Is this your problem?
- No hot water at ANY fixture β sinks, showers, tubs all cold
- Hot water runs out much faster than it used to
- Water is lukewarm but never truly hot
- Rusty or smelly hot water (cold water looks fine)
No Hot Water? Get a licensed pro on the line now.
Free for homeowners Β· 24/7 Β· Licensed local pros
What to do right now
Check the breaker (electric heaters)
A tripped breaker is the #1 'mystery' cause. Flip it fully off, then on. If it trips again immediately, stop β that's an electrical fault for a pro.
Check the pilot light (gas heaters)
If the pilot is out, follow the lighting instructions printed on the heater. If it won't stay lit, the thermocouple is likely bad β a quick pro fix.
Check the thermostat setting
It should read around 120Β°F. If someone bumped it down β or it's maxed and water is still cold β the thermostat or element may have failed.
Note the heater's age
Find the serial number label: the first digits usually encode the manufacture date. Tank heaters last 8β12 years; past that, replacement usually beats repair.
Call for diagnosis
Call (844) 699-1165. Tell us gas or electric, tank or tankless, the age, and exactly what the water is doing β a pro can often diagnose by phone and arrive with the right parts.
Stay safe
- Never open the heater's electrical panels or gas controls beyond the printed homeowner instructions.
- If you smell gas near the heater, leave the area and follow local emergency guidance β don't relight anything.
- Water over 140Β°F scalds fast. Don't crank the thermostat past 120Β°F trying to 'fix' lukewarm water.
- A leaking tank can rupture β if you see pooling water, treat it as urgent.
Mistakes to avoid
- Cranking the thermostat to maximum β it won't fix a dead element and creates a scalding risk.
- Repeatedly resetting a tripping breaker β it's protecting you from a real fault.
- Ignoring rusty hot water β it often means the tank is corroding from the inside.
- Replacing a 12-year-old tank's parts piecemeal instead of pricing a full replacement.
What to tell the plumber when you call
Have these answers ready β it gets you the right pro faster and a more accurate quote.
- Gas or electric, tank or tankless, and the approximate age
- Exactly what the water does: fully cold, lukewarm, runs out fast, rusty, smelly
- Any error codes on the display (tankless units)
- Whether the breaker trips or the pilot won't stay lit
- Where the heater sits β garage, closet, attic, basement (affects replacement logistics)
Not quite your problem?
| One fixture cold, others fine | Could be a fixture issue β describe it on the call β |
| Water pooling under the heater | Leaking water heater β |
| No water at all, hot or cold | Possible supply problem β |
No Hot Water β FAQs
Repair or replace my water heater?
How long does replacement take?
Tank or tankless β which is better?
Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs?
No Hot Water Guides by Metro
Same problem, local context β climate, housing, and water conditions that change the advice.