No Hot Water in the House: Causes and When to Call a Plumber

What are the 5 causes of no hot water in the house?

The 5 causes of no hot water in the house are listed below.

• A pilot light that went out stops a gas water heater from heating.
• A worn thermocouple shuts off the gas to the burner.
• A burned-out heating element stops an electric water heater from heating.
• A tripped breaker or blown fuse cuts power to an electric water heater.
• A leaking or sediment-filled tank stops holding hot water.

Is no hot water in the house an emergency?

No, no hot water in the house is not an emergency unless the tank leaks or a gas smell is present. A water heater repair the same or next day restores hot water.

What should you do first when there is no hot water?

The 4 things you should do first when there is no hot water are listed below.

1. Check the pilot light window on a gas water heater.
2. Check the breaker for an electric water heater.
3. Look for water around the base of the tank.
4. Leave the gas off and call the gas utility when you smell gas.

When should you call a plumber?

You should call a plumber in the 4 situations below.

• The pilot light does not stay lit.
• The breaker trips again after a reset.
• Water leaks from the tank.
• The water heater is more than 10 years old.

Related plumbing problems and next steps

How much does the plumbing repair cost?

The plumbing repair cost depends on the failed part: water heater repair costs $222–$990, and a tank replacement costs $882–$1,810, according to HomeAdvisor. Water heater repair prices and local plumbers are on the water heater repair across Lancaster County page.

What is a related plumbing problem?

A related plumbing problem is water heater pilot light keeps going out, and the water heater pilot light keeps going out guide lists its causes and first steps.

Written and fact-checked by the Lancaster PA Plumbers editorial team using HomeAdvisor, EPA WaterSense and City of Lancaster data. Last updated October 29, 2026.