Leander, TX Water Heater Not Heating? 5 Fixes from Plumbers

Estimated Read Time: 8 minutes

No hot water is a day‑stopper. If your water heater is not heating, this guide shows the five most common causes and the exact fix for each. You will learn safe DIY checks, when to call a pro, and how to avoid repeat breakdowns. Quick note for Austin homes: hard water accelerates sediment buildup, which is a top reason heaters stop producing hot water.

1) Tripped Power or Gas Supply Issues

A sudden loss of hot water often traces back to a simple power or fuel interruption.

What to check first for electric models:

1. Confirm the water heater breaker is ON. Reset if tripped.
2. Inspect the dedicated shutoff switch near the unit.
3. Open the access panel and verify no burnt wiring or scorch marks.

For gas models:

1. Confirm the gas valve is ON and the supply line is open.
2. Look for a standing pilot or ignition status light. Relight only per the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Check for a strong gas smell. If present, evacuate and call your gas utility and a licensed plumber.

Why this happens:

• High‑demand events can trip a breaker.
• An outage or utility work can interrupt gas.
• Loose or corroded connections create intermittent power.

The fix:

• Reset power at the panel and secure any loose connections.
• Relight the pilot or cycle power to the electronic igniter per the manual.
• If the breaker immediately trips again, stop and call a pro. That suggests a shorted element or control.

When to call SALT:

• Breaker trips more than once.
• You see melted insulation, scorch marks, or smell gas.
• The igniter clicks continuously without lighting.

2) Failed Heating Elements or Burners

If your electric tank runs but water stays lukewarm or cold, one or both heating elements may have failed. Gas heaters with weak or yellow flames cannot transfer enough heat.

What to check:

• Electric: Use a multimeter to test resistance on the upper and lower elements. Most standard elements read between 10–20 ohms. Visually inspect for blistering.
• Gas: Observe the burner through the viewing port. A healthy flame is steady and blue with minimal yellow tips.

Why this happens:

• Elements burn out from age or dry‑fire after a partial drain.
• Gas orifices clog with dust, rust, or scale.
• Hard water scale insulates the tank, forcing longer burner cycles.

The fix:

• Replace failed elements and thermostats in pairs on older units to restore balance.
• Clean the burner and orifices. Adjust air shutters for a proper blue flame.
• Flush the tank to remove scale so new parts last longer.

When to call SALT:

• No safe access to elements or burner compartment.
• Burner backfires or soots. That signals poor combustion.
• You lack a multimeter or gas‑line experience.

3) Thermostat or Sensor Problems

Modern heaters rely on precise temperature control. A misreading thermostat, ECO cutoff, or tankless temperature sensor can lock you out of hot water.

What to check:

• Electric tanks have upper and lower thermostats. If the upper fails, you often get only short bursts of hot water.
• Tankless units may display error codes for inlet thermistors, flow sensors, or flame sensors.
• Verify the setpoint. Many homes are set at 120°F, which balances comfort and safety.

Why this happens:

• Age, heat cycling, and mineral buildup.
• Loose wiring to sensor leads.
• Scald prevention mixing valves stuck or misadjusted.

The fix:

• Power down. Tighten thermostat and sensor connections.
• Replace faulty thermostats or sensors. These are affordable parts that restore normal operation.
• Exercise or replace tempering valves. Confirm final outlet temperature with a thermometer.

When to call SALT:

• Repeated ECO trips, mystery error codes, or fluctuating temperatures.
• Mixing valve adjustments that still give inconsistent hot water.

4) Sediment and Scale Buildup

Austin’s water is moderately hard. Many neighborhoods measure roughly 7–10 grains per gallon, which accelerates scale. Sediment blankets the bottom of tank heaters and chokes heat exchangers in tankless models, causing long heat‑up times or no hot water.

What to look for:

• Rumbling, popping, or banging sounds from the tank.
• Cloudy or rusty water during the first minute of flow.
• Tankless error codes for flow rate or overheating.

Why this happens:

• Calcium carbonate precipitates when water is heated. It settles in tanks and plates onto elements and heat exchangers.
• Years without flushing allow inches of sediment to form.

The fix:

• Annual drain and flush for tank models. Consider a second flush mid‑year if the home has four or more occupants.
• Tankless descaling with a pump and vinegar or approved solution.
• Install or service a water softener to slow scale formation.

Long‑term tip:

• Schedule a yearly tune‑up. Our $99 water heater flush and inspection improves efficiency and extends system life.

5) End‑of‑Life or Undersized Equipment

Even a perfect repair cannot stretch a heater past its practical life. Traditional tank heaters often last 8–12 years. Tankless units typically last 15–20 years with proper maintenance. Also, many homes outgrow their original tank size after renovations or family changes.

What to consider:

• Age of the heater from the serial number.
• Frequent repairs, leaks, or a tank that cannot keep up during morning showers.
• Efficiency drop compared to newer models.

The fix:

• Replace aged tanks before a catastrophic leak. Upgrade an undersized 30–40 gallon tank to a 50–75 gallon model, or consider tankless with on‑demand heating.
• For tankless, we size to simultaneous uses, gas line capacity, venting, and water temperature rise.

Why homeowners choose tankless in Austin:

• Endless hot water for back‑to‑back showers.
• Energy efficiency, space savings, and a 15–20 year lifespan.
• Clean installs with wall‑mount venting and precise temperature control.

