No Hot Water? 6 Things to Check Before You Call a Plumber

Nothing ruins a morning like a cold shower. Sometimes it's a quick fix you can handle yourself. Sometimes it's a water heater at the end of its life.

Here's what to check first, and when to stop and call us.

1. Is it every faucet, or just one?

If only one faucet or shower is cold, the water heater is probably fine. The problem is likely that fixture's valve or cartridge. If every tap is cold, keep going.

2. Gas water heater: is the pilot light out?

Most gas tank heaters have a small window near the bottom where you can see the pilot flame. If it's out, follow the relighting instructions on the label on the tank.

• If it won't stay lit, that usually points to a bad thermocouple or flame sensor. That's a repair, not a new heater.

• If you smell gas (rotten eggs), don't relight anything. Get everyone out and call your gas company from outside.

3. Electric water heater: did a breaker trip?

Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker labeled for the water heater. Reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call us. A breaker that keeps tripping means something is wrong, like a failed heating element or a wiring problem.

4. Is the gas or power actually on?

Make sure the gas valve on the line to the heater is open (handle in line with the pipe). If your stove or other gas appliances aren't working either, the problem is your gas supply, not the heater.

5. Did the temperature setting get bumped?

Kids, pets, storage boxes: the dial gets knocked more often than you'd think. Around 120°F is the usual recommendation for comfort and safety.

6. Tankless: check the error code

Most tankless units show an error code on the front panel. Write it down or take a photo, and look it up in the manual. Many codes point to a gas supply issue or a unit that needs descaling (flushing out mineral buildup), which should be done regularly.

Call a plumber right away if:

• Water is pooling around the base of the tank

• You smell gas

• The breaker trips again after you reset it

• The pilot won't stay lit

• Your hot water is rusty or smells like rotten eggs

• You hear loud popping or rumbling from the tank

Some of these point to a failing water heater. If yours is 10+ years old, read our guide to water heater repair and replacement in Monmouth County and our 10 warning signs your water heater is about to fail before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a water heater take to heat back up?

A standard tank usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to recover after it's relit or reset, depending on its size and fuel type.

Is it safe to relight my own pilot?

Yes, if you follow the instructions on the tank and there's no gas smell. If you're unsure, call us.

Should I switch to a tankless water heater?

It depends on your hot water use, your gas line and your budget. Read our tank vs. tankless breakdown.

No hot water? Call FIXALL

FIXALL has served Monmouth County homeowners for 15+ years, from Keyport and Middletown to Freehold, Howell and Wall. NJ Master Plumber Lic. #12125 | 4.9 stars from 350+ Google reviews.

Call (732) 991-2211 or book online. You get the price in writing before we start, and the bill never comes in higher than the quote.