Water Heater Not Working? Diagnose and Fix It Fast
No hot water is an emergency. Here is how to diagnose whether it is the pilot light, thermostat, or heating element.
Gas vs Electric: Different Problems
Gas water heaters use a burner and pilot light. Common failures: pilot light goes out, thermocouple fails. Electric water heaters use heating elements. Common failures: element burns out, thermostat fails, breaker trips.
Gas Water Heater: Relight the Pilot
Find the gas control knob. Turn it to PILOT, press and hold while you use a long lighter to ignite the pilot. Hold for 60 seconds, then release. If it stays lit, turn the knob to ON.
Electric Water Heater: Check the Breaker
Electric water heaters run on a dedicated 240V circuit. Check your electrical panel — if the breaker is tripped, reset it. If it trips again immediately, there is a short circuit.
When to Replace vs Repair
Water heaters last 8–12 years. If yours is older than 10 years and needs a major repair, replacement is usually more cost-effective. Signs it is time: rust-colored water, rumbling noises, visible corrosion, water pooling at the base.
Pro Tips
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