What Should I Do If My Water Heater Is Not Producing Hot Water?

If your water heater is not producing hot water, first verify the unit has power or gas and the thermostat is set correctly, then schedule service if heat doesn’t return. The most common cause is a tripped breaker on electric units or an extinguished pilot light on gas models. Our team repairs “no hot water” issues daily and can advise whether a simple fix or a replacement makes more sense; we serve homes across the Eastside, including Bellevue. A quick reset that works only briefly often points to a failing thermostat or heating element rather than a one-off glitch.

Try these focused checks before calling:

• Electric: reset the water heater breaker and press the unit’s reset button if accessible.
• Gas: confirm the gas valve is on; relight the pilot only if you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions safely.
• Tankless: note any error code, ensure cold-water isolation valves are open, and clean the inlet filter if you know how.
• If you see leaks, rust-colored water, or hear loud popping, stop and have a technician inspect it. Always cut power or gas and close the cold-water shutoff if you suspect an unsafe condition.

Updated: 2026-04-06

Need help in Bellevue, WA? Call (425) 451-2444 or book online. “The technician was early (when does that happen?) and had all the parts and expertise to quickly install a new water heater (again, when does that ever happen?).” — Melissa Y.