Hot Water Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

When your hot water stops working, it can ruin your whole day. No showers, no washing dishes, no laundry. That cold tap is frustrating and stressful. The good news is that most of the time, it’s something you can figure out quickly. 

This guide will walk you through why your hot water isn’t working, what you can check yourself, and when it’s time to call a professional. We’ll cover electric, gas, and tankless water heaters, plus some tips to keep your system running smoothly in the future. 

Why Your Hot Water Might Not Be Working 

The reason depends on the type of water heater you have. 

Electric water heaters use one or two heating elements and a thermostat. If either part fails or the breaker trips, you can end up with no hot water. 

Gas water heaters have a pilot light, a gas control valve, and a burner. If the pilot goes out or the gas valve fails, the heater stops producing hot water. 

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand with a heat exchanger and sensors. Scale buildup, too many fixtures running at once, or sensor failure can make it stop working. 

Here are some of the most common causes: 

How to Troubleshoot Yourself 

Here are some safe steps to check based on your type of water heater. 

Electric Tank Water Heater 

1. Check the breaker
   Go to your breaker panel and see if the water heater breaker has tripped. If it has, reset it and wait 15-20 minutes. 
2. Press the reset button
   Locate the red high-temperature cutoff button on the heater. Press it to reset the unit. 
3. Check the heating elements and thermostat
   If you have a multimeter, you can test for continuity. Replace any faulty parts. 
4. Flush the tank
   Turn off power, drain the tank until the water runs clear, then refill and restore power. 

Gas Tank Water Heater 

1. Check the pilot light
   Look through the access panel to see if the pilot is lit. If it’s out, follow the manufacturer instructions to relight it safely. 
2. Inspect the thermocouple and gas valve
   If the pilot won’t stay lit, one of these parts may need replacement. 
3. Clean the burner
   Remove debris from the burner to ensure proper flame. 
4. Test the T&P valve
   Lift the lever carefully to make sure it releases water. Replace if faulty. 
5. Flush the tank
   Drain to remove sediment and improve heating efficiency. 

Tankless Water Heater 

1. Check for error codes
   Most tankless heaters will show a code if there’s a problem. Look it up in the manual. 
2. Clean the inlet screen or filter
   Mineral buildup or debris can block flow. 
3. Descale the heat exchanger
   Follow manufacturer instructions for removing scale safely. 
4. Check water demand
   Make sure you aren’t running more fixtures than your heater can handle at once. 
5. Inspect venting and air supply
   Blocked vents or air intake can cause shutdowns. 

When to Call a Professional 

Some problems are too dangerous to tackle yourself. Call Paschal if you notice: 

• Smell gas 

• Pilot won’t stay lit 

• Breaker keeps tripping 

• Loud banging or popping from the tank 

• Leaking water 

• Heater is older than 10 years 

• Tankless error codes you don’t understand 

At Paschal, our licensed technicians can diagnose, repair, or replace your water heater safely. 

How to Prevent Hot Water Problems 

You can avoid most hot water headaches with a little routine care: 

• Flush your tank yearly to remove sediment 

• Test the T&P valve to make sure it works 

• Check the anode rod to prevent corrosion 

• Keep your thermostat at 120-140 degrees for efficiency 

• Descale tankless units if you have hard water 

• Insulate pipes to reduce heat loss 

• Schedule regular check-ups with a professional 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why did my hot water stop suddenly?
It could be a tripped breaker, pilot light out, or a failed component. Check the easy fixes first and call a pro if needed. 

How much does it cost to repair a water heater?
It depends on the problem. Replacing a heating element costs less than replacing the whole unit. We provide clear quotes before any work. 

How long should a water heater last?
Tank heaters usually last 8-12 years. Tankless units can last 15-20 years if maintained. 

Can I flush my water heater myself?
Yes, if you’re comfortable with the drain valve. Always turn off power or gas first. 

Do you install tankless water heaters?
Absolutely. We can help decide if a tankless system is right for your home and install it safely. 

Friendly Reminder From Paschal 

If your hot water isn’t working and you’ve tried these steps, you can book service online or call/text us at 479-502-9229. We’ll send a licensed technician to diagnose and fix your heater quickly. We want your showers warm, your laundry done, and your home running smoothly.