Who Do I Call When My Water Heater Is Not Working?

Why Your Water Heater Stops Working And Who To Call When It Happens

When the hot water disappears, frustration hits fast. Showers shut off halfway. Dishes get pushed aside. Laundry stops mid-cycle. It’s one of those home problems that instantly demands attention. And if you’re in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Summit, or Utah County, you’re far from alone. Water heater failures are one of the most common issues we see in Utah homes.

This guide walks you through who to call, how to determine what’s happening, what to expect, and how to prevent the problem from getting worse. By the end, you’ll know exactly what steps to take and why.

What We’ll Cover:

Who You Should Call First When Your Water Heater Stops Working

Here’s the reality. No matter what type of water heater you own, a licensed plumber is the right person to call when it stops working. Plumbers are trained to handle heating elements, gas ignition, pressure issues, leaks, thermostats, sediment buildup, tank failures, and anything related to water heating systems.

Electricians only step in when the problem is strictly inside your home’s wiring panel. Appliance repair companies avoid water heaters. HVAC companies focus on furnaces and AC units.

Water heaters belong in a plumber’s hands.

What makes a plumber the right professional

A qualified plumber:

  1. Repairs electric, gas, and tankless systems
  2. Understands local plumbing and mechanical codes
  3. Handles leaks, pressure valve issues, and failed parts
  4. Works safely with combustion and high heat
  5. Performs emergency shutdowns and replacements

At Glacier Plumbing and Hydronics, we handle every type of water heater used along the Wasatch Front, and most issues can be fixed the same day.

Common Reasons Your Water Heater Stops Working

Water heaters fail for predictable reasons, and most are repairable when caught early.

No hot water at all

This usually means:

  1. Tripped breaker
  2. Failed heating element
  3. Faulty thermostat
  4. Gas supply interruption
  5. Ignition failure

A plumber quickly and safely checks each of these points.

Hot water runs out too fast

This is common in older systems and hard water areas.

Typical causes:

  1. Sediment buildup
  2. Partially failed elements
  3. Aging tank
  4. Incorrect thermostat setting

Sediment is a major issue in Utah and reduces efficiency each time you skip a flush.

Water heater leaking

A leak should never be ignored.

Possible sources:

  1. Loose connections
  2. Failed T and P valve
  3. Corroded fittings
  4. Cracked tank

If the tank itself is cracked, replacement is the only option. Everything else can usually be repaired.

Pilot light issues

For gas heaters, the pilot light is a frequent trouble spot.

Caused by:

  1. Dirty burner assembly
  2. Failing thermocouple
  3. Blocked venting
  4. Gas pressure problems

A plumber isolates the exact cause and restores proper ignition.

Rotten egg smell or brown water

This points to a failing anode rod or internal corrosion. Replacing the rod early can double the tank’s lifespan.

How To Troubleshoot Safely Before Calling For Help

These simple checks can help narrow down the problem.

Step 1: Check the breaker

For electric water heaters, a tripped breaker is one of the most common reasons for no hot water.

Step 2: Inspect around the tank

Look for puddles, moisture rings, or rust marks on the ground.

Step 3: Look at the pilot light window

If you see no flame on a gas unit, note that detail for the plumber.

Step 4: Listen for unusual sounds

Popping and rumbling often mean heavy sediment buildup.

Step 5: Pay attention to recovery time

If hot water comes back slowly, something inside the heater is wearing out.

If you smell gas, see scorch marks, or notice hot steam escaping, do not troubleshoot. Shut it off and call for emergency support.

When A Broken Water Heater Becomes An Emergency

Some water heater failures can cause serious damage quickly. If that happens, you may need emergency plumbing support immediately.

Call for emergency service if you notice:

  1. Water pouring from the tank
  2. Strong gas odor
  3. Hissing sounds
  4. Steam escaping from the top or side
  5. Rusty water suddenly floods out
  6. Electrical burning smell

Glacier Plumbing and Hydronics offers 24-hour emergency support throughout the Wasatch Front.

