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As your home’s hot water source, the water heater’s importance cannot be overstated. After all, hot water is more than a luxury. It supports hygienic conditions during our most common household chores and routines—things like running the laundry, washing the dishes, and showering. 

If your water heater stopped working, you’re understandably frustrated. But keep reading. The purpose of this guide is to help you explain why your water heater is not working and to provide actionable insights and solutions to remedy the issue. 

Common Signs of a Water Heater Issue

Let’s get started with some possible answers to the question, “Why is my water heater not working?” Some of the most common indicators of a water heater issue include:

1. Lack of Hot Water

Persistently cold water typically indicates sediment buildup, a potential thermostat failure, or—worst case scenario—a water heater system that is no longer functional.

2. Fluctuating Water Temperature

Is the water temperature in your shower having a hard time making up its mind? Inconsistent, ping-ponging water temperatures often suggest issues with your water heater’s heating element, thermostat, or mineral deposits interfering with proper heat distribution.

3. Strange Noises From the Heater

Knocking, popping, or rumbling sounds typically reveal serious internal issues like excessive sediment accumulation, failing heating elements, or damaged components that need to be tightened, re-connected, or repaired.

4. Water Leakage Around the Unit

Water pooling around your water heater indicates there’s a leak somewhere, ranging from simple connective issues to significant tank damage. Ignoring a leaking water heater puts your home at risk of water damage, reduced energy efficiency, and catastrophic flooding.

5. Rust-Colored Water or Sediment Buildup

Discolored water visually signals advanced corrosion inside your tank, indicating that your water heater is likely deteriorating and may require replacement.

Types of Water Heaters and Potential Issues

Depending on whether you own a common tank water heater or an energy-efficient tankless water heater, here are some of the potential problems that can occur with each style:

Tank Water Heaters

Sediment Buildup: When mineral deposits accumulate at the bottom of the tank, it reduces the system’s heating efficiency and potentially damages other internal components.

Faulty Heating Element or Thermostat: Malfunctioning heating elements or thermostats can lead to inconsistent water temperatures, insufficient hot water, or a complete failure to produce hot water.

Pilot Light Issues (For Gas Models): Old or unreliable pilot lights can prevent the water heater from igniting, resulting in a complete loss of hot water and potential safety concerns.

Tankless Water Heaters

Insufficient Power Supply: Inadequate electrical or gas connections can prevent tankless water heaters from generating enough heat to meet household hot water demands.

Mineral Buildup Affecting Heat Exchanger: Calcium and mineral deposits can accumulate on the heat exchanger, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing a system malfunction.

System Overload: Attempting to use hot water in multiple locations simultaneously can overwhelm tankless water heater systems, resulting in reduced water temperature or inconsistent heating.

Troubleshooting Tips

Once you’ve identified why your hot water heater is not working—and if you feel comfortable working with home appliances—here are some common troubleshooting tips you can apply to further localize or repair the problem. 

Check Power or Gas Supply

• Ensure the circuit breaker isn’t tripped or that the fuse isn’t blown. In these instances, you may simply need to reset the circuit breaker or replace the blown fuse.
• For gas models, check the gas valve and pilot light to make sure they’re lit.

Inspect the Thermostat

• Test your thermostat’s functionality by adjusting the temperature to verify it’s on and configured to the correct settings.

Flush the Tank

• When flushing your water heater’s tank, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines in the owner’s manual.
• Generally, you’ll start by shutting off the water heater and letting it cool. 
• Next, locate the drain valve and connect it to a hose. The other end of your hose should be placed somewhere where you can safely dispose of the flushed water, like a drain or bucket.
• Loosen the valve according to manufacturer instructions and allow a few gallons of water to drain out through the hose.
• Visibly cloudy or rusty water indicates you have a sediment buildup, which means the previous step should be repeated as necessary until the flushed water appears clear.

Look for Leaks

• Locate leaks around your water heater and, if possible, patch them.

When to Call a Professional for Water Heater Repair

If, at any point before or during the troubleshooting process you feel unsafe working with gas or electricity, don’t hesitate to call a professional water repair technician.

Other indicators that it’s time to call a professional include:

• Persistent or worsening leaks
• Complete lack of hot water despite troubleshooting
• Frequent on-and-off cycling of the water heater

Water Heater Preventative Maintenance Tips

Preventative maintenance is your best defense against water heater breakdowns. By performing the tasks outlined in the checklist below, you’ll be able to extend the lifespan of your water heater, improve its performance, and protect its warranty.

• Annually flush the tank to remove sediment
• Check the anode rod for corrosion
• Regularly inspect connections and fittings for wear
• Install a water softener to reduce mineral buildup

Choosing the Right Water Heater (If Replacement Is Needed)

Tank vs Tankless Water Heaters

Tank and tankless water heaters are likely two approaches you’ll consider when keeping your home supplied with hot water. Traditional tank systems are thermal reservoirs that store and continuously heat water—up to 40-80 gallons at a time. In contrast, tankless water heaters provide an on-demand solution, heating water only when you turn on the tap.

Estimated Installation Times

Professional water heater installation is the key to lasting hot water availability in your home. Expect the process to take 2-6 hours depending on your chosen model—with tankless systems often requiring more complex installation, especially if switching from a traditional tank setup.

Other Factors to Consider

1. Energy Efficiency

Look for ENERGY STAR® certified models and pay close attention to the Energy Factor (EF) rating. A higher EF means lower operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars annually on utility bills.

2. Household Size and Hot Water Demand

Tankless systems are often ideal for smaller households (1-2 people). Larger households, on the other hand, require enough hot water for simultaneous showers, laundry, or dishwashing and typically benefit from traditional tank heaters with 50-80 gallon capacities.

3. Budget Considerations

Water heaters are a long-term investment with two price points to consider: upfront cost and operational expenses. While tankless systems have higher initial costs, they can save 10-40% on annual energy expenses and often last twice as long as tank models. Over time, these operational savings may outweigh the upfront costs, making tankless water heaters a more budget-friendly decision. 

Recap

Now that we understand some of the reasons your water heater is not working, it’s time to reinforce the importance of scheduling regular water heater maintenance to prevent these issues from happening in the first place. At T. Webber, we specialize in water heater repair and replacement, which means we know exactly how to identify issues with these complicated machines before they break down.

If your water heater is experiencing any of the issues outlined in this guide, don’t ignore them. Contact T. Webber for knowledgeable water heater solutions.