Introduction
Few things are more frustrating than stepping into a cold shower, especially when your water heater suddenly stops working. While a lack of hot water can have many causes, most are straightforward to diagnose with professional help.
At Trade Pro Plumbing, we’ve repaired and replaced hundreds of water heaters throughout Northwest Arkansas, from Fayetteville to Bentonville. Whether you have a traditional tank system or a modern tankless unit, understanding why your water heater isn’t producing hot water can help you take the right next steps.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Water Heater
Before troubleshooting, it’s important to know whether your water heater is electric or gas-powered.
- Electric water heaters rely on heating elements and thermostats to warm the water inside the tank.
- Gas water heaters use a burner and pilot light or electronic ignition system to heat the tank.
The cause of no hot water often depends on which system you have.
Common Reasons an Electric Water Heater Stops Producing Hot Water
- Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse
Electric water heaters draw significant power, so if a breaker trips or a fuse blows, the unit will stop heating.
What to check:
- Go to your electrical panel and look for a tripped breaker.
- If it’s off, reset it and see if the heater turns back on.
If the breaker trips again, there may be an electrical short that requires professional attention.
- Faulty Heating Element
Electric water heaters typically have two heating elements. If one or both fail, your water may not heat properly or at all.
Signs include:
- Lukewarm or cold water
- Short bursts of hot water before it runs cold
Replacing a heating element is a common repair that our team can handle quickly.
- Defective Thermostat
A broken thermostat can prevent your unit from reaching the set temperature. If the thermostat isn’t communicating correctly with the heating elements, the water will stay cold.
A plumber can test the thermostat and replace it if necessary.
- Sediment Buildup in the Tank
Hard water in Northwest Arkansas often leads to mineral buildup inside the tank. Over time, sediment collects at the bottom, insulating the water from the heating elements and reducing efficiency.
Regular flushing by a plumber can remove this buildup and restore proper heating performance.
Common Reasons a Gas Water Heater Stops Producing Hot Water
- Pilot Light or Ignition Failure
If your gas water heater isn’t producing hot water, check the pilot light. If it’s out, the burner can’t ignite to heat the water.
What to check:
- Open the access panel at the bottom of the heater.
- If the pilot light is off, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it.
If it won’t stay lit, the thermocouple or gas valve may need replacement.
- Gas Supply Issue
If the pilot light won’t ignite or the burner won’t stay on, there may be a problem with the gas supply. Ensure the gas line valve is open and that other gas appliances in your home are working.
If you smell gas, turn off the supply immediately and contact your gas company and plumber right away.
- Faulty Thermostat or Gas Control Valve
The thermostat on a gas water heater regulates temperature by controlling the gas valve. If either component fails, the heater won’t function.
A plumber can test the gas control valve and thermostat to ensure they’re working safely and correctly.
- Dirty or Clogged Burner
Over time, dirt and debris can collect on the burner, preventing proper ignition. Cleaning or replacing the burner often restores normal heating.
Issues Affecting Both Tank and Tankless Systems
- Cold Weather or Frozen Pipes
In winter, exposed pipes can freeze, restricting water flow to or from your heater. Insulating pipes and maintaining indoor heat prevents this common seasonal issue.
- Incorrect Temperature Setting
Sometimes, the thermostat simply isn’t set high enough. The ideal range for most homes is 120–140°F. Setting it too low can make water feel lukewarm.
- Age and Wear
Traditional water heaters typically last 8–12 years. If yours is approaching or past that age, parts may fail more frequently, or sediment buildup may be too severe to fix. At that point, replacement is often more cost-effective than ongoing repairs.
When to Call a Plumber
If you’ve checked the basics—like the breaker, thermostat setting, and pilot light—and still have no hot water, it’s time to call Trade Pro Plumbing. Here are some situations that require professional help:
- No hot water after resetting the breaker or relighting the pilot
- Water heater leaks or rust around the tank
- Rumbling, popping, or banging sounds
- Low water pressure in the hot water line only
- Discolored or rusty hot water
These symptoms may indicate deeper issues such as corrosion, tank failure, or a malfunctioning heating component that requires professional service.
How Trade Pro Plumbing Can Help
At Trade Pro Plumbing, we provide complete water heater diagnostics, repair, and replacement services across Northwest Arkansas. Our experienced plumbers can:
- Inspect your heater and identify the root cause of no hot water
- Replace faulty thermostats, elements, or valves
- Flush sediment buildup from tanks
- Relight or repair pilot systems on gas heaters
- Recommend energy-efficient replacements if your unit is near the end of its lifespan
We service all makes and models of gas and electric water heaters and offer same-day service for urgent issues.
Preventing Future Water Heater Problems
To avoid losing hot water again, follow these preventive maintenance tips:
- Schedule an annual inspection and tank flush.
- Keep the thermostat set between 120°F and 140°F.
- Check for rust, leaks, or corrosion around fittings and valves.
- Insulate pipes and the water heater during cold weather.
- Replace an aging water heater before it fails completely.
Routine maintenance can extend your system’s lifespan, improve efficiency, and ensure consistent hot water year-round.
Conclusion
If your water heater isn’t producing hot water, the cause could range from a simple electrical issue to a failing component or heavy sediment buildup. Gas and electric systems have different common problems, but both require professional attention when repairs go beyond the basics.
At Trade Pro Plumbing, we’re committed to providing fast, reliable water heater repair and replacement services for homeowners throughout Northwest Arkansas. Our licensed plumbers will inspect, diagnose, and fix your system quickly—so you can get back to enjoying reliable hot water every day.
Contact Trade Pro Plumbing today to schedule your water heater service and keep your system running at its best.
