You can fix this
Likely cause: a tripped breaker
If the breaker reset and stayed on, the heater has power again. Give it time to reheat, and keep an eye on it.
Why this happens
Bob Vila's first steps for an electric water heater with no hot water are to cycle the power and reset the breaker: flip it off, wait 20 seconds, then flip it back on. A tripped breaker cuts power to the elements, so the water cools until power is restored. If it trips again, something in the heater or circuit needs a professional.
How to fix it
- Leave the breaker on and give the tank time to reheat before testing a tap.
- Do not open the heater's access panels. The elements and thermostats behind them are live.
- If the breaker trips again, leave it off and call a licensed plumber or electrician.
- Note the day and time it tripped so you can tell the pro.
If this does not fix it, tell the plumber
- The water heater breaker tripped, and when.
- Whether it reset and held, or tripped again.
- The make, model and age from the data plate.
Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.
Start this troubleshooter over
References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
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