The pilot is out (gas tank)
On many gas tanks, if the pilot goes out the burner can't light. A draft, a worn thermocouple or a supply problem can all cause it.
Water heater problem
No hot water? Here's what to check first.
If every tap has gone cold, the problem is usually at the water heater: a pilot that's out, a tripped breaker, or a setting. If it's just one tap, it's more likely the tap itself. Start by working out which.
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What's likely going on
These are typical causes, not a diagnosis. A pro looking at yours can tell you which it is.
Power or an element (electric tank)
Electric tanks run on their own breaker. A tripped breaker, a failed heating element or a tripped high-limit switch can all leave you with cold water.
Power or an error (tankless or power-vented)
These need electricity to run, so a tripped breaker or an unplugged unit stops them. Many show an error code on the display.
The tank just ran out
Back-to-back showers, laundry and dishes can empty a tank. It needs time to heat up again.
A problem at one tap
If only one tap or shower runs cold, its mixing valve or cartridge is the likely cause.
Safe things to check yourself
- Test more than one tapTry a kitchen tap and a bathroom tap. All cold points to the heater. One cold points to that fixture.
- Check the settingMake sure the dial hasn't been knocked to VACATION or LOW. On a tankless unit, photograph any error code on the display.
- Check the powerFor an electric tank, tankless or power-vented unit, check the panel (door only) for a tripped breaker and make sure the unit is plugged in. Reset a tripped breaker once.
- Look at the pilot (gas tank)Many tanks have a small window near the bottom. No flame means the pilot is out. Relight it only by following the instructions on the tank's label, and only if you don't smell gas.
- Look around the basePhotograph any water on the floor around the tank. It changes what a pro will look at.
Stop and leave it to a pro
- You smell gas, often like rotten eggs. Don't light anything or flip switches. Leave the house, then call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
- A carbon monoxide alarm is sounding. Get everyone outside and call 911.
- You see scorch marks, or flames outside the burner area.
- The breaker for an electric tank trips again right after you reset it.
- Water is leaking from the tank itself, or the relief valve is spraying hot water.
Don't touch the gas line, the gas valve or the wiring inside an electric tank. Those are jobs for a licensed pro on site, and a Hollr pro won't walk you through them on a call.
Show a water heater pro on video
Point your phone at it and a water heater pro tells you what's likely going on, what's safe to try next and whether it needs someone on site. $34 for 15 minutes or $59 for 30, and you only pay when a pro connects. Hollr is launching across Canada, so join the waitlist for your invite.
Questions
Advice only: Hollr pros diagnose and guide over video, and refer anything that needs hands on site. Live electrical panels and gas lines are never walked through on a call.
How long does a water heater take to heat back up?
It depends on the tank size, whether it's gas or electric, and how cold the incoming water is. Electric tanks generally take longer than gas. If it's been several hours and the water is still cold, something else is going on.
Why is there no hot water when the pilot is lit?
If the pilot is lit but the main burner never comes on, the temperature setting, the gas control or the burner may be the issue. Those need a licensed pro to work on, but a call can help narrow it down first.
Is no hot water an emergency?
Usually not, unless you smell gas, a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, or the tank is leaking. Those need action right away.
Can a pro help with no hot water over video?
Yes, for diagnosis. On a Hollr call, a water heater pro can read the label, the error code or the pilot with you, tell you what's likely wrong and whether it needs a visit. Gas lines and gas valves are never worked on during a call.