We’ve all been there, you turn on the tap expecting a warm stream of water, and instead, it’s cold and uncomfortable. It’s more than just an inconvenience; it can disrupt your day. If your water heater isn’t doing its job, there are a few common reasons why and we’re here to help you figure it out. Whether your system is gas, electric, tank, or tankless, this guide will walk you through what might be going on and how to get things running smoothly again. Because at the end of the day, comfort at home shouldn’t be complicated and you deserve to have it working just right.  

No Hot Water? Common Causes and Solutions. 

Is the Power or Gas Supply Disrupted? 

If your water heater has completely stopped working, take a deep breath, we’ll help you check the basics first. For electric models, start by looking at your circuit breaker. If it’s tripped, reset it and see if that brings your hot water back. If it keeps tripping, it could mean there’s a faulty heating element or wiring issue, and that’s a good time to call in a professional to make sure everything stays safe. 

For gas water heaters, first double-check that your gas supply is on. If your system uses a pilot light, take a moment to see if it’s still lit. If not, carefully follow the manufacturer’s steps to relight it. But if it refuses to stay lit, the thermocouple may be the culprit and that’s another instance where it’s best to have an expert lend a hand.  

Thermostat Needs Adjusting? 

Sometimes, the fix is simpler than we think. If your water isn’t feeling warm enough, it’s worth taking a quick look at your water heater’s thermostat. Most models let you adjust the temperature manually and often it just needs a small tweak. We recommend setting it somewhere between 120°F and 140°F for comfort and safety. 

If you’ve adjusted the thermostat and still aren’t getting the warmth you need, it could be a sign that the thermostat itself isn’t working properly. In that case, it’s best to have a professional take a look and make sure everything’s running the way it should. 

Time for a Flush? 

Over time, it’s completely natural for sediment and minerals to settle at the bottom of your tank water heater. But when that buildup gets thick, it can make it harder for your water heater to do its job, blocking heat and leaving you with water that never quite gets warm enough. 

One of the best ways to keep things running smoothly is to flush your water heater about once a year. It’s a simple habit that can go a long way in protecting your system and keeping your energy bills in check. 

If it’s been a while since your last flush and your water isn’t heating the way it should, don’t worry, this is where a professional can step in, safely drain the tank and help restore your water heater’s performance.  

Faulty Heating Elements? 

Electric water heaters use one or two heating elements to do the heavy lifting and warm your water. If one of those elements stops working, you’ll likely notice the hot water fading  or disappearing altogether. 

If you’re comfortable using a multimeter, you can test the elements yourself to see if they’re still doing their job. But if that feels a bit out of your comfort zone, there’s no shame in calling a pro.  

Burner or Gas Valve Malfunctioning? 

If you have a gas water heater and your water isn’t getting warm, the burner could be the reason. Over time, dirt and debris can build up and block the burner, making the flame too weak to properly heat your water. If you ever notice the flame looking small, uneven, or unusual, it might be time for a good cleaning or, in some cases, a replacement. 

Another part to keep in mind is the gas control valve. If it’s not working the way it should, your heater may not be getting enough gas to heat the water at all. 

These issues aren’t always something you can spot on your own, and that’s okay. If something feels off, it’s always safest to have a professional take a look and make sure everything’s running smoothly and safely.  

Tankless Water Heater Not Working? 

Tankless water heaters are built to deliver hot water on-demand, heating only when you need it. But if your tankless unit isn’t keeping up, it could be working harder than it should. Running too many appliances at once, like the shower, dishwasher, and laundry, can overload the system. Try scaling back to one or two hot water tasks at a time and see if that helps. 

Another thing to keep in mind is water pressure. Tankless systems need a certain flow rate to kick in. If your water pressure is too low, the heater might not activate at all. Check your home’s water pressure and clean out any filters that may have gotten clogged with debris, a simple fix that can make a big difference. 

And if it’s been especially cold outside, your tankless heater might be feeling it too. In freezing temperatures, these units can ice up if they’re not properly protected. If that’s the case, give it time to fully thaw before trying to restart.  

When to Call a Professional? 

If you’ve walked through all the basics and your water heater still isn’t doing its job, it might be time to bring in an expert. Bigger issues, like internal leaks, electrical problems, or gas supply concerns, are best handled by a professional to keep your home safe and running smoothly. 

And if you’re ever in doubt, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a simple repair, routine tune-up, or time for a new system altogether, the team at Go Lime will make sure your hot water is reliable, efficient, and ready when you need it most.  

Call on Go Lime 

Hot water is something you shouldn’t have to think twice about and when it’s not there, it can throw off your whole day. Whether you need a quick repair, a full replacement, or just routine maintenance, Go Lime is here to help with same-day or next-day service to get things back to normal, fast. 

And because life’s busy enough, we also offer protection plans designed to fit your needs. If you choose one of our flexible subscription plans, protection is already built in. Prefer to buy your water heater up front? No problem, you can add a protection plan anytime for worry-free comfort all year long. 

Contact Go Lime today and let’s make sure your home stays warm, comfortable, and hassle-free, just the way it should be.