Plumbing Question: Why Is My Hot Water Heater Not Heating Water?
admin • August 13, 2012

Hot water heaters that stop working can affect an entire home.  Not only do water heater problems create cold showers, but they lessen the effectiveness of doing simple tasks such as laundry.  The Olympia plumbing specialists at Brooks Plumbing understand the most common water heater problems and can not only help you understand them but provide quick and easy water heater repairs.

Common Water Heater Problems: When the Water Heater Is Not Heating Water

  • Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse : If the circuit breaker has been tripped or blown to the circuit that gives power to the water heater, the water heater will not work.  If there are any blown fuses this will also cause water heater to not heat water.
  • Pilot Light Problems :  If the pilot light goes out, it will cause the water in a water heater to not heat properly.  Because it is a gas appliance it will need to be lit again by a trained professional.
  • Bad Thermocouple :  A faulty thermocouple or other gas control can mean that it fails to open the pilot control valve which would result in no water heating.
  • Faulty Thermostat : If a thermostat doesn’t work properly it will not sense the temperature well and will result in water not being heated to acceptable temperatures.
  • Sediment Buildup in the Water Tank :  If too much sediment has built up inside the water tank, the water will not heat properly.  With proper water heater maintenance any sediment buildup will be addressed by the water heater technician who does the inspection.
  • Water Leaks :  Plumbing connections that are not tight can cause water leaks.  If the water tank itself is leaking it is possible that the entire tank needs to be repaired or replaced professionally.

All of these common water heater problems can be fixed by the Olympia water heater service professionals at Brooks Plumbing. Call us today!

Plumber insulating exposed pipes in a chilly basement to prevent frozen and burst lines in Olympia,
By Paul Lightfoot September 25, 2025
Heading into winter? Watch for frozen or burst pipes, water heater failures, and faucet leaks. Get prevention tips and fast repairs from Olympia’s trusted plumbers.
Copper pipes secured with white plastic clips on a white tiled wall.
By admin July 14, 2025
If you're planning a bathroom remodel in Olympia, WA, you’ve likely already picked out new tiles, fixtures, and paint—but have you thought about the pipes? The post Choose the Right Pipes for Your Bathroom Remodel first appeared on Brooks Plumbing Co..
Children playing in the sprinkler on a sunny lawn; girl in floral dress, boy in shorts, laughing.
By admin June 9, 2025
Many homeowners call us this time of year for drain cleaning in Tanglewilde, WA, often due to clogs caused by extra usage during school break. The post Kids Home For Summer? Follow These 7 Steps to Prevent Plumbing Problems first appeared on Brooks Plumbing Co..
A person's hand is touching a water heater's drain valve in a utility room with pink insulation.
By admin May 12, 2025
A leaky water heater might seem like a small inconvenience—until the damage starts to pile up. The post Faulty Water Heater Leaks: Mold, Rust, and More first appeared on Brooks Plumbing Co..
Bright white modern bathroom with a glass shower, soaking tub, and window.
By admin April 7, 2025
However, before you start picking out tiles or dreaming about rainfall showerheads, there’s one critical element you need to understand: the plumbing. The post Planning a Bathroom Reno? Here’s What You Need to Know About Plumbing first appeared on Brooks Plumbing Co..
Plumber in denim shirt and cap inspecting a kitchen faucet with a clipboard and toolbox nearby.
By admin March 10, 2025
That small drip could be a sign of a much bigger plumbing issue, and ignoring it might end up costing you more than you expect. The post Don’t Ignore That Drip! Why You Need Plumbing Repair Now first appeared on Brooks Plumbing Co..
Show More