Why Your Water Heater Isn't Working—and How to Fix It

You're standing in the shower, waiting for the water to warm up. But instead, you get hit with a blast of cold. Sound familiar? A broken water heater is a significant inconvenience. It affects your showers, dishes, and laundry. You're in the right place if you're wondering why your water heater isn't working.

This blog will help you identify the problem and how to fix it. Whether it's a simple issue or needs plumbing repair, we've covered you.

Common Reasons Your Water Heater Isn't Working

No Power or Gas Supply

Your water heater needs energy to function. For electric models, it's electricity, and for gas models, it's natural gas or propane.

• Electric Heaters: Check your circuit breaker. A flipped switch might be the issue.

• Gas Heaters: Make sure the gas valve is open. If you smell gas, leave your home and call a professional immediately.

If your heater isn't getting energy, it won't work. This is often the easiest fix.

Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light may have gone out if you have a gas water heater.

• Look for a small flame at the bottom of your heater.

• If it's out, follow the manufacturer's instructions to relight it.

• If it keeps going out, the thermocouple might be faulty.

A weak or damaged thermocouple can't detect the pilot flame. This causes it to shut off the gas as a safety measure. In that case, you may need a plumbing repair service.

Tripped Reset Button

Electric water heaters have a reset button. It's usually red and found near the thermostat.

• Press the reset button.

• If it trips again, there's likely a wiring issue or faulty thermostat.

Repeated trips mean your heater may be overheating. That's a sign it's time to call a plumbing repair expert.

Broken Heating Element

Electric heaters have heating elements inside the tank. These heat the water.

• If one or both elements stop working, your water won't get hot.

• A multimeter can test for continuity.

• If there's no reading, the element is burned out.

With some DIY knowledge, replacing a heating element is possible. However, many people prefer to hire a plumbing repair technician.

Sediment Build-Up

Hard water contains minerals. Over time, these build up inside your water heater tank.

• Sediment forms a layer at the bottom.

• This makes the heater work harder and less efficiently.

• It may overheat or stop heating altogether.

You can flush your water heater to remove sediment. To keep it running well, do this once or twice a year.

If flushing doesn't help, call a plumbing repair professional for a deeper inspection.

Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat controls the water temperature. If it fails, your water could be too hot or too cold.

• Use a multimeter to test it.

• Replace it if it's not working.

Always turn off power or gas before testing or replacing a thermostat. If unsure, it's safer to call a plumbing repair specialist.

Leaking Tank

A leaking tank is a serious problem.

• Water on the floor near your heater is a red flag.

• Cracks or corrosion inside the tank cause leaks.

• A leaking tank usually means it's time for a new water heater.

Unfortunately, a leaking tank can't be repaired. You'll need a complete replacement from a trusted plumbing repair provider.

Incorrect Tank Size

If your water gets cold too quickly, the tank may be too small for your needs.

• Families often outgrow their water heater without realizing it.

• A larger tank or tankless system might be a better option.

Consult a plumbing repair technician to assess your home's hot water demands.

Old Age

Water heaters don't last forever.

• Most units last between 8–12 years.

• Over time, parts wear out and efficiency drops.

If your unit is older, frequent issues are likely. Replacement might be more cost-effective than ongoing plumbing repair.

Poor Installation

If your water heater was installed incorrectly, problems can arise quickly.

• Improper venting in gas models can be dangerous.

• Incorrect wiring in electric models causes power issues.

Always use licensed plumbing repair professionals for installation and upgrades.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps

Before calling in the pros, try these simple steps:

1. Check the power or gas supply. Make sure everything is connected and turned on.

2. Inspect the thermostat. Adjust the temperature and listen for a response.

3. Flush the tank. This helps remove sediment and improve heating.

4. Relight the pilot light. For gas models, this might be the fix.

5. Reset the unit. Push the reset button if it has one.

These steps can fix many minor issues. But if the problem returns, it's best to get professional plumbing repair help.

When to Call a Professional

Some problems are too complex or dangerous for DIY solutions. Call a plumbing repair expert if:

• The tank is leaking.

• The heater is over 10 years old.

• The pilot light won't stay lit.

• Electrical components are involved.

• You smell gas.

Safety should always come first. Professionals have the tools and training to fix the issue safely and efficiently.

How Professionals Fix Common Issues

Here's what to expect when you hire a plumbing repair service:

• Inspection: They'll check the power, thermostat, tank, and valves.

• Testing: They'll use tools to test electrical components and pressure valves.

• Repair or Replacement: If parts are faulty, they'll replace them. If the tank is bad, they'll recommend a new unit.

• Preventative Advice: Most pros will give you tips to avoid future issues.

This saves you time, stress, and more money down the line.

Conclusion

A cold shower isn't fun, and a broken water heater disrupts daily life. But most water heater problems have simple causes—and many are fixable. Check your power, thermostat, pilot light, and tank. Try a reset or flush. But if you're unsure or the problem persists, don't hesitate to call a plumbing repair professional. Taking action early can prevent bigger, more expensive issues later. And with the right help, you'll be enjoying hot water again.