely check, and when it’s time to call the experts at Strongbuilt Plumbing, Air, and Electric.
How a Water Heater Works
Understanding the basics of how a water heater works helps you know when it’s time to troubleshoot.
Traditional tank-style water heaters use gas or electricity to heat water stored inside a metal tank. As the water warms, it naturally rises to the top—ready for use whenever you open a faucet. Cold water flows in from the bottom to replace it, and the cycle repeats.
It’s a simple system, but over time, normal wear, sediment buildup, or faulty components can interrupt that process.
No Hot Water? Start Here
If your water suddenly runs cold, don’t panic just yet. Try these quick checks before assuming the worst:
- Give it time to recover. After back-to-back showers or running the dishwasher and laundry together, the tank may just need time to reheat. Wait about 30-40 minutes and check again.
- Know your tank’s limits. If you regularly run out of hot water, your system might be too small for your household’s needs. A professional can help you decide whether a larger tank—or a tankless upgrade—makes sense.
- Check your thermostat. The thermostat setting may be off or it may be malfunctioning. The ideal temperature is around 120°F—hot enough for comfort, but safe and efficient. Don’t do anything besides checking the thermostat or resetting. Other thermostat issues require a professional to solve them.
If your heater still isn’t working after those steps, the next checks depend on whether you have a gas or electric unit.
Common Reasons Gas Water Heaters Stop Working
Gas-powered models heat water with burners and rely on a steady gas supply to keep the pilot light lit. If your tank isn’t heating, here’s what could be happening:
- No gas supply. Make sure the gas valve near the water heater is fully open. If other gas appliances also aren’t working, call your gas provider before relighting anything.
- Pilot light is out. If you can’t see a small blue flame through the access window, the pilot may need to be relit. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If it won’t stay lit, the thermocouple—a small safety sensor—may need replacement.
- Burner won’t ignite. Turn up the thermostat and run hot water while watching through the inspection window. If the burner never fires, there may be a problem with the gas control valve or ignition system.
Because gas and combustion parts involve safety risks, it’s best to leave repairs to a licensed technician rather than troubleshooting deeper on your own.
Common Reasons Electric Water Heaters Stop Working
Electric water heaters are powered by heating elements inside the tank. When they fail, the water quickly cools off. Here’s what to look for:
- Tripped breaker. Check your home’s electrical panel and reset the breaker if it’s tripped. If it trips again soon after, call an electrician—there may be a short or overload that needs attention.
- High-temperature cutoff switch. This safety feature shuts off power if the tank overheats. Press the red reset button under the access panel. If it trips repeatedly, a thermostat or element problem may be to blame.
- Leaking tank. Water pooling around the base of your heater is never normal. It could mean a corroded tank or a loose connection. Either way, turn off power and water supply and call a plumber immediately.
- Worn heating elements. Over time, elements burn out or get coated in mineral buildup from hard water. If your tank is 10+ years old, replacement might be more practical than repair.
Important: Working with electrical components or wiring carries real safety risks. If you’re unsure at any point, stop and call a licensed professional.
When Troubleshooting Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, even after basic checks, the problem persists. That’s your cue to bring in an expert. Here are a few signs you need professional service:
- No hot water even after resets or relighting
- Breakers that trip repeatedly
- Water leaking around the base of the tank
- Rust-colored water or popping noises from the unit
A qualified technician can inspect your system, test internal parts, and tell you whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
The Importance of Regular Water Heater Maintenance
Even if your water heater seems fine, a little care goes a long way. Routine maintenance can help prevent many of the issues listed above. Here’s what we recommend:
- Flush the tank once a year to remove sediment buildup that strains the system and reduces efficiency.
- Test the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it’s releasing safely when needed.
- Inspect connections for signs of corrosion, rust, or leaks.
- Schedule a professional tune-up annually to catch small issues before they grow into major repairs.
Regular maintenance not only keeps hot water flowing, but it also helps your system last longer and use less energy.
When It’s Time for a New Water Heater
If your tank is over 10 years old, repairs are frequent, or you’ve noticed water around the base, replacement might be the smarter choice. Newer, high-efficiency water heaters heat faster, save energy, and deliver more consistent comfort for your home.
Whether you stick with a traditional tank or switch to a tankless model, Strongbuilt’s licensed plumbers can help you choose the right system for your household and budget.
Get Reliable Hot Water with Strongbuilt
Hot water keeps your household running, and when something goes wrong, you need a team you can trust. Strongbuilt Plumbing, Air, and Electrical provides service and installs for all types of water heaters—gas, electric, and tankless—and our plumbers can diagnose the issue quickly and safely.
If you’re out of hot water, hearing strange noises, or want to schedule preventive maintenance, we’re here to help. Call Strongbuilt today or schedule online to restore your home’s comfort and convenience.