No Hot Water? Common Causes and What to Check First

Waking up to no hot water is one of the most common plumbing complaints in Los Angeles homes. Before you call for , a few simple checks can help identify the problem — and in some cases, fix it without a service call.

If you have a gas water heater and no hot water:

If the pilot lights but the burner never kicks on, the thermostat or gas control valve may be faulty. If the burner fires but the water stays cold, the dip tube inside the tank — which directs cold water to the bottom — may have broken off.

If you have an electric water heater and no hot water:

For a with no hot water:

If the water gets warm but never hot enough, possible causes include:

Call for when the pilot will not stay lit, the breaker keeps tripping, the reset button trips immediately, there is water leaking from the unit, the water is rusty or has a metallic odor, or the unit is making unusual sounds.