Vent, Valve & Volt
No hot water from the water heater

This one needs a licensed pro

Likely cause: a failing element, thermostat, sediment or an aging tank

Power or flame is there but the water stays cool or runs out fast. Check the setting, then have a pro look at the heater.

Why this happens

Family Handyman lists corroded heating elements, a thermostat set too low or failed, and sediment in older tanks as common reasons for little or no hot water. A. O. Smith lists insufficient hot water supply as a sign a heater needs repair or replacement, and puts average life at 8 to 12 years; energy.gov says storage heaters last 10 to 15 years. Bob Vila adds that cold weather can affect performance.

What to do right now

  1. On a gas heater, check the temperature dial on the gas control. Keep it at or below 120F, which CPSC and A. O. Smith recommend.
  2. In cold weather the water can feel less hot. If the dial is below 120F you can raise it a little, but do not go above 120F.
  3. Find the heater's age on its data plate.
  4. Call a licensed plumber or water heater technician. Element, thermostat and sediment work on an electric heater means opening live panels.

What to tell the plumber

  • Gas or electric, and the make, model and age from the data plate.
  • Whether you get no hot water, or some that runs out fast.
  • When it started, and whether it is worse in cold weather.

Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.

Related troubleshooters

Start this troubleshooter over

References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
  1. Family Handyman: No hot water in your apartment
  2. A. O. Smith: When to repair or replace a water heater
  3. energy.gov: Which water heater is right for you?
  4. Bob Vila: No hot water? Here's what to do
  5. CPSC: Avoiding tap water scalds
  6. A. O. Smith: Water heater maintenance

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