Does it need help tonight?
- IfNo hot water, no leak, no gas smellThenUsually safe to wait for a daytime visit. Try the basic checks below.
- IfNo hot water and the tank is leakingThenShut it down using the water heater leak guide and treat it as urgent.
- IfRelief valve discharging steadilyThenShut off the heat and the cold supply and call promptly, as the tank may be overheating.
- IfScorch marks, soot or a burning smell around the burner areaThenTurn the gas control off and do not use the heater until it is checked.
Safe checks for a gas tank heater
Look at the pilot or status light
Many units have a viewing window or a status light that blinks a code. The label on the tank explains what it means.
Follow the relighting label exactly
If the pilot is out and there is no gas smell, the instructions printed on the heater show how to relight it. If it will not stay lit, stop.
Check the gas supply
If other gas appliances also do not work, the issue may be with the gas service. Contact SoCalGas.
Safe checks for an electric heater
Check the breaker
Look for a tripped breaker labeled for the water heater. Reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off.
Do not open the element panels
Live electrical parts sit behind those covers. Element and thermostat testing is work for a qualified person.
Common causes
| Symptom | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| No hot water at all, gas unit | Pilot out, faulty thermocouple or flame sensor, gas control issue |
| No hot water at all, electric unit | Tripped breaker, failed element or thermostat |
| Hot water runs out quickly | Sediment buildup from hard water, failed lower element, failing dip tube |
| Rumbling or popping from the tank | Sediment boiling on the tank bottom |
| Tankless unit shows an error | Scale in the heat exchanger, venting or gas supply issue |
Repair or replace
A pilot assembly, thermocouple, element or thermostat is a part replacement, and on a tank that is otherwise sound, repairing makes sense. A tank that is leaking, badly scaled or rusting at the base is usually a replacement.
Hard water in Anaheim speeds up sediment and scale. Asking about flushing a tank or descaling a tankless unit when the repair is done can help the next one last.
What to ask the plumber
- Is this a part failure, or is the tank itself near the end?
- Is the heater correctly strapped and vented?
- Would flushing or descaling help with our water?
- If replacement is needed, does it need a permit?
Common questions
Is it safe to relight a pilot myself?
If there is no gas smell and the heater has relighting instructions on its label, many owners do. If it will not stay lit or you are unsure, leave it off and call.
Why do we run out of hot water faster than before?
Sediment from hard water takes up space in the tank and insulates the water from the burner. A failing element on an electric unit has a similar effect.
Can a tankless heater stop working because of hard water?
Yes. Scale in the heat exchanger can cause errors and reduced flow, which is why regular descaling is often recommended.
General information for Anaheim, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.