One morning, the hot water just didn’t show up.
No warning. No drip. No slow fade. Just ice.
You stand there shivering under a stream of cold water, staring at the showerhead like it betrayed you. You twist the knob again, even though you already know it won’t change anything.
No hot water in your home?
Now what?
Hot water is one of those things you never think about until it’s gone. You need it for showers, dishes, laundry. It’s baked into your routine. When it disappears, your whole day gets thrown off.
The good news? It’s usually something you can fix.
The bad news? It could be one of several things.
Below are 11 reasons your hot water might have stopped working—and what you can do about it.
1. Gas Leak
Gas water heaters need gas to heat the water. Obvious, but often overlooked.
If there’s a leak in the gas line, your water heater won’t work. It also becomes dangerous. Don’t ignore it.
Signs of a gas leak:
- You smell sulfur or rotten eggs.
- You hear hissing near the line.
- Your pilot light is off and won’t relight.
What to do:
- Leave the house.
- Don’t turn on lights or appliances.
- Call your gas company.
- Call a plumber after the gas company gives the all-clear.
Gas leaks aren’t DIY projects. Always bring in a pro.
2. Faulty Heating Element (Electric Water Heaters)
If you have an electric water heater, it uses a heating element to warm the water. When that element burns out, the water stays cold.
What to look for:
- Water is cold no matter how long you wait.
- Breaker hasn’t tripped.
- Tank is full, but no heat.
Use a multimeter to check the element. If it’s dead, a plumber can swap it out. Don’t open the water heater without cutting power first. That mistake is how people get shocked.
3. Pilot Light Issues (Gas Water Heaters)
The pilot light keeps the flame going. If it goes out, your water heater shuts down.
Sometimes wind, dirt, or a clog in the line can snuff it out.
How to relight:
- Read the instructions on the heater label.
- Turn the gas knob to “Pilot.”
- Hold down the button while lighting.
- Keep holding for 30 seconds.
If it won’t stay lit after multiple tries, the thermocouple might be the problem.
4. Gas Valve Failure
Even if your pilot light is fine, a bad gas valve can choke off fuel.
The valve should be open and aligned with the pipe. If it’s half-closed, you’ll get no flame—or an inconsistent one.
If you’re relighting the pilot every few days, that’s a red flag. You may need a new water heater.
5. Leaking Water Heater Tank
Leaks are loud in their silence.
If your water heater tank is dripping, the water might not be heating at all. It might just be draining out.
Check:
- Puddles near the base.
- Rust around the valve or seams.
- Damp insulation or a musty smell.
A small leak can be patched. A cracked tank? That’s a goner.
6. Sediment Buildup
Water carries minerals. Over time, they settle at the bottom of the tank and build a crust. That crust sits between your heating element and the water.
Result? Lukewarm or cold water.
Solution:
- Flush your tank once a year.
- Install a powered anode rod to prevent buildup.
If you haven’t flushed it in years, call a plumber. Let them handle the sludge.
7. Thermostat Malfunctions
The thermostat tells your heater when to start and stop. If it’s stuck, nothing happens.
Things to check:
- Recommended setting: 120°F.
- High-temperature cutoff switch.
- Sediment buildup affecting sensors.
Reset the thermostat if needed. If it doesn’t respond, the part may need replacing.
8. Tripped Circuit Breaker (Electric Water Heaters)
Electric water heaters draw a lot of power. If the breaker trips, it cuts off everything.
How to check:
- Go to your breaker panel.
- Find the one labeled “Water Heater.”
- If it’s in the middle, switch it off and back on.
Still no hot water? That breaker may be faulty or the heater has a deeper problem.
9. Undersized Water Heater
Used to be two people in the house. Now it’s five.
If your water heater was sized for fewer people, it runs out faster than it can recover.
Signs:
- Hot water disappears quickly.
- Longer recovery times after each use.
Time to upgrade. Go bigger or go tankless.
10. The Temperatures Have Dropped
Winter isn’t just cold outside. It’s cold in your pipes too.
If your water heater is in a garage or attic, cold air might be slowing it down.
Quick tips:
- Wrap the tank in an insulation blanket.
- Insulate pipes, especially near exterior walls.
- Wait longer between uses to let it recover.
Electric models take longer to heat than gas ones. Give them time.
11. Aging or Failing Water Heater
Water heaters don’t live forever. Most die quietly after 8–12 years.
Telltale signs:
- Discolored water.
- Higher energy bills.
- Rumbling or banging noises.
- Intermittent hot water.
If your heater is past its prime, don’t keep nursing it along. Replace it.
Troubleshooting a Water Heater With No Hot Water
Don’t skip this part. A few small checks might save you a big repair bill.
Resetting Your Water Heater
Gas models: Reset by relighting the pilot light.
Electric models: Look for the red reset button behind the panel. Press it firmly.
Recovery Time for Your Water Heater
Gas heaters: Usually 30–40 minutes.
Electric heaters: May take over an hour.
Don’t use hot water during the heating cycle. That restarts the clock.
Still No Hot Water? Contact Apollo Plumbing
Don’t wait. Don’t guess.
Call Apollo Plumbing.
We’re the Ready right now plumbers serving Everett, WA and nearby areas. We repair, replace, and install all types of water heaters—gas or electric. No hot water? We’ll fix that today.
FAQs
Why do I have no hot water but cold water is fine?
Your water heater is likely the issue. Check for power, gas supply, or pilot light status.
Can a tripped breaker cause no hot water?
Yes. For electric heaters, a tripped breaker cuts off power to the heating element.
How do I know if my water heater is broken?
Look for leaks, no flame, no power, or inconsistent temperatures.
Should I flush my water heater?
Yes. At least once a year to prevent sediment buildup.
What size water heater do I need?
40–50 gallons for 2–4 people. More people = bigger tank or tankless system.
Final Thoughts
No hot water doesn’t mean disaster. But it does mean something’s off.
Check the basics. Listen for sounds. Look for signs. And if you’re still stuck, don’t waste another cold shower waiting it out.
Call Apollo Plumbing—the Ready right now plumbers—and we’ll bring the heat back.
