Water Heater: Why isn't my water heater heating my water?
For electric water heaters, check both house circuit breakers for the water heater. Reset the circuit breakers by shutting them off and then flipping them back on. A gas water heater will have a single circuit breaker. Reset that circuit breaker the same way-shut it off and flip it back on.
If the electric water heater doesn't begin to heat after resetting the circuit breakers, shut the breakers off and press the reset button for the high-temperature limit switch on the upper thermostat of the water heater. If the water heater works for a while and then trips the high-temperature limit switch again, you'll likely need to replace a failed thermostat that's causing the element to heat constantly. If an electric water heater element doesn't heat when activated, replace the heating element. Replace the thermostat if it doesn't activate the heating element. Our no-hot-water troubleshooting video can help you figure out which part to replace in an electric water heater that's not heating.
For gas water heaters, make sure you have an adequate gas supply provided to the water heater and check the gas supply shut-off valve to make sure it's fully open. If your gas water heater uses a pilot light for ignition, relight the pilot if necessary. Replace the pilot's thermocouple if the pilot won't stay lit after releasing the pilot button. Replace the thermostat if it doesn't turn on the burner to heat the water. Replace the burner assembly if it's at fault. The gas water heater has ventilation interlock switches. Have a service technician examine the gas water heater if basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve the water heating failure.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR WATER HEATER PROBLEM
Replace the water heater heating element
The heating element is the heat source inside an electric water heater. It extends directly into the tank, where it radiates heat energy to the water around it. If the heating element is not heating when activated, replace the heating element.
Water heater heating element
How to replace a water heater element
If your electric water heater runs out of hot water quickly, or if the water isn't as hot as it should be, the heating element could be the problem. This step-by-step repair guide and video show how to replace a water heater heating element.
Replace the water heater thermostat
The thermostat constantly monitors water temperature in the tank. When the water temperature drops beneath the desired setting, the thermostat sends power to the electric heating element or gas burner to begin heating. If the thermostat isn't sending power to the heating element, replace the thermostat. In a gas water heater, replace the gas control assembly that contains the thermostat.
Water heater thermostat
How to replace an electric water heater thermostat
If your electric water heater makes the water too hot or not hot enough, the thermostat could be broken. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace an electric water heater thermostat.
Replace the water heater thermocouple
The thermocouple monitors the pilot light. It detects whether your pilot light is lit by generating a small electrical current powered by the heat of the pilot flame. The gas valve won't open if it doesn't sense the small electrical current produced by the thermocouple because it assumes the pilot light is off. Replace the thermocouple if it doesn't detect the pilot flame.
Water heater thermocouple
Symptoms common to all water heaters
Articles and videos common to all water heaters
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