Decatur, IN Water Heater Not Heating? 5 Fixes from a Plumber

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

When your water heater not heating turns a morning shower into an ice bath, you want answers fast. This guide explains the most common reasons your water heater stops producing hot water and the safe, practical fixes you can try today. If you’d rather skip the hassle, our Huntington team offers same‑day service and a $59 water heater flush and safety inspection to get you back to comfort quickly.

Safety First: Quick Checks Before You Troubleshoot

Lack of hot water can be simple or serious. Start with these safe basics:

1. Verify power and fuel.
2. • Electric: Check the water heater’s dedicated breaker. Reset if tripped once; if it trips again, call a pro.
   • Gas: Confirm the gas valve is on and other gas appliances work.
2. Confirm the thermostat setting is 120°F.
3. Look for leaks, scorch marks, or a rotten‑egg smell. If you smell gas, shut off the gas supply, ventilate, and call a professional immediately.
4. Do not cap or block the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P). It must discharge safely to within about 6 inches of the floor per code.

If anything seems unsafe, stop and schedule service. We’re available 24/7.

Reason 1: Tripped Breaker or Power Supply Issue (Electric)

When an electric water heater suddenly stops heating, a tripped breaker or a tripped high‑limit reset is common.

How to fix it:

1. Check the electrical panel. Reset the water heater breaker once.
2. Press the red high‑limit reset button on the upper thermostat behind the access panel. Restore power.
3. If it trips again, a bad thermostat or element may be shorting. Turn power off and call a licensed plumber.

Why it happens:

• Surges, loose connections, or a failing heating element draw can trip safety devices.

When to call a pro:

• Frequent tripping, burnt smell at the unit, or warm but not hot water after resets.

Reason 2: Failed Heating Element or Thermostat (Electric)

Electric heaters use two elements and thermostats. If one fails, you get lukewarm water or no hot water at all.

Symptoms:

• Endless warm water that never gets hot
• Hot water runs out quickly

How to fix it:

1. Turn off power at the breaker. Confirm with a non‑contact tester.
2. Remove access panels and insulation. Visually check for swollen or broken elements.
3. Test resistance with a multimeter. Replace failed elements or thermostats in pairs when possible.
4. Reassemble, set thermostats to 120°F, and restore power.

Professional tip:

• Sediment can overheat lower elements and shorten life. An annual flush helps prevent repeat failures.

Reason 3: Pilot Light, Igniter, or Flame Sensor Trouble (Gas)

Gas models rely on a steady ignition source. A blown‑out pilot, faulty igniter, or dirty flame sensor will stop heating.

Symptoms:

• No flame visible through the viewport
• Clicking without ignition
• Unit lights but shuts off after a minute

How to fix it:

1. Check the gas valve is on and the flex line is secure.
2. Relight the pilot per the manufacturer label, or use the spark igniter.
3. If the flame will not stay lit, clean the flame sensor gently with fine steel wool or replace it.
4. If ignition fails repeatedly, call a pro. Do not disassemble gas valves on your own.

Safety reminder:

• If you smell gas, shut off gas supply, evacuate, and call for help. Do not relight.

Reason 4: Sediment Buildup Reduces Heating and Capacity

Huntington’s water can carry mineral content that settles at the bottom of tank units. Over time, sediment insulates the water from the burner or bottom element, causing rumbling and slow heat.

Symptoms:

• Rumbling or popping noises
• Hot water that runs out quickly
• Higher energy bills

How to fix it:

1. Turn off power or set gas to pilot. Close the cold supply valve.
2. Attach a hose to the drain valve. Open a hot faucet and the drain to flush until clear.
3. For heavy buildup, a professional descaling may be needed. Consider an anode rod inspection.

Why it matters:

• Sediment forces longer heat cycles, raising costs and stressing components. Annual flushing can restore efficiency and extend life.

Reason 5: Dip Tube Failure or Crossed Connections

The dip tube feeds cold water to the bottom of the tank. When it cracks, cold water mixes at the top and exits before heating. Crossed hot and cold lines can mimic the same issue.

Symptoms:

• Sudden lukewarm water throughout the home
• Plastic flakes in faucet strainers (older dip tubes)

How to fix it:

1. Shut off water and power. Remove the cold inlet nipple and inspect the dip tube.
2. Replace a brittle or broken tube. Flush lines to clear debris.
3. Check for crossed connections by shutting cold supply at the heater and opening a hot faucet. Strong flow indicates a cross connection that needs correction.

Other Causes Worth Checking

1. Undersized tank or single‑bath heater for a whole home.
2. • If your family grew or you added a soaker tub, you may simply need more capacity or a tankless system.
2. Mixing valve issues.
3. • A stuck tempering valve can throttle hot water. Clean or replace as needed.
3. Pressure problems.
4. • Very high or very low pressure affects delivery. Aim for 50–60 psi and add a thermal expansion tank if required by local conditions.
4. Exhaust or air supply blockage on gas units.
5. • Birds’ nests or debris in the vent can shut down burners. Keep terminations clear.
5. Age.
6. • Most tank heaters last 8–12 years with maintenance. At end of life, replacement is the smart, safer choice.