When You Should Repair Versus Replace Your Water Heater

Knowing when to repair or replace protects your budget and your home.

It makes sense to repair when:

  1. The unit is less than 10 years old
  2. The tank is not cracked
  3. The failure involves a part, not the entire system
  4. Heating is inconsistent, but not gone
  5. Sediment buildup is manageable

Replacement is better when:

  1. The tank is leaking
  2. The heater is more than 12 years old
  3. Hot water runs out constantly
  4. Multiple components have failed
  5. Rust or corrosion is present in the water

Many Utah homeowners choose tankless water heaters at this point because they last longer and provide endless hot water.

What To Expect When A Plumber Comes Out

A good plumber makes the process transparent and straightforward.

Step 1: Full inspection

They’ll examine the tank, elements, burner assembly, venting, thermostat, gas supply, and safety systems.

Step 2: Clear explanation

You should know what failed, why it happened, and the recommended fix.

Step 3: Upfront pricing

You approve the work before anything begins.

Step 4: Same-day repair

Most repairs are completed on the first visit. For water heater-specific issues, many homeowners visit our Water Heater Repair page before calling.

Step 5: Final safety test

This confirms proper function and verifies safe operation.

Glacier Plumbing and Hydronics walks every homeowner through this process so you always know where things stand.

Why Experience Matters With Water Heater Problems

Water heaters involve high heat, pressure, gas combustion, and electrical components. This is not the place for guesswork. A slight mistake can create a serious safety risk.

At Glacier Plumbing and Hydronics, we’ve repaired and installed hundreds of water heaters throughout Salt Lake County, Park City, Davis County, and nearby areas. We know how local water quality affects tanks, which brands fail faster, and the most innovative ways to extend your system’s life. Our recommendations come from hands-on experience, not theory.

The Department of Energy reports that water heating accounts for nearly 20% of home energy use. A failing heater burns through more energy without giving you more hot water. Getting issues fixed early saves real money.

Helpful Next Step If You Need Support

If your water heater is acting up and you want a professional to take a look, you can explore our Services page or request a free estimate. We’ll diagnose the issue, explain the options, and get things running again without stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

A licensed plumber is the correct professional for water heater repairs. Plumbers work on gas, electric, and tankless systems. They understand ignition systems, thermostats, heating elements, burners, anode rods, dip tubes, valves, and pressure controls. Electricians only get involved if the problem is in your home’s wiring and not the heater itself. For more clarity on plumbing emergencies, see “What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency.”

Lukewarm water usually means the system is trying to heat but can’t reach the right temperature. A plumber can test failing elements, thermostats, sediment buildup, and more. If the issue is part of a larger pattern in your home, our plumbing repairs guide may help.

Those sounds come from hardened sediment sitting at the bottom of the tank. Utah’s water is extremely hard, and mineral buildup happens quickly. If the sediment layer is too thick, replacing the heater may be more cost-effective. Homeowners exploring home upgrades also look into heating solutions for long-term efficiency.

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. If you do not smell gas or see damage, you may relight it following the manufacturer’s instructions. But repeated pilot failure means something deeper is wrong and needs a qualified plumber.

A water heater becomes unsafe if you notice gas odor, rapid leaking, scorching, steam, electrical burning, or sudden overheating. If this happens unexpectedly in winter, also review how to prevent frozen pipes since temperature issues affect multiple systems.

Most water heater repairs take forty-five to ninety minutes. Replacements usually take two to three hours, depending on access, venting, and local code requirements. For installation details, visit Water Heater Installation Utah.

Ready To Get Your Hot Water Back?

A broken water heater doesn’t fix itself, and guessing your way through the problem can make things worse. The safest approach is to bring in a licensed plumber who understands these systems and can quickly get your home back on track.

If you’re in Salt Lake County, Davis County, Weber County, Summit County, or Utah County, our team at Glacier Plumbing and Hydronics is here to help. You can explore more of our resources in the blog or request a free estimate whenever you’re ready.

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