No Hot Water? Quick Fixes and When to Call a Pro

Shower suddenly turns cold? Kitchen sink only gives lukewarm water? A lack of hot water is annoying, but most of the time you can fix it yourself. Below are the steps that work for almost every home water heater, plus the warning signs that mean you should ring a technician.

First checks you can do yourself

1. Power supply – if you have an electric heater, make sure the breaker hasn't tripped. Open the consumer unit and look for a switched‑off or red‑marked breaker. Flip it back on and wait a few minutes.

2. Gas supply – for gas heaters, check that the gas valve is fully open. A partially closed valve can cut the flame and stop heating.

3. Pilot light – older gas models have a small flame that ignites the burner. If the pilot is out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. Most manuals say to turn the gas knob to “pilot” and press a button while holding a lighter.

4. Reset button – many electric and gas heaters have a reset switch near the thermostat. Press and hold it for about 30 seconds, then release. If the heater restarts, you’ve solved the problem. If it trips again, move to the next step.

5. Thermostat setting – make sure the thermostat isn’t set too low. Turn it up a few degrees and give the heater 10‑15 minutes to warm the water.

6. Water flow – a clogged faucet aerator or a partially closed valve can make it feel like there’s no hot water. Open the tap fully and check that water runs freely.

When DIY stops working

If you’ve tried the steps above and still get cold water, it’s time to look deeper. Leaking tanks, noisy burners, or a water temperature that never rises above 90°F usually mean a component inside the heater has failed.

Common signs that need a professional:

• Strange noises – rattling, popping, or grinding suggest a sediment buildup or a broken heating element.
• Water leaks – any puddle around the heater is a red flag. Leaking tanks can’t be fixed with a reset.
• Rusty or discolored water – this often points to a corroded tank.
• Repeated resets – if the heater trips the reset button more than once, there’s an underlying fault.
• Age over 10‑12 years – older units lose efficiency and parts become harder to find.

When one of these symptoms shows up, call a qualified plumber or heating engineer. They can test the pressure valve, replace heating elements, or suggest a replacement if the unit is beyond repair.

In the meantime, you can keep a bucket of hot water from a neighbour or use a kettle to warm up dishes. It’s not ideal, but it buys you a few hours while you wait for a pro.

Bottom line: most no‑hot‑water situations are solved by checking power, gas, pilot, and reset. If those steps don’t work, look for leaks, noises, or age‑related wear and get an expert on the line. Quick action saves comfort and can prevent a small issue from turning into a costly repair.