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.
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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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