Water Heater Troubleshooting
Water heater troubleshooting guides, starting with no hot water at all. Gas and electric units fail through completely different components, so this splits early — breaker panel for electric, pilot assembly for gas.
Common Water Heater Problems
Water heaters are the one appliance here where gas and electric units take separate paths from the very first step. On an electric tank, start at the breaker panel. A tripped breaker is the most common cause, followed by a failed heating element. On a gas tank, start at the pilot. If it won't stay lit, the thermocouple is the usual suspect. A thermostat set too low or sediment on the bottom of the tank can cause trouble on either type.
Choose by Symptom
Is your water heater gas or electric? If it's gas, start at the pilot. If it's electric, start at the breaker panel.
Start troubleshootingSafety First
Most water heaters aren't plugged in. Electric units are hardwired, so switch off the dedicated breaker at the panel before opening an element or thermostat cover. For gas units, turn the gas control knob to OFF before touching the burner area. If you smell gas, leave it off, get out, and call the gas utility from outside. Keep wet hands and dripping fittings well away from live wiring. A leak near the electrical cover means the power stays off until it's dry.
View safety tips