Common plumbing problem
No Hot Water
Cold showers? Common water heater failures and when repair beats replacement.
Reviewed by Micky Cipolla, NJ Master Plumber #13478
Active leak, no heat or no hot water? Don't wait on a form. Call or text 862-362-0634
No hot water is one of the most common calls we get. Sometimes it is a simple repair. Sometimes the heater is done. Here is how to tell.
Common causes
- Pilot or ignition failure. Gas heaters can lose the pilot or have a bad thermocouple or igniter.
- Tripped breaker or bad element. Electric heaters fail when elements or thermostats burn out.
- Sediment buildup. Common with well water, sediment smothers the burner and cuts capacity.
- Undersized heater. A family that has grown may simply need more hot water.
- End of life. Most tank heaters last roughly 8 to 12 years.
What you can check first
- Check the breaker for an electric heater
- Look for a pilot or error light on a gas heater
- Look for water around the base of the tank
- Note the age on the label
When to call a plumber
- The tank is leaking
- You smell gas (leave and call your gas utility first)
- The heater is over 10 years old and failing
How we fix it
We repair what is worth repairing. When it is time to replace, we size the new heater to your household, and replacement is often done the same or next day.
Water Heater Repair & Replacement Tankless Water Heaters
No Hot Water FAQ
Can you replace it today?
Often, yes.
Should I go tankless?
It depends on your hot water use, gas line and space. We will tell you honestly.
★★★★★
"Our hot water heater stopped working while we were on vacation and they came right away. They registered our heater so we could get the parts under warranty."
amy B.Google review