Delphi, IN Water Heater Not Heating? 5 Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 11 minutes

Water heater not heating? Few things derail your day like an icy shower. The good news is most no-hot-water issues come down to a handful of common faults you can diagnose fast. Below, our Lafayette team explains the top reasons your water heater stops heating and how to fix them, plus when to call for help. Watch for a coupon to save on a flush and inspection.

First Things First: Quick Safety and Reset Checklist

Before you dig in, make a quick safety sweep. If you smell gas, hear hissing, or see active leaking around the tank, shut off gas or power and call a professional right away. Hot water and pressure can be dangerous. A temperature and pressure relief valve protects the tank. If it is discharging hot water or steam, leave it to a pro.

Start here:

1. Confirm power or gas supply.
2. • Electric: Check the breaker. A tripped breaker stops heating instantly.
   • Gas: Make sure the gas valve is open and the pilot status light is on.
2. Confirm the water supply valve is open.
3. Set the thermostat to 120–125°F. Many units default lower after a reset.
4. Press the high-limit reset button on electric units. It is usually under the upper access panel.

Annual safety checks are not optional. Every water heater includes a temperature and pressure relief valve. During a scheduled maintenance visit, trained technicians test this valve to confirm proper function. This is a core safety step we perform on each visit.

Reason 1: Tripped Breaker or Failed Heating Element (Electric Units)

If you have an electric water heater and no hot water, start with the electrical path. A tripped breaker or a blown fuse kills power to the heating elements. Reset the breaker once. If it trips again, stop and schedule service. Persistent trips signal a failing element or a short.

How to diagnose:

• Turn off power at the breaker.
• Remove the upper and lower access panels. Confirm there is no visible scorching, swelling, or melted wiring.
• Use a multimeter to check continuity on each element. No continuity means a failed element.

DIY fixes you can try:

• Tighten loose wiring connections if you are comfortable and the power is off.
• Replace a failed element and the matching gasket. Fill the tank fully before restoring power.

When to call a pro:

• Breaker continues to trip after reset.
• Visible wire damage or scorching.
• You do not have a multimeter or are not comfortable with electrical work.

Electric element replacements are fast with a stocked truck. Many of our Lafayette and West Lafayette calls go from diagnosis to hot water the same day.

Reason 2: Pilot Out, Thermocouple, or Igniter Trouble (Gas Units)

Gas water heaters rely on a steady pilot or electronic ignition. If the pilot goes out, the burner will never fire. Drafts, a dirty pilot assembly, or a bad thermocouple are common causes.

Where to start:

• Check the status light. Most tanks have a simple error code chart.
• Look through the sight glass. If the pilot is out, follow the relight instructions on the tank. If it will not stay lit, the thermocouple may be failing.
• Listen for the burner. If you hear clicks but no ignition, the igniter or gas valve may be at fault.

What you can do:

• Gently clean the pilot assembly with compressed air.
• Make sure the combustion area is free of dust and lint.
• Confirm adequate ventilation around the heater.

Call a licensed tech if:

• The pilot will not stay lit.
• You smell gas.
• Electronic ignition keeps failing.

We regularly repair pilots, thermocouples, and gas valves. We stock common parts, which keeps weekend hot water emergencies in Lafayette from turning into Monday problems.

Reason 3: Sediment Buildup Blocking Heat Transfer

Hard water leaves minerals that settle at the bottom of the tank. Over time, sediment blankets the heating surface and blocks heat transfer. The burner or elements work harder, yet the water stays lukewarm. You may hear popping or rumbling as trapped steam fights through the scale.

What to look for:

• Slower heat-up times.
• Popping or rumbling noises.
• Cloudy or discolored hot water.

At-home steps:

• Turn off power or gas. Attach a hose to the drain valve and flush several gallons from the tank until water runs clear.
• Open the cold-water inlet and a hot-water faucet during the flush to improve flow.

Why maintenance matters:

• Removing sediment can reduce corrosion and heat more evenly.
• Annual flushing is recommended for both conventional and tankless units. Like all appliances, water heaters should be inspected once a year.

If sediment returns quickly or the drain valve clogs, the tank likely needs professional service. We offer a Water Heater Flush and Plumbing Inspection for $59 that handles sediment, safety checks, and efficiency review in one visit.

