Why is My Water Heater Not Working?

There’s nothing worse than waking up to a cold shower. When you have no hot water, your water heater is making strange noises, or you just can’t get that pilot light to stay lit, it’s usually a sign of sediment buildup or failing internal components.

 

At Lowery Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, our team is here to help make sure you never get left in the cold. We provide professional water heater installation and repairs to keep your home running smoothly. Below, we break down the most common hot water tank troubleshooting steps, what you can do right now to fix them, and how to prevent plumbing disasters in the future.

Common Water Heater Issues:

No Hot Water in the House

A water heater not working could be due to a number of issues depending on whether it is gas or electric. Most commonly, we see:

 

• Tripped Circuit Breaker: For electric units, check your breaker box first.
• Faulty Heating Element: Electric heaters have two elements; if one burns out, you’ll have lukewarm or no water.
• Thermostat Malfunction: If the thermostat fails, it can’t signal the unit to heat.
• Broken Dip Tube: This tube directs cold water to the bottom to be heated. If it breaks, cold water mixes with the hot water at the top of the tank.

No hot water in the house can be a major source of stress, but luckily you don’t have to look for these broken components by yourself. The team at Lowery can quickly diagnose and repair any water heater issues, restoring your hot water fast.

Water Heater Making Strange Noises

Strange noises are your water heater’s way of asking for help. Here’s what each noise could mean:

 

• Popping, knocking, or hammering: This is sometimes called “kettling.” It happens when water pressure forces steam bubbles through a thick layer of sediment at the bottom of the tank.
• Humming or whistling: This often points to a loose internal part or a heating element that has become coated in lime scale.
• Ticking or clicking: Usually caused by heat traps or check valves reacting to changes in water pressure.

If you notice puddles or steam alongside these noises, call a plumber in Lubbock right away. A quick check now is better than a complete water heater breakdown in the future.

Water Heater Leaking

A leaky water heater is never a good sign. Even small leaks signal a problem that could quickly spiral into something bigger, or cause mold and structural damage to your home.

 

A leak could be caused by:

 

• Loose pipe connections
• Faulty drain valve
• Buildup of sediment
• Cracked tank
• Outdated or improperly sized unit
• High water pressure
• Disconnected components, especially the anode rod

Whether it’s a small puddle, a suspected leak, or full-blown flooding, call a plumber right away for a leaking water heater.

Water Heater Gas Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

For gas units, the water heater pilot light is the heart of the system. The pilot light is a small flame that is supposed to stay continuously lit. Its job is to ignite the gas that is entering the unit before it reaches the main burner.

 

Here are some reasons why it may not be staying lit:

 

• Faulty gas supply
• Dirty components
• Faulty thermocouple
• Improper venting or airflow
• Condensation buildup

If you’ve tried to relight the pilot light and had no success, it’s time to call a plumber in Lubbock.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

The decision to call a plumber for water heater installation versus a simple repair usually comes down to economics and water heater age. As a general rule, if the repair cost is more than 10% of the cost of a new water heater, replacement is usually the better investment.

 

Most water heaters have a lifespan of 6-12 years, depending on type, installation, usage, and maintenance performed (InterNACHI, InterNACHI’s Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes). If your water heater is reaching 8+ years, it’s time to start planning for a replacement. And if your water heater needs extensive repairs past the 6-year mark, replacement is likely the better option.

 

At Lowery, our technicians are here to walk you through your options, explain the pros and cons of each, and help you make the choice that will be best for your home, budget, and family.

How to Prevent Water Heater Failures

You can avoid most water heater not working calls by following a simple maintenance routine:

Flush Your Water Heater Tank Annually:

Water contains trace amounts of minerals that can build up over time, leaving the bottom of your water tank full of sediment that impacts its’ performance. Particularly in Lubbock, where hard water levels are some of the highest in the country (USGS, Map of water hardness in the United States), flushing your water tank at least once a year is crucial.

Schedule Regular Water Heater Inspections with a Lubbock Plumber:

Water heaters rely on many moving, hidden components to work properly. Professional once-a-year inspections can catch tiny cracks or failing components before they turn into a 2:00 AM emergency.

Perform Monthly Visual Inspections:

Water heaters usually live in hidden areas of the home, so if something is out of order, it’s easy to miss. About once a month, it’s a good idea to do a quick visual inspection. Look for excessive moisture or puddles, rust, loose parts or wiring, and that the thermostat is in working condition.

Keep Your Water Heater Working Year-Round with Lowery

Don’t wait for a flood or a cold morning to think about your plumbing. Whether you need a quick repair or a brand-new water heater installation, Lowery Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning has served the Lubbock community for decades. We are available 24/7 for emergencies with no overtime fees, ensuring you get the help you need exactly when you need it.

 

Is your water heater acting up? Contact Lowery Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning today to schedule your inspection! We’ll be there fast to get you back to normal—because normal is beautiful.