Why’s my water heater not heating?
No hot water is frustrating, but let’s figure out what’s going on. The fix depends on what type of water heater you have:
Electric water heater:
- Check your breaker box – a tripped breaker is the most common culprit
- Press the reset button on the unit (usually a red button behind the access panel)
- If it trips again, you likely have a failing heating element or thermostat
Gas water heater:
- Check if the pilot light is lit – if not, try relighting it following the manufacturer’s instructions
- Make sure the gas valve is in the “on” position
- If the pilot won’t stay lit, the thermocouple may need replacement
Tankless water heater:
- Check for error codes on the display
- Verify gas and water supply are both on
- Check that the venting isn’t blocked
For all types: Sediment buildup can reduce efficiency over time. If your water heater is over 10 years old and struggling, it may be time to consider replacement.
If these quick checks don’t solve it, give us a call – we can diagnose the issue and get your hot water back.
Quick explainer from Erin
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