November 24, 2025
Peyton, CO Water Heater Not Heating? 5 Fixes from a Plumber
Estimated Read Time: 11 minutes
No hot water or water that turns cold fast? This guide explains the five most common reasons a water heater is not heating and how to fix each one. Whether you have a tank or tankless system, start with simple DIY checks, then know when to call a pro. If replacement makes more sense, ask about our $400 off installation offer for Colorado Springs and nearby cities.
Quick Safety Checks Before You Troubleshoot
Water heaters deal with scalding water, high pressure, and often natural gas. Stay safe first.
- Turn power off: switch the electric breaker to OFF. For gas, set the control to OFF.
- Let the unit cool before removing panels.
- Do not cap or tamper with the temperature and pressure relief valve.
- If you smell gas or see active leaks, leave the area and call a licensed pro.
Two useful facts:
- Most T&P relief valves are rated to open at 150 psi or about 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat pump water heaters can be two to three times more energy efficient than standard electric units, per ENERGY STAR guidance.
1) Power or Gas Supply Issues
A surprising number of no-heat calls trace back to power or fuel.
Common causes:
- Tripped breaker or blown fuse on electric models.
- Emergency shutoff switch flipped off near the water heater.
- Gas valve partially closed or set to pilot only.
- For tankless, a GFCI outlet trip or low incoming voltage.
DIY steps:
- Check the electrical panel and reset the breaker once. If it trips again, call for service.
- Verify the water heater switch and any local disconnects are ON.
- Confirm the gas shutoff handle is parallel to the pipe. Relight the pilot only if you are comfortable and the procedure is clearly labeled.
- For tankless units, reset the GFCI and review the error code on the display.
When to call WireNut: recurrent breaker trips, gas odor, or no ignition after a proper relight sequence. Our diagnostic-first approach finds the root cause before replacing parts.
2) Thermostat or Heating Element Failure (Electric)
Electric tank heaters rely on one or two thermostats and matching heating elements. If the upper thermostat or element fails, you often get no hot water at all. If the lower fails, you get short-lived hot water.
Symptoms:
- Water is cold or turns lukewarm quickly.
- Inconsistent temperatures from one shower to the next.
DIY steps:
- Lower the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, then test again after an hour.
- Press the high-limit reset button under the upper access panel.
- Inspect for burnt wiring or melted insulation once power is off.
Professional fixes:
- Test continuity on elements and thermostats.
- Replace failed components with parts that meet or exceed original specs.
- Verify proper wattage and balance on dual-element setups.
Local tip: Colorado Springs homes often have hard water that accelerates mineral buildup on elements. Regular flushing helps reduce premature failure.
3) Pilot, Igniter, or Gas Control Problems (Gas)
Gas models need a steady flame or electronic ignition. If the pilot will not stay lit or the igniter weakens, water stays cold.
Likely culprits:
- Dirty flame sensor or thermocouple.
- Worn igniter on newer sealed-combustion units.
- Gas control valve malfunction.
DIY steps:
- Follow the lighting instructions on your unit. If the pilot goes out again, stop and call a pro.
- Ensure the combustion air area is clean and free of dust or pet hair.
Pro service steps:
- Clean or replace the flame sensor or thermocouple.
- Test manifold gas pressure and venting.
- Calibrate or replace the gas control valve if needed.
Safety note: Improper gas work risks carbon monoxide exposure. WireNut technicians are trained in natural gas safety and CO hazard prevention.
4) Sediment, Scale, and Flow Restrictions
Mineral scale and sediment reduce heat transfer and can trick thermostats. In tankless units, scale restricts the heat exchanger and triggers cold-water sandwiching.
Signs:
- Rumbling or popping sounds from a tank.
- Hot water fades during long showers.
- Tankless error codes and temperature swings.
DIY steps:
- Flush your tank annually to remove sediment. Attach a hose to the drain valve and run to a safe location.
- For tankless, follow the manufacturer’s descaling procedure with a pump and vinegar or approved solution.
- Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to restore flow.
Professional help:
- Full tank flush and anode rod inspection.
- Tankless heat exchanger descaling and inlet screen cleaning.
- Piping corrections if undersized or restricted.
Local insight: Along the Front Range, hard water is common. Annual flushing and anode checks keep performance up and extend lifespan.
5) System Age, Sizing, or Component Wear
Even a perfectly installed heater loses efficiency over time. Most standard tanks last 8 to 12 years. If yours is in that range and repairs are stacking up, replacement can be the best value.
Consider replacement when:
- Frequent repairs add up to more than 40 percent of a new system.
- The tank is leaking, rusted, or has visible cracks.
- You have growing hot water needs that the current size cannot meet.
Better options today:
- High-efficiency tanks reduce standby losses.
- Tankless units provide endless hot water with lower gas draw during operation.
- Hybrid heat pump water heaters deliver major savings for electric homes.
Simple Diagnostic Flow You Can Try
Use this quick checklist to narrow the cause before you call.
- Is there power or gas to the unit?
- Reset the breaker or GFCI once; verify gas valve is open.
- Is the thermostat set to 120 degrees?
- Press the reset button on electric models.
- Do you hear rumbling or popping in a tank?
- Plan a flush and anode inspection.
- Does a tankless unit show an error code?
- Note the code for your technician and try a clean filter.
- Is the unit older than 10 years?
- Compare repair costs to replacement with efficiency upgrades.
When Repair Beats Replacement, and When It Does Not
Repair is often smart for newer units with isolated failures like