Few things ruin a day faster than stepping into an icy shower first thing in the morning. Sure, it’ll jolt you awake, but that’s hardly the wakeup call you had in mind. When your water heater isn’t heating your Macon home, everything from washing the dishes to doing laundry becomes a much bigger hassle.
At Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping our Central Georgia neighbors get their hot water back since 1988. The trouble is, you rarely get a warning before there’s no hot water in the house. The problem just shows up and can make life miserable for your family until you deal with it.
Common Reasons for a Water Heater Not Heating
There are plenty of possible reasons why your hot water is not working, and each one calls for a different fix. Knowing the likely culprits can help you determine whether a quick DIY solution is sufficient or if professional water heater repair is needed.
Power supply issues
Electric water heaters can’t run without steady power. A tripped breaker, a blown fuse, or even a loose wire are all possible causes for why your water heater isn’t working. Start by checking your breaker box for anything that’s been tripped, and look around the unit for obvious electrical issues. Our licensed technicians can conduct a more thorough investigation of possible power supply problems that have left your family with no hot water.
Worn-out heating elements
Most electric water heaters use two heating elements to keep hot water hot. If one burns out, you’ll get lukewarm water. If both go, you’re stuck with nothing but cold water. Hard water exacerbates the issue, as mineral deposits tend to accumulate on the elements, causing them to wear down more quickly.
Thermostat troubles
Think of the thermostat as your water heater’s control center. When it fails, the whole system malfunctions. You might notice water that swings too hot or too cold, or water that never gets quite hot enough, no matter how long you wait.
Gas supply issues
Do you have a gas water heater? They come with their own set of potential headaches, including the possibility of no hot water in your house. Problems with the gas line, pilot light, or gas valve can keep the unit from firing up correctly. If your pilot light won’t stay lit, it’s often a sign that the thermocouple or control valve is failing. If the gas line itself has issues, other appliances in your Central Georgia home could start acting up, too.
Sediment buildup
Over time, minerals from your public water supply settle at the bottom of the tank. That’s normal. Unfortunately, this layer of grit starts to act like a blanket between the burner and the water, forcing the heater to work harder than it should. Your unit might make strange noises, like rumbles and pops, as it struggles to heat through the buildup.
Age and wear
Even the best water heater won’t last forever. Most traditional tank models give you between 10 and 15 years of reliable use, while tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years or more with proper care. Once yours gets up there in age, multiple parts start failing at once. Installing a new water heater replacement usually makes more sense than continuing to pay for repairs.
How To Troubleshoot When There’s No Hot Water in the House
If your water heater isn’t heating properly, it makes sense to start by looking at the most common causes with the easiest possible solutions.
Check the breaker
If you’ve got an electric water heater, check the circuit breaker. A simple reset might be all it takes to fix the problem.
Look at the pilot light
If your home has a gas water heater, take a peek at the pilot light. It should burn with a steady blue flame. If it’s out, follow the relight instructions in your owner’s manual. Some newer water heaters don’t use pilot lights. Instead, they rely on electronic ignition. Always check your manual before trying anything.
Confirm thermostat settings
It may sound obvious enough, but check the thermostat. You may have accidentally set it too low, which could explain why your water isn’t getting hot enough. Most plumbing experts recommend a setting of 120 degrees for safety and efficiency, though some households choose to go a little higher.
Test several faucets
If there’s no hot water in the house, no matter where you check, the heater is likely the problem. If it’s just one bathroom fixture, the issue may be in your plumbing lines.
What To Do If Hot Water Is Not Working in Part of the House
While you may be quick to blame the water heater not working for the lack of hot water in your house, it isn’t always the villain in your story. If only a couple of taps won’t deliver hot water reliably, the problem likely rests in the plumbing system.
Common scenarios include:
- A mixing valve in the faucet or shower has gone bad.
- A valve might have been left closed during recent plumbing work or home renovations.
- Loose connections or corroded pipes can block hot water from reaching certain areas.
If you also notice discoloration or sewer-like odors only in specific fixtures, that’s a sign that you’ve got localized plumbing issues rather than a problem with your home’s water heater itself. Our trained plumbers can trace the source and recommend a suitable solution, whether it’s a quick fix at the faucet or a bigger problem with the distribution line.
Signs You May Need Water Heater Replacement
Repairs can only go so far when your hot water’s not working. Clear red flags that it’s time to replace your water heater include:
- If you’re calling for repairs every few months due to frequent breakdowns, these costs quickly outweigh the price of a new unit installation.
- Older heaters often run less efficiently, resulting in higher and higher power or gas bills. A more efficient heater will save you money in the long run.
- Once rust or corrosion gets inside the hot water tank, there’s no turning back.
- A growing family can quickly outpace a smaller tank. Upgrading to a larger or tankless system is a smart solution.
- Small drips from fittings can be fixed, but water leaks in the tank itself mean it’s time to invest in a replacement unit.
Don’t Put Up With Any More Cold Showers
It’s easy to take your hot water for granted. It’s just one of those things you don’t think about until it’s gone. When your water heater isn’t heating, your daily routines get turned upside down. The good news? With the right help, most water heater problems can be solved quickly.
At Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’ve been restoring hot water to Macon and Central Georgia homes for decades. Whether you need a fast repair, regular maintenance, or a brand-new water heater installation, our team is ready to help. Contact us today and let’s get your hot water flowing again.
