No hot water is one of the most common calls we get. Before you call, a few safe checks can narrow it down.
If you smell gas
Leave the house right away. Don't turn lights or appliances on or off and don't use a phone inside. Once you're outside and away from the smell, call 911 or Xcel Energy's gas emergency line at 1-800-895-2999 (Xcel Energy gas emergencies). Don't go back in until they say it's safe.
First: is it the whole house?
If only one faucet or shower has no hot water, the heater is probably fine; the problem is that fixture's cartridge or mixing valve. Faucet and shower valve repair → If every tap is cold, it's the water heater.
Electric water heater checks
- The breaker. Find the water heater's breaker in the panel. If it's tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off: that usually means a shorted element or damaged wiring.
- The reset button. Turn the breaker off, remove the upper access panel cover, and press the red reset button above the upper thermostat. Put the cover back, turn the breaker on, and give it an hour. If it trips again, a thermostat or heating element has usually failed.
- Lukewarm water or hot water that runs out fast usually means the lower element has failed.
These heaters run on 240 volts. If you're not comfortable around that, stop at the breaker and call.
Gas water heater checks
- The gas valve. The valve on the gas line to the heater should be open, with the handle in line with the pipe. If other gas appliances like the stove aren't working either, the problem is the gas supply, so call Xcel Energy.
- The pilot or status light. On older heaters, look through the sight glass for the pilot flame. If it's out, relight it by following the instructions printed on the heater's label. If it won't stay lit, the thermocouple or flame sensor is the usual cause. Newer heaters have a status light that blinks a code; the code is explained on the label or in the manual.
- Power-vent and tankless models need electricity. Check that they're plugged in and that the outlet or its GFCI hasn't tripped.
- The thermostat setting. Make sure it hasn't been turned down to Vacation or Pilot.
When it's time to call
- The breaker or reset button keeps tripping
- The pilot won't stay lit, or the burner won't light with the pilot on
- Water around the base (what to do about a leak)
- Rusty hot water, or a rotten-egg smell from the hot water only
- Popping or rumbling (what that noise means)
- It's about 10 years old or older (how long water heaters last)
We repair and replace gas and electric water heaters, tank and tankless, across the Denver metro, and most replacements are done the same day they're quoted. Call or text (720) 818-5569 and tell us gas or electric and roughly how old it is. Water heater repair and replacement →