Fast Troubleshooting Flowchart You Can Follow

1. Check power or gas supply and the thermostat setpoint.
2. Listen for new noises. Rumbling suggests sediment.
3. Test hot water at two fixtures. If only one fixture is cold, the issue may be a mixing valve.
4. For electric tanks, test elements and thermostats. For gas, inspect the flame.
5. If the unit is over 10 years old and leaking or failing key parts, plan replacement.

Preventive Maintenance That Pays Off

• Flush tanks yearly to remove sediment.
• Descale tankless units per manufacturer timelines.
• Inspect anode rods every 2–3 years to protect steel tanks.
• Test temperature and pressure relief valves for safe operation.
• Check expansion tanks on closed systems to prevent pressure spikes.
• Add a whole‑home softener to reduce scale and protect fixtures.

Our techs carry parts to fix many issues in one visit. We also handle permits and haul‑away during replacements so your day stays on track.

Why Austin Homeowners Trust SALT for Water Heaters

• Same‑day service with a $100 install credit if we cannot install the same day.
• Licensed plumbers who know Austin’s code and hard water trends.
• Full parts‑and‑labor satisfaction guarantee on our work.
• Family owned and local since 1984.
• SALT+ membership for priority service, routine inspections, 5% off new equipment, and 24/7 help.

When Repair Becomes Replacement

Choose replacement when any of the following is true:

1. Tank is 8–12 years old and shows corrosion or leaks.
2. Repeated element or burner failures within a year.
3. Rising energy bills and slower recovery times.
4. Household outgrew the current capacity.

Our process:

• Right‑size your water heater based on fixtures, peak demand, and temperature rise.
• Provide transparent pricing and clear timelines.
• Remove and recycle the old unit, then commission the new system so you have hot water before we leave.

Safety Notes Most Homeowners Miss

• Never cap a dripping temperature and pressure relief valve. It is a safety device.
• Keep combustibles away from the burner compartment.
• Install leak detection and a drain pan in attics or closets to prevent water damage.
• For electric heaters, verify bonding and grounding for safety and code compliance.

If you ever feel unsure, call us. We will guide you and keep your home safe.

Special Offers for Austin Homeowners

• $99 water heater flush and inspection. Improves efficiency and extends life. Expires 2025-12-03. Cannot be combined with other offers.
• $100 credit if we cannot complete your water heater installation the same day. Expires 2025-12-03. Cannot be combined with other offers.
• SALT+ members get 5% off new equipment installs, including water heaters. Expires 2025-12-03. Membership required.
• 0% interest financing for up to 18 months on eligible purchases for qualified customers. Expires 2025-12-03.

Call (512) 559-4206 or visit https://callsalt.com/ to redeem.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Excellent service. Great communications and fast response. Replaced my water heater along with electrical work in a 24 hour period."
–Ricardo C., Austin

"Carlyle did an awesome job replacing our busted tank hot water heatesr with tankless system and also replaced our water softener system. He gave a thorough game plan and worked extremely hard to get it done that day."
–Eric J., Austin

"Aarron and his partner flushed out my water heater today. They did a great job. They were very professional and informative. I signed up for the maintenance program. Would recommend SALT for your home maintenance."
–David G., Austin

"I needed some warranty work on a year-old water heater. Dylan came out and fixed it, and it was same day service... This company stands behind their warranty!"
–Janice K., Austin

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my water heater running but water is still cold?

Power or gas may be interrupted, a thermostat failed, or elements burned out. Verify power or pilot, check the setpoint, then test elements or call a pro.

How often should I flush my water heater in Austin?

At least once a year. Austin’s hard water drives scale buildup, so many homes benefit from annual flushing and periodic tankless descaling.

What temperature should I set my water heater to?

120°F is a common setting that balances comfort, energy savings, and scald protection. Higher temperatures increase scale and burn risk.

When should I replace instead of repair?

If a tank is 8–12 years old, leaking, or needs repeated major parts, replacement is usually the smarter and safer choice.

Will a tankless water heater solve my hot water shortage?

Often yes. Properly sized tankless units deliver endless hot water and higher efficiency, provided gas capacity, venting, and water quality are addressed.

Wrap‑Up

If your water heater is not heating, start with safe checks for power, gas, and thermostat settings, then address elements, sensors, and sediment. Austin’s hard water makes annual flushing essential, and older tanks often warrant replacement.

Ready for fast help in Austin, Round Rock, or Cedar Park? Call (512) 559-4206 or schedule at https://callsalt.com/. Mention the $99 water heater flush and inspection before 2025-12-03 to save today.

Get Hot Water Back Today

• Call now: (512) 559-4206
• Book online: https://callsalt.com/
• Save with our $99 water heater flush and inspection, or get a $100 credit if we cannot install the same day. Offers expire 2025-12-03.

About SALT Plumbing Air & Electric

Family owned and serving Greater Austin since 1984, SALT provides licensed plumbing, HVAC, and electrical service with same‑day response and 24/7 emergency care. Our work is backed by a full parts‑and‑labor satisfaction guarantee. We understand Austin’s hard water and local codes, and we offer eco‑friendly options plus the SALT+ membership for priority service and member‑only discounts.