Call a Plumber Soon Avg. cost: $300
No Hot Water: Causes, Fixes & When to Call a Plumber
No hot water is usually caused by a tripped breaker (electric heaters), extinguished pilot light (gas heaters), failed heating element, or a failing unit. Check the simple fixes first; if unresolved, a plumber can diagnose and repair or replace the unit same-day.
What Causes No Hot Water?
- Tripped circuit breaker (electric water heaters)
- Pilot light out (gas water heaters)
- Failed heating element
- Faulty thermostat on the heater
- Sediment buildup reducing heating efficiency
- Water heater at end of life (10–15 years)
How to Fix No Hot Water: Step-by-Step
- 1Check circuit breaker and reset if tripped (electric)
- 2Relight the pilot light following the label instructions (gas)
- 3Check for error codes on modern tankless units
- 4Verify the thermostat is set to 120°F
- 5Flush sediment if the unit is making popping sounds
When Should You Call a Plumber?
Call a plumber if: the pilot light won't stay lit, you smell gas, the reset button keeps tripping, the unit is over 10 years old, or water appears rusty/discolored from the heater.
How Much Does No Hot Water Repair Cost?
Average Cost $300
Typical Range $100 – $1,800
Costs vary by location, severity, and whether emergency service is needed. Prices shown are national averages. Get a free quote from a local plumber →
Frequently Asked Questions About No Hot Water
- Electric water heaters take 30–90 minutes to reheat a full tank after a reset. If it doesn't recover within 2 hours, a heating element has likely failed.
- Yes — follow the manufacturer's label instructions exactly. If you smell gas before relighting, leave the house and call your gas utility immediately. Never relight if you suspect a gas leak.
- If the unit is under 8 years old and a single component failed, repair is usually cost-effective. If it's 10+ years old, leaking from the tank, or requiring repeated repairs, replacement delivers better long-term value.