Hot Water Heater Help: Quick Fixes and When to Call a Pro

If your showers suddenly turn cold, you’re probably dealing with a hot water heater issue. Most problems are simple enough to spot yourself, and a few tools can save you a costly service call. Below we break down the usual culprits, how to test them, and the safest way to get hot water back on track.

Common Hot Water Heater Problems

The first thing to check is the power. A tripped breaker or a blown fuse will stop an electric heater dead in its tracks. Flip the breaker back on and look for any signs of a short, like a burning smell. If the breaker holds, move on to the heating element.

A faulty element is the most frequent cause of no‑hot‑water complaints. To test it, turn off the power at the breaker, remove the access panel, and locate the two screws holding the element in place. Disconnect the wires, then use a multimeter set to the ohms (Ω) setting. A good element reads between 10 and 30 ohms; infinite resistance means it’s dead and needs replacing.

Another common issue is a stuck reset button. Many electric heaters have a high‑limit thermostat that trips if the water gets too hot. Press the reset button firmly; you should hear a click. If it trips again within a few minutes, the element is likely still bad or the thermostat needs swapping.

For gas heaters, look for a pilot light that won’t stay lit or a strange smell of gas. These are signs of a faulty thermocouple or a dirty burner. Both need a qualified technician because working with gas can be dangerous.

DIY Fixes and When to Call a Pro

Simple fixes you can do yourself include flushing the tank to remove sediment. Over time, minerals settle at the bottom and act like an insulator, making the heater work harder and sometimes causing the element to overheat. Turn off the power or gas, connect a garden hose to the drain valve, and let the water run until it’s clear. Close the valve, refill the tank, and turn the power back on.

If the element tests bad, replace it with a model that matches the manufacturer’s specifications. Most kits come with the element, two mounting bolts, and a gasket. Re‑install, reconnect the wires exactly as they were, and tighten the bolts—not too tight, just snug.

When the reset button keeps tripping after an element swap, the thermostat itself might be faulty. Replacing a thermostat is a bit more involved but still doable with a screwdriver and a new part that matches your heater’s voltage rating.

However, if you encounter any of these red flags, it’s time to call a pro: you smell gas, the heater makes loud banging noises, water leaks from the tank, or the unit is older than 10‑12 years. A professional can safely handle gas connections, check the pressure relief valve, and assess whether a full replacement is more cost‑effective.

At Bridgewater Appliance Fixers, we’ve seen every hot water heater problem under the sun. Our team can test elements, reset thermostats, flush tanks and replace parts quickly. If DIY isn’t your style or you hit a snag, give us a call and we’ll get your showers back to toasty in no time.