When Repair Makes Sense vs Replacement

Repair is wise when:

• The unit is under 8 years old
• The tank is not leaking
• The fix is minor, like an element, thermostat, igniter, or sensor

Replace when:

• The tank leaks or is heavily corroded
• Repairs exceed 40 percent of a new unit’s cost
• You want lower utility bills, better durability, and greener performance

Why upgrade now:

• Modern heaters offer improved durability, fewer repairs, and lower utility bills. Tankless models deliver endless on‑demand hot water and higher efficiency, which can save you money every month.

Simple Maintenance To Prevent No‑Heat Surprises

1. Flush the tank yearly to remove sediment.
2. Test the T&P valve annually by lifting the lever for a brief burst.
3. Set temperature to 120°F for safety and efficiency.
4. Inspect the anode rod every 2–3 years. Replace if significantly worn.
5. Check expansion tank charge to match your water pressure.

Local homeowner tip:

• In older Huntington basements, many heaters sit on concrete slabs that can collect rust flakes and scale. Keep the area clean so you can spot early leaks and avoid damage.

Why Choose a Pro in Huntington

• Speed: Same‑day appointments and 24/7 emergency response.
• Trust: Licensed, drug‑tested, background‑checked technicians who get it right the first time.
• Value: Upfront pricing and specials that help you save.
• Experience: Our plumbers have helped homeowners with water heater installation in Huntington for more than 50 years.

What To Expect From a Professional Service Call

1. Diagnostic visit
2. • We check power, gas, ignition, thermostats, elements, sensors, venting, pressure, and safety devices.
2. Clear options
3. • We present repair vs replacement paths with transparent pricing before work starts.
3. On‑the‑spot fixes
4. • Our trucks are fully stocked to complete most repairs on the first visit.
4. Post‑service confidence
5. • We test, clean up, and advise on maintenance to extend the life of your system.

Compliance and Safety Facts Every Homeowner Should Know

• The temperature and pressure relief valve discharge must not be capped and should terminate to within about 6 inches of the floor for safe operation.
• Typical tank water heater life expectancy is 8–12 years. Past that range, efficiency and reliability fall off and the risk of leaks rises.

Ready for an Upgrade? Tank vs Tankless

Tank water heaters

• Lower upfront cost
• Familiar operation
• Great for steady, predictable use

Tankless water heaters

• Heat water only when you need it
• Endless on‑demand hot water
• Higher efficiency and potential monthly utility savings

We help you choose the right size and style for your home, from 20–80 gallon tanks to high‑efficiency tankless models.

Special Offers for Huntington Homeowners

• Save $200 on a new tankless water heater. This month only. Expires 2025‑12‑31. Mention the online special when purchasing this month.
• Water Heater Flush + Plumbing Safety Inspection for just $59. Expires 2025‑12‑31. Present offer at time of service. Cannot be combined with other discounts or coupons.

Call (260) 200-4011 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/huntington/ to claim your savings today.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"David did a great job finding the problem on our hot water heater. Jacob returned and removed the old and replaced with a new one. Fast and efficient with no mess. Very professional and knowledgeable." –Google Reviewer, Huntington

"We have now had Summers service our Water Heater, Furnace & AC. Positive, friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. Transparent pricing and no pressure tactics. Couldn't recommend this company enough!" –Google Reviewer, Fort Wayne Area

"Mason did a great job helping us chose the right water heater. He explained everything thoroughly. We are very happy." –Google Reviewer, Marion Area

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my electric water heater on but not heating?

A tripped breaker, a tripped high‑limit reset, or a failed heating element or thermostat are common. Reset the breaker once, press the reset button, then test. If it trips again, call a pro.

How long should a tank water heater last?

Most tank models last 8–12 years with regular flushing and anode inspections. If yours is older or leaking, replacement is usually the safest and most cost‑effective path.

What temperature should I set my water heater to?

Set it to 120°F. This balances safety and energy savings while reducing scald risk and limiting mineral scale buildup inside the tank.

Will flushing my water heater fix no hot water?

Flushing removes sediment that can muffle heat and reduce capacity. It often restores performance if buildup is the issue. If elements, igniters, or sensors failed, repairs will be needed.

Should I repair or replace if my tank is leaking?

Replace. A leaking tank cannot be reliably repaired. Shut off water and power, drain if safe, and schedule a replacement to prevent water damage.

Bottom Line

Most no‑heat issues come down to power, ignition, sediment, or worn parts. Start with safe checks, then repair or upgrade for reliability and savings. If you need fast help with a water heater not heating in Huntington or nearby, call the local pros who do it right the first time.

Ready to Get Your Hot Water Back?

Call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling at (260) 200-4011 or book online at https://www.summersphc.com/huntington/.

• Mention our $59 Water Heater Flush + Safety Inspection or take $200 off a new tankless heater before 2025‑12‑31.
• Upfront pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and 50+ years serving Huntington.

Schedule now and enjoy reliable hot water today.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

For 50+ years, homeowners in Huntington and nearby communities have trusted Summers for honest plumbing service. Our licensed, drug‑tested, background‑checked technicians provide upfront pricing, same‑day service, and 24/7 emergency support. We back our work with strong warranties and carry fully stocked trucks to finish most jobs in one visit. Rated 4.9 stars on Google, we’re the reliable local team you can count on.