No Hot Water Emergency | 24/7 Emergency Plumber Help

No Hot Water

Lost hot water unexpectedly? While not always an emergency, no hot water can indicate serious issues. Here's what to check and when to call for help.

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What To Do Right Now

Check Other Faucets

Test hot water at multiple fixtures. If only one faucet is affected, the issue may be localized to that fixture, not the water heater.

Check the Thermostat

Verify your water heater thermostat is set to 120-140°F. Someone may have accidentally lowered it. Check for a reset button on electric heaters.

Check Pilot Light (Gas)

For gas water heaters, look through the inspection window. If the pilot light is out, follow manufacturer instructions to relight it safely.

Check Circuit Breaker (Electric)

For electric heaters, check your electrical panel. The water heater breaker may have tripped. Reset it once - if it trips again, don't reset.

Check Gas Supply

Ensure other gas appliances work. If your stove and furnace work but not the water heater, the issue is likely the heater itself.

Call a Plumber

If basic troubleshooting doesn't restore hot water, or if you smell gas or see leaking, call a professional immediately.

Signs You Have a No Hot Water

Only cold water from all hot water taps

Hot water runs out faster than usual

Water is lukewarm but never gets hot

Hot water in some fixtures but not others

Pilot light is out on gas water heater

Breaker tripped for electric water heater

Strange noises from water heater

Water heater leaking or showing rust

No Hot Water Repair Costs

Typical repair range

$100 - $1,500

Factors affecting cost:

Type of repair (thermostat, element, gas valve)
Whether parts need replacement
Age and condition of water heater
Electric vs gas water heater
Need for full water heater replacement

Get a detailed cost estimate

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I suddenly have no hot water?

Common causes include a tripped breaker or blown fuse (electric), pilot light going out (gas), failed heating element, broken thermostat, sediment buildup, or a failed gas control valve. The age of your water heater also matters - units over 10 years may simply fail.

How can I tell if my water heater is broken?

Signs of a failing water heater include: no hot water, rusty water, strange noises (popping, rumbling), visible rust or corrosion, water pooling around the base, and the age of the unit (over 10-12 years for tank heaters). Any combination of these suggests replacement may be needed.

Is no hot water an emergency?

While uncomfortable, no hot water isn't usually a safety emergency unless accompanied by gas smell (leave immediately and call gas company) or flooding. However, it can indicate problems that will worsen, so prompt repair is recommended.

How long does a water heater take to heat up?

A typical tank water heater takes 30-40 minutes to heat a full tank after being completely drained or newly installed. If you've run out of hot water, wait this long before checking again. Tankless heaters provide hot water on demand with no recovery time.

Can I take a shower if there's no hot water?

You can take a cold shower, but it's uncomfortable. If you need to wait for repairs, you can heat water on the stove for a sponge bath. Many 24/7 plumbers can restore hot water within hours of your call, so quick repair is often possible.

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Related Plumbing Emergencies

Water Heater Emergency

Water heater leaking or making strange noises? It may need immediate attention.

Frozen Pipes

In cold weather, frozen pipes can stop hot water flow. Learn the signs.

Burst Pipe Emergency

If no hot water is accompanied by flooding, you may have a burst pipe.

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