Water Heater Not Working? Try These Steps Before You Call.

A water heater that stops producing hot water is alarming, but it's not always a major repair. Here are the five things to check before you call us.

Step 1: Check the pilot light (gas water heaters). If the pilot light is out, relight it following the instructions on the label. If it won't stay lit, the thermocouple is likely faulty — a $15 part that takes about 30 minutes to replace.

Step 2: Check the circuit breaker (electric water heaters). A tripped breaker is the most common cause of a dead electric water heater. Reset it and wait an hour. If it trips again, there's an electrical fault that needs diagnosis.

Step 3: Check the temperature setting. The thermostat dial may have been accidentally turned down. The recommended setting is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Check for a leak. Look at the base of the tank and the connections at the top. A small drip from a fitting can often be tightened. A leak from the base of the tank means the tank has failed internally and needs replacement.

Step 5: Check the age. If your water heater is over 12 years old and not producing adequate hot water, it's likely at the end of its service life. Sediment buildup in older tanks reduces efficiency and capacity.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, call Plumb-O-Matic at 313-427-4780. We carry replacement units on our trucks and offer same-day service across all 7 Metro Detroit locations.