IQHab › United States › Plumbing › Water Heater Not Working — What To Check
Water heater not working
No hot water or strange sounds from your water heater usually point to a specific fix.
Likely causes
| Cause | Likelihood | Severity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tripped breaker or pilot light | high | Low | $0–$150 |
| Thermostat or heating element | medium | Medium | $100–$400 |
| Sediment buildup | medium | Low | $150–$300 |
| Failed tank or leak | low | High | $900–$3,000 |
Safe checks you can do
- Check the breaker or pilot light.
- Confirm the thermostat setting.
- Look for leaks around the tank.
Emergency signals
- Leaking tank
- Burning smell
- Water in the drain pan
Next action
If it's just a breaker or pilot, you may fix it yourself. For a thermostat, element or leaking tank, call a plumber.