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No hot water — what to check first

Start with the power source: on a gas heater, check whether the pilot or burner is lit; on an electric heater, check the breaker and the reset button on the upper thermostat. If it lights/resets and holds, you likely just needed a reset. If it won't stay lit, trips again, or the tank is old and rusty, you're moving from repair toward replacement. If you ever smell gas at the unit, stop and call the gas utility.

Gas vs. electric — different first checks

Gas: look through the access panel for a lit pilot/burner. If it's out and you smell no gas, follow the relight instructions on the tank's label. If it won't stay lit, the thermocouple or gas valve is the usual cause — a plumber's job.

Electric: check the breaker, then press the reset (ECO) button on the upper thermostat behind the access panel. A breaker that trips again, or a reset that won't hold, points to a failed heating element or thermostat.

Running out too fast is a different problem

If you have hot water but it runs out quickly, the tank may be undersized for your household, or sediment has cut its effective capacity. Sediment buildup is why an annual flush matters. A setpoint of 120°F balances scald safety and supply (CPSC).

When to call a professional

  • • You smell gas at the unit — leave and call the gas utility.
  • • The breaker trips repeatedly or a gas heater won't stay lit.
  • • The tank is leaking or the water is rusty — see the leaking and replacement pages.

Common questions

How long should a water heater last?
A conventional tank typically lasts 6–12 years (InterNACHI). If yours is in that range and failing, weigh repair against replacement.
Is it safe to relight the pilot myself?
Only if you smell no gas and you follow the printed instructions on the tank. If you smell gas at any point, stop, leave, and call your gas utility.

Sources

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