Reason 4: Thermostat Miscalibration or Failure

A mis-set or failing thermostat can mimic many other issues. If hot water runs cool or temperature swings from shower to shower, the thermostat could be the culprit.

Try these steps:

• Set the temperature to 120–125°F. This balances comfort and safety.
• For electric units, each element has a thermostat. If only one element runs, you will get short bursts of hot water, then lukewarm.
• If the thermostat dial is cracked, loose, or unresponsive, replacement is smart.

Professional fix:

• We test continuity, confirm proper voltage, and replace failing thermostats with manufacturer-approved parts. After replacement, we verify recovery time and steady temperatures at fixtures.

If your tank is older than 10 years and shows rust or leaks, a thermostat is not the only concern. See the repair vs. replace section below.

Reason 5: Broken Dip Tube Mixing Cold Into Hot

Inside most tanks is a plastic dip tube that directs cold water to the bottom for heating. When the tube breaks, cold water mixes near the hot outlet at the top. You get cool or lukewarm water that runs out fast.

Check for:

• Sudden drop in hot water volume.
• Plastic flakes in faucet aerators or showerheads.

What to do:

• Replacing the dip tube is straightforward for a trained tech. We also inspect the anode rod and tank condition during the same visit.

If your heater is 10–15 years old, a broken dip tube often appears alongside other age-related wear. A replacement may be more cost-effective.

Tankless Units: Unique No-Hot-Water Causes and Fixes

Tankless systems do not store hot water. They heat on demand. That design saves energy and offers long life with proper care, but there are unique causes for no heat.

Common tankless issues:

1. Minimum flow not met. If a faucet is barely open, the unit may not activate. Open the tap more or clean aerators.
2. Scale at the heat exchanger. Hard water scale reduces flow and overheating can shut the unit down.
3. Exhaust or air supply blockages. Clear intake and exhaust terminations.
4. Error codes. Most tankless heaters show codes that point to the faulty component.

Why tankless maintenance pays:

• With proper maintenance, a tankless water heater can last up to twice as long as a conventional model. They often cost less to run because they heat only when you need it.
• Annual descaling and filter cleaning keep performance steady.

When to call:

• Repeated error codes.
• Supply temperature swings.
• Flame failure or ignition issues.

We service and install tankless systems across Lafayette, West Lafayette, and nearby cities. Ask about our $200 off tankless special this month.

Repair or Replace: How We Decide

Some issues are simple and inexpensive. Others signal that the tank is at the end of its life. Here is our quick, honest rule of thumb based on thousands of service visits.

Repair makes sense when:

• The unit is under 10 years old and has no tank leaks.
• Issues are limited to thermostats, elements, pilot assemblies, or minor valves.
• Sediment is manageable with a flush and annual maintenance.

Replacement is smarter when:

• The tank leaks. No sealant fixes a leaking tank.
• There is visible rust, heavy corrosion, or persistent rumbling even after a flush.
• You run out of hot water often and the tank is undersized for the home.
• Age is 10–15 years, especially with multiple repairs.

What to expect from us:

• Clear options and upfront pricing before work starts. We can provide a free second opinion if you want confirmation.
• Same-day replacement in most cases. We remove the old unit, size the right replacement, and haul debris away.
• For Lafayette homes near Purdue or older properties in downtown neighborhoods, we evaluate venting and code updates so your new system is safe and efficient.

Preventive Maintenance That Actually Extends Life

Regular maintenance is the cheapest way to keep hot water steady and bills low.

What we do during a tune-up:

1. Flush and remove sediment to improve efficiency.
2. Test and, if needed, replace the T&P valve for safety.
3. Inspect anode rod, connections, and tank for corrosion.
4. Clean pilot or heating elements.
5. Check insulation and provide efficiency recommendations.
6. Verify steady hot water delivery at fixtures.

Results you can expect:

• Better efficiency and faster recovery.
• Fewer surprise failures.
• Longer equipment life and lower total cost of ownership.

We recommend an annual inspection for both tank and tankless models. Our $59 Water Heater Flush and Plumbing Inspection makes it easy to stay on schedule.

Local Service Across Greater Lafayette

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has served this community since 1969. We know how hard Lafayette winters can be, and how crunch time hits around the Purdue academic calendar when guests visit. Our team covers Lafayette, West Lafayette, Frankfort, Attica, Delphi, Flora, Battle Ground, Brookston, Rossville, and Westpoint.

Why local homeowners choose us:

• 24/7 emergency response, even on weekends and holidays.
• Licensed, insured, drug-tested, and background-checked technicians.
• Fully stocked trucks for same-day repairs and replacements.
• Upfront pricing you approve before work starts, plus financing options.

If your water heater is not heating, one call gets you back to hot showers with no runaround.

Special Offers for Lafayette Homeowners

• Water Heater Flush + Plumbing Inspection $59. This month only.
• Tankless Water Heater Discount Special: $200 Off Your Purchase. This month only.
• Free Plumbing Service Call on any paid repair.

Conditions apply. Not valid with other offers. Not redeemable for cash or credit. Subject to appointment availability. Provider may modify or end offers at any time.

Call (765) 262-5364 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/lafayette/. Mention the $59 Flush or $200 Tankless discount when booking.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Robert & his assistant showed up on a subzero day & within 3hrs had accessed the problem with our water heater went to town picked up a new one & hooked it up. I am extremely grateful as it could have been a very dangerous situation if it had not been replaced!"
–Theresa C., Water Heater Replacement

"My Dad, 93, recently discovered his bathroom flooded. We quickly realized the water heater had a severe leak. It was 5 o’clock on Friday night. We called 3 places, finally landing on Summers. So glad we did!! Within 30 minutes our technician Sky arrived. Sky spent the rest of the evening replacing and installing a new water heater. He was thorough, knowledgeable, friendly and respectful. Could not have asked for better treatment. Thank you so much to Sky and Summers, definitely customers for life!"
–Cindy N., Emergency Replacement

"Excellent! Robert was professional! He was also kind and got everything done in short amount of time for the estimate. I went with the service right away. He also arrived early. I would very much recommend Summers to everyone! The service is done! the water heater was beautifully installed and Robert did a wonderful job on everything. This is the best service I have ever received! Thank you!!"
–Andree L., Water Heater Installation

"Needed a new water heater. Justin diagnosed the problem easily and installed it the same day, even worked long after his shift so we could have hot water over the weekend."
–Jacob K., Same-Day Installation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my water heater not heating after I reset the breaker?

A breaker that trips again points to a failing element, shorted wiring, or a thermostat problem. Do not keep resetting. Turn power off and call a licensed technician for testing and repair.

How often should I flush my water heater in Lafayette?

Once a year. Annual flushing removes sediment that blocks heat transfer. It improves efficiency, reduces noise, and helps the tank last longer in our hard-water region.

What temperature should I set my water heater to?

Set it to 120–125°F for comfort and safety. Higher settings increase scald risk and energy use. For dishwashers without internal heaters, you may use the higher end of that range.

When should I replace instead of repair?

Replace if the tank leaks, rust is visible, or age is 10–15 years with recurring issues. Frequent rumbling after a flush or running out of hot water also suggests a new unit is due.

Are tankless water heaters worth it?

Yes for many homes. They heat only when needed, often cut energy use, and can last up to twice as long with proper maintenance. They also save space and provide continuous hot water.

Conclusion

If your water heater is not heating, start with safety, power or gas checks, and a basic flush. Many fixes are simple. When the tank is old, leaking, or noisy after maintenance, replacement is smarter. For fast help in Lafayette and nearby cities, call the local team that has served homes since 1969.

Call (765) 262-5364 or book at https://www.summersphc.com/lafayette/. Ask for the $59 Flush or $200 Off Tankless special.

Ready to restore hot water today? Call (765) 262-5364 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/lafayette/. Use the $59 Flush or claim $200 Off Tankless now.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Since 1969, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has helped Lafayette homeowners with honest pricing and fast, neighborly service. Our licensed, insured, drug-tested, and background-checked technicians arrive in fully stocked trucks to solve problems on the first visit. We provide 24/7 emergency response, free second opinions, and financing options. Every job comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We install and service standard and tankless water heaters and follow safety best practices, including T&P valve testing and code-compliant work across Tippecanoe County.