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Water Heater Not Heating? Gas, Electric and Tankless Causes
A cold shower is a bad way to start the day. Here is how to find out why your water heater stopped heating, and which checks are safe to do yourself.
Call Now – (949) 693-0298In this guide
- Gas: pilot out or bad thermocouple
- Gas: igniter or gas valve problem
- Electric: tripped breaker or reset button
- Electric: burned element or thermostat
Why is my water heater not heating?
The cause depends on the type of water heater. On gas tanks, the pilot light is often out because of a bad thermocouple, or the igniter or gas valve has failed. On electric tanks, a tripped breaker, a tripped high-limit reset or a burned-out element is common. Tankless units often stop because of scale, an error code or low gas supply. Call (949) 693-0298 for same-day help.
Our water heater repair Mission Viejo techs fix gas, electric and tankless units from Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Rinnai, Navien and Noritz across south Orange County.
What should you check first?
Start with the simple things. Make sure the gas valve is on and other gas appliances work, or that the breaker is on for an electric unit. Check the temperature setting. Look at the display or status light, which often shows an error code. Then follow the checks below for your type of heater.
- Gas supply. Is the stove lighting? If not, the gas may be off to the whole house.
- Power. Electric tanks use a 240-volt double breaker. Tankless and many newer gas tanks also need a plug or power.
- Setting. Someone may have turned the dial to Vacation or Low.
- Error code or flashing light. Write it down before you reset anything.
Why is my gas water heater not heating?
Most gas tank no-heat calls come down to the pilot or the parts that keep it lit. A dirty or failing thermocouple or flame sensor shuts the gas off for safety. An electronic igniter can wear out. A failed gas control valve or a blocked vent can also stop the burner. Thermocouple and igniter repairs usually cost about $150 to $300, and a gas valve about $350 to $650.
If your model has a pilot you can relight, follow the steps on the label exactly. If it will not stay lit, or you smell gas, stop and call. Never try to bypass a safety part.
Why is my electric water heater not heating?
Electric tanks have two heating elements and two thermostats. If the high-limit reset trips, or an element burns out, you may get no hot water or only a little. Reset the breaker, then the red reset button behind the upper panel if it tripped. If it trips again, a part has failed. Element or thermostat repairs usually cost about $200 to $450.
Turn off the power at the breaker before you remove any panel. The terminals carry 240 volts.
Why is my tankless water heater not heating?
Tankless units stop heating when scale builds up in the heat exchanger, when the inlet filter is clogged, when the flow is too low to turn the burner on, or when gas supply is not enough for the unit. The display usually shows a code. Many Mission Viejo tankless problems trace back to hard water and missed yearly descaling.
Our tankless water heater repair Mission Viejo CA service covers descaling, sensor and igniter repairs. For common codes, see our tankless water heater problems guide.
When is it time to replace instead of repair?
If the tank is leaking, if it is more than about 10 to 12 years old and needs a major part, or if the hot water is rusty, replacement is usually the better value. Most no-heat problems are repairs, which cost about $150 to $650 in Mission Viejo. A new 40 to 50 gallon tank costs about $1,900 to $3,800 installed.
See our water heater replacement cost guide, or book water heater replacement Mission Viejo homeowners count on when a tank is done.
What should I check before I call for repair?
Check the breaker or pilot, the thermostat setting, and whether the problem is in one tap or the whole house. These three checks take about five minutes and help the technician find the fault faster. (949) 693-0298
- Gas heater: look through the small window at the bottom. No flame means the pilot or igniter needs a look.
- Electric heater: check the breaker. If it trips again right away, stop and call. Do not keep resetting it.
- Thermostat: most homes do well at 120°F. A setting that was bumped down can feel like a broken heater.
- One tap only: if only one sink or shower is cold, the problem may be a mixing valve, not the heater.
Write down the age on the label and any sounds or smells you notice. A heater over 10 years old with no hot water is often a replace-or-repair talk, and knowing the age helps you get a clear price on the first visit.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my water heater on but not heating?
On gas units, a bad thermocouple, igniter or gas valve is common. On electric units, a burned element, a failed thermostat or a tripped high-limit reset is common.
How do I reset my water heater?
Electric tanks have a red reset button behind the upper panel. Turn off the breaker first. Gas units reset by relighting the pilot or cycling the power on electronic models.
Why do I only have a little hot water?
On electric tanks, one of the two elements may be out. On gas tanks, sediment can take up space and slow heating.
How much does water heater repair cost in Mission Viejo?
Most repairs cost about $150 to $650. Thermocouple or igniter work runs about $150 to $300, and a gas valve about $350 to $650.
Talk to a water heater pro now
Questions about your water heater? Call a local pro in Mission Viejo, CA. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
(949) 693-0298 Call Now – (949) 693-0298