Why You Might Have No Hot Water
There are a few everyday reasons a water heater not working can leave you with cool taps. Knowing the basics helps you act fast and avoid guesswork.
- Power or gas supply issues: Electric units can stop heating if a breaker trips, a switch is off, or wiring is loose. Gas units may lose heat if the gas valve is closed or the pilot goes out.
- Thermostat or control faults: A thermostat set too low, a tripped reset, or a misreading sensor can cause a water heater not heating water. Electric elements and gas control valves can also fail over time.
- Sediment buildup: Minerals settle at the bottom of the tank, making the burner or elements work harder. You might hear rumbling, notice slower recovery, or feel inconsistent temperatures.
If you’re seeing repeated no hot water episodes, or the water heater not heating returns after a short fix, it’s a sign the system needs a closer look.
Quick Checks You Can Try at Home
Start with a few safe steps. If anything seems uncertain, we’re happy to help. A quick visit from a 72 Degrees plumber can save time and protect your equipment.
- Confirm power or gas: For electric units, make sure the breaker is on and the nearby switch is up. For gas units, the gas valve should be open and the pilot or ignition indicator active. If your unit has a reset button, press it once.
- Check the temperature setting: Set the thermostat to 120–125°F. Give the system 30–60 minutes to recover. If there’s still no hot water, your water heater not working may point to a faulty element or control.
- Try a light flush: Turn off power (or set gas to pilot). Close the cold water supply. Attach a hose to the drain valve and direct it to a floor drain. Open the valve and briefly lift the T&P lever to vent air. Let water run until it begins to clear, then close the drain, reopen the cold supply, and restore power or gas. If draining is slow or rusty water persists, the tank likely needs professional service.
These steps can solve simple water heater problems. If the water heater not heating water continues after these checks, it’s best to bring in a professional.
When It’s Time to Call 72 Degrees
Some warning signs call for licensed service. Acting early protects your home and helps you avoid bigger repairs.
- No hot water after resets and thermostat checks.
- Breakers that trip repeatedly or any scorching on wiring.
- Gas smell, soot around the burner, or a pilot that won’t stay lit.
- Leaks at the tank or T&P discharge, visible corrosion, or constant rumbling.
With 72 Degrees, you get clear diagnostics, honest recommendations, and work done to manufacturer standards. We test heating elements and thermostats, inspect gas controls, and tune settings for safe, efficient performance. If a part needs replacing, we use approved components and document the repair for your records.
Why Neighbors Across the Hill Country Trust 72 Degrees
Since 1986, our team has been helping Hill Country homeowners through hot summers, chilly snaps, and everything in between. When you’re dealing with a water heater not heating or just a water heater not working the way it should, we respond with steady expertise and a friendly approach. We explain what we find in plain terms and outline your options — whether that’s fixing water heater controls, replacing a worn element, or discussing a new, more efficient system.
- Experienced, licensed plumbers who know local homes and water conditions.
- Upfront communication and work completed to code and manufacturer specifications.
- Care Club maintenance options to keep your system running smoothly and reduce surprises.
- Service across Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and surrounding Hill Country communities.
Our goal is simple: restore reliable hot water and give you peace of mind. If you’re tired of no hot water or ongoing water heater problems, we’re here to help.
Maintenance That Keeps Hot Water Flowing
A little routine care goes a long way. Regular water heater maintenance service helps prevent a water heater not heating water and extends the life of your system.
- Annual inspection: Have a professional check safety devices, controls, and combustion or electrical components once a year.
- Anode rod and T&P valve: Inspect the anode every 2–3 years and test the T&P valve annually.
- Periodic flushing: In hard-water areas, plan a partial flush every 6–12 months to reduce sediment and improve recovery time.
- Smart settings: Keep the thermostat at 120–125°F to manage scaling and reduce scald risk. Consider an expansion tank if your plumbing uses a check valve, and add a leak detector for early alerts.
Our Care Club makes staying on track easy with scheduled tune-ups and reminders, so you spend less time fixing water heater issues and more time enjoying your home.
Need Help Today? We’re Ready.
If your water heater is not heating and you’re facing no hot water, 72 Degrees is ready to step in. We repair and replace electric and gas water heaters across Fredericksburg and the Hill Country. We’ll diagnose the cause, explain what’s happening, and walk you through the best path forward — whether that’s repairing a control, fixing water heater elements, or installing a new unit when the old one has reached the end of its life.
Schedule online or give us a call. Ask about the Care Club for ongoing maintenance that helps prevent a water heater not working at the worst time. With 72 Degrees, you get a local team that treats your home with care and keeps comfort simple.
