No Hot Water: Gas and Electric Causes

Likely causes, most common first

Electric water heater

1. Tripped breaker or no power to the unit
2. Tripped high-temperature reset button (it is behind an access panel)
3. Failed upper heating element or thermostat
4. Failed lower heating element (you get some hot water, then it runs out)

Gas water heater

1. Pilot light is out
2. Failed thermocouple, which shuts the gas off
3. Gas supply is off or the gas control valve has failed
4. Venting or burner problems that make the unit shut itself down

What you can safely check

1. Look at the label to see if the unit is gas or electric.
2. Electric: check the breaker panel. If the breaker is tripped, switch it fully off, then on, one time. If it trips again, leave it off and call us.
3. Gas: look at the pilot window if your unit has one. If the pilot is out, follow the lighting instructions printed on the unit. If you smell gas at any point, stop and use the gas safety box below.
4. Check the other hot taps in the house to see if it is one fixture or the whole house.
5. Check for water on the floor around the heater.

What not to do

• Do not open an electric heater's access panel while the breaker is on.
• Do not relight a gas pilot if you smell gas.
• Do not keep resetting a breaker that trips again.
• Do not turn the thermostat to the maximum to get hot water faster.
• Do not run an electric heater when the tank is empty or not full of water.

When to call a professional

Call if the breaker trips again, the pilot will not stay lit, you smell gas or burning, the unit leaks, or the safe checks do not bring back hot water. Our line is answered by a live person 24/7.

Related service: water heater repair.