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No hot water? Here's what to do first
Separate an electric problem from a gas problem before you touch anything, and know exactly which steps are yours and which belong to a licensed tech.
Call a pro
Do the safe first steps below, then get a licensed professional for the repair itself.
Intermediate About 30 min
Gas connections, burner service, and water heater element replacement should be done by a licensed plumber or gas technician. Do not relight a pilot if you smell gas.
Video: Pros DIY (YouTube)
What to do, in order
- Step 1: Identify the heater type: a flue pipe and gas line means gas; a conduit and no flue means electric.
- Step 2: Electric: check the breaker, then the red reset button on the upper thermostat panel.
- Step 3: Gas: confirm the gas is on to the house and check whether other gas appliances work.
- Step 4: Tankless: check the unit's error code against the manufacturer's manual.
- Step 5: If you smell gas at any point, stop, leave the building, and call 911 and the gas utility from outside.
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This page also helps with
- water heater not working
- lukewarm shower
- pilot light out