If you have no hot water, check the breaker on an electric water heater or the pilot light on a gas water heater first. Then look for water around the base of the tank. If the breaker trips again, the pilot will not stay lit, or the tank is leaking, stop using it and call a plumber.

Common Reasons a Water Heater Stops Working

Sudden hot water loss usually means the water heater lost power, lost fuel, or has a failed part.

If cold water still works but hot water does not, the problem is usually inside the water heater, not the whole plumbing system.

Electric water heater: A tripped breaker, bad heating element, or bad thermostat can stop the tank from heating. Reset the breaker once. If it trips again, do not keep resetting it. That can point to an electrical problem inside the unit.

Gas water heater: A pilot light, igniter, thermocouple, or gas control problem can stop the burner from lighting. If you smell gas, leave the area and call the gas company or emergency service right away.

Tankless water heater: A tankless unit may stop making hot water because of an error code, ignition issue, blocked filter, or scale buildup. Check the display if it has one, but do not remove panels or reset the unit over and over.

Leaking tank: If water is coming from the base of the tank, the problem may be more serious. Shut off the water if you can. If you are not sure where to shut it off, read our guide on where to find your main water shut-off valve.

Age matters too. Most water heaters last 8 to 12 years. If yours is in that range and it just stopped working, that changes the decision. A repair on a 5-year-old unit usually makes sense. A repair on a 12-year-old unit might just delay the next problem by a year. If you do not know how old your water heater is, look for a label on the side of the tank. The serial number usually has the year built in it.

Why You Should Not Wait on This

No hot water is frustrating, but a leak or a breaker that keeps tripping is the bigger concern. A leaking tank can damage flooring, walls, or a crawlspace. A breaker that trips again after you reset it usually means something inside the unit has failed. The longer you wait, the more likely a simple repair turns into a full water heater replacement.

What to Expect When We Show Up

A plumber will first check whether the water heater has power or fuel. Then they will inspect the thermostat, heating elements, burner, pilot assembly, valves, and visible connections. They will also check for rust, corrosion, and leaks around the tank. If the unit can be repaired, they will explain the repair. If replacement makes more sense, they will tell you why.

What It Costs to Fix a Water Heater

Our water heater repair starts at $250. The final cost depends on the cause, the age of the unit, the parts needed, and whether the water heater needs repair or replacement.

In the Triad, hard water can add sediment inside water heaters and make older units work harder over time. If your home in Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Greensboro, or High Point has no hot water, our water heater repair and replacement service team can diagnose the problem and explain your options.