Water lines & fixtures
If there's no hot water but the tank isn't leaking, the fault is often a part a plumber can replace the same day: a thermocouple, igniter or gas valve on a gas unit, or a heating element or thermostat on an electric one. If the tank itself is leaking, it needs replacing, not repairing, and tanks older than about ten to twelve years are usually better replaced.
Repair or replace?
| What you see | Usually means |
|---|---|
| Water leaking from the tank body | Replace |
| No hot water, gas unit, pilot won't stay lit | Repair (thermocouple, gas valve) |
| No hot water, electric unit | Repair (element or thermostat) |
| Hot water runs out fast | Sediment, a failed element, or an undersized tank |
| Rusty or smelly hot water | Failing anode rod or tank corrosion |
| Leak from a valve or fitting on top | Repair |
Replacing it? See water heater installation and replacement.
Common causes of no hot water
Gas water heaters: a pilot that won't stay lit (often the thermocouple), a failed gas control valve, a faulty igniter on newer models, or a safety switch tripped by a blocked flue.
Electric water heaters: a tripped breaker, a tripped high-limit reset button, a burned-out heating element, or a failed thermostat. If only lukewarm water comes out, one of the two elements has usually failed.
Quick checks before you call
- Gas unit: is the gas valve on, and can you see the pilot flame through the window?
- Electric unit: check the breaker, then the red reset button behind the upper access panel, with the power off
- Look for water on the floor around the base of the tank
- If you smell gas, don't relight anything. Leave the house and call BGE or 911.
Basement water heaters in older homes
In many rowhomes the water heater sits in a tight basement corner with a narrow stair. If repair isn't worth it, ask the plumber whether a new unit will fit through the access and how the old tank will be removed. A drain pan protects a finished floor from future leaks.
How to get water heater repair in Baltimore
- Call 443-863-5471. Tell us what's happening and where you are. Calls are answered 24/7.
- We connect you. You're put through to a licensed, independent local plumber who handles this kind of job in your area.
- Get a clear quote. The plumber explains the problem and the price before any work starts.
- You decide. Approve the work, and the plumber completes it with any permit your city or county requires.
Plumbers in Baltimore Today is a free referral service; we don't perform plumbing work ourselves. How it works.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old water heater?
A cheap part such as a thermocouple or element is often worth replacing on an older tank. If the tank is leaking, corroded, or needing repeated repairs, replacement is usually better value.
Why does my hot water run out so fast?
Sediment buildup, a failed lower element on an electric unit, or a tank too small for the household are the usual causes. Flushing helps with sediment; a plumber can test the elements.
Why is my water heater leaking from the top?
Usually a loose fitting or a failing relief valve, which can often be repaired. A leak from the bottom of the tank usually means the tank has failed.