Why Your Water Heater Isn’t Producing Hot Water

Few things are as frustrating as stepping into a shower expecting warm water, only to be met with an icy blast. If your water heater suddenly stops producing hot water, it’s a sign that something in your system needs attention. Before you panic, understanding the possible causes—and what to do next—can help you restore comfort and avoid costly damage.

1. Check Your Power or Gas Supply

The first step in troubleshooting a water heater that isn’t producing hot water is to ensure it’s actually receiving power or gas.

For electric water heaters: Check your circuit breaker panel to make sure the water heater’s breaker hasn’t tripped. Reset it if needed.
For gas water heaters: Make sure the pilot light is lit. If it’s out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it—or call a plumber if you’re uncomfortable doing so safely.

If the breaker trips repeatedly or the pilot light won’t stay lit, there may be a deeper issue that requires professional repair.

2. A Faulty Heating Element or Thermostat

Electric water heaters use heating elements controlled by thermostats to regulate temperature. Over time, these components can wear out or fail, leading to lukewarm or cold water. If one heating element burns out, your water heater may still produce some hot water—but not enough.

A plumber can test the elements and thermostats using specialized tools and replace any damaged parts, restoring your system’s performance.

3. Sediment Buildup Inside the Tank

Hard water is a common issue in many homes, and over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium can settle at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This sediment buildup creates a barrier between the heating element (or burner) and the water, reducing efficiency and preventing the unit from heating properly.

If you hear rumbling or popping noises from your tank, sediment is likely the culprit. Flushing your water heater once or twice a year can help prevent this issue—but if buildup is already severe, you’ll need a professional plumber to perform a thorough cleaning or recommend replacement.

4. The Age of Your Water Heater

Most traditional tank water heaters last about 8 to 12 years, depending on maintenance and water quality. As they age, components like heating elements, burners, and thermostats can deteriorate, reducing their ability to heat water efficiently.

If your unit is nearing or past its expected lifespan and you’re frequently running out of hot water, it might be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer, more energy-efficient model.

5. Incorrect Temperature Settings

Sometimes, the solution is as simple as adjusting your thermostat. The recommended setting for most households is 120°F. Anything significantly lower can make your water feel cold, especially during the winter months. However, if your thermostat is already properly set and you’re still having issues, it may be malfunctioning and require repair.

Restore Your Hot Water with Help from William Parrish Plumbing

If your water heater isn’t producing hot water, it’s important to have it inspected before the problem worsens. Ignoring the signs can lead to leaks, high energy bills, or total system failure.

The experts at William Parrish Plumbing are equipped to diagnose and repair all types of water heater issues—whether you have an electric, gas, or tankless system.

Call William Parrish Plumbing today at (919) 343-0783 to schedule service and get your hot water flowing again quickly and efficiently.