A broken water heater can leave you with cold showers, strange smells, or even water damage. The key is knowing what signs to look for and what they might mean. With the proper troubleshooting steps, you may be able to solve the problem — and know when it’s time to call in a pro.

In this guide, we’ll explain the signs that your water heater isn’t working correctly, why it’s happening, and how to fix the problem.

Why is My Water Heater Not Working?

Your water heater may stop working for several different reasons. The thermostat might be off, the heating element could be broken, or there might be a problem with the gas supply. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a tripped breaker. Other times, it’s a sign your unit is getting old. The sooner you figure out what’s going on, the quicker it’ll be to fix it.

Safety Tips Before Water Heater Troubleshooting

Before you inspect or work on your water heater, it’s important to take a few basic safety steps. Water heaters deal with both electricity and high temperatures, so it’s best to be cautious. Here are some safety tips to follow:

Turn off the power: Always shut off the electricity at the breaker for electric water heaters or turn off the gas supply for gas models.
Let the water cool: Hot water can cause severe burns. Wait a few hours after turning off the heater before you begin troubleshooting.
Shut off the water supply: Turn off the cold-water inlet valve to prevent leaks or spills while you inspect the system.
Check for visible leaks: If you see water around the base or connections, avoid touching the unit until it is inspected — it could be an electrical problem or a structural hazard.
Use proper tools: Make sure you have the right tools for the job, and wear gloves and safety glasses as needed.
Know when to call a pro: If you're unsure about what you're doing, stop troubleshooting and contact a licensed technician.

6 Signs Your Water Heater Isn’t Working

If your water heater is acting up, here are the signs to watch for, what might be causing the problem, and how to fix it.

1. No Hot Water

This is the most obvious sign that your water heater isn’t working correctly. If you’re only getting cold water from the tap, something’s wrong with the heating process.

This could be due to a faulty heating element, broken gas valve, tripped circuit breaker, or thermostat issue. For gas models, it might be something as simple as the pilot light going out.

The best temperature for a water heater is between 120°F and 140°F. If the temperature is too low, it might feel like you’ve lost hot water entirely.

How to Fix it:

Check the thermostat setting and adjust if needed.
Reset the breaker if it’s tripped.
For gas water heaters, relight the pilot light. If you’re unsure or nervous about how to do this, call your utility company; some offer this as a free service.
If those don’t work, the heating element or gas valve may need repair or replacement.

2. Inconsistent Water Temperature

Does your water get too hot, then suddenly go cold? If your water temperature swings back and forth, your thermostat might be malfunctioning. It could also be a failing heating element or a problem with the gas control valve.

These problems can affect traditional and tankless water heaters, though tankless models may also experience temperature fluctuations if they’re undersized or clogged with mineral buildup.

How to Fix it:

Reset or replace the thermostat.
On electric models, test and replace the heating element if necessary.
On gas models, check the gas valve and call a professional if needed.

3. Discolored or Rusty Water

Brown, orange, or rusty water coming from your hot water tap is a sign of corrosion. It usually means the inside of your water heater tank is rusting, which can eventually lead to leaks.

It can also be caused by a failed anode rod, which is designed to prevent rust buildup. In some cases, limescale buildup can stir up minerals in the tank and cause discoloration.

How to Fix it:

Run cold water to see if the discoloration persists; if only hot water is affected, the issue is likely with the heater.
Replace the anode rod to prevent further corrosion.
If the tank is old and corroded, consider replacing the entire unit.

Dirty, brown water running out of a bathroom sink faucet.

4. Strange Noises

Hearing popping or rumbling sounds from your water heater? These noises often result from sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which can cause overheating and reduce efficiency.

How to Fix it:

Perform a complete flush of the tank to remove sediment.
If you have hard water, install a water softener to minimize future buildup.
Schedule regular water heater maintenance to keep the system clean and efficient.

5. Water Smells Bad

If your hot water smells like rotten eggs, it’s likely due to bacteria reacting with the anode rod inside your tank. This is more common in areas with hard water or if your water heater hasn’t been used for a while.

How to Fix it:

Flush the tank to clear out the bacteria.
Replace the anode rod if needed.
In some cases, installing a powered anode rod can help prevent future smells.

6. Water Leaks

Any water pooling around your water heater is a problem. Leaks can be caused by loose connections, a broken temperature and pressure relief valve, or corrosion inside the tank.

Small leaks might seem minor but they can lead to water damage, mold, or complete tank failure.

How to Fix it:

Check and tighten any loose connections.
Inspect the temperature-pressure relief valve and replace it if it’s faulty.
If the tank is leaking, you’ll need to replace the whole unit.

A close-up of a water heater leaking water on a concrete floor.

Check Your Home Warranty Coverage

Water heaters are essential to a comfortable daily life — and most First American home warranty plans cover them. From dishes and laundry to showers and baths, your water heater works hard behind the scenes, so you don’t want to be without it.

When you have water heater coverage, First American will assign a prescreened technician who can diagnose the issue when a problem arises and handle the covered repairs or replacements. Your coverage can help you save time, money, and stress when your water heater or other covered systems and appliances break down.

Get Peace of Mind With a Home Warranty

A broken water heater can throw off your whole day, so don’t ignore the warning signs. They include those listed in this guide, like no hot water, leaks, and rust, but also frequent repairs or an aging unit.

A home warranty can help take care of covered repairs when a water heater breaks down due to normal wear and tear. Get a free quote today to see how coverage helps safeguard your budget, giving you extra peace of mind knowing your water heater and other covered items can be protected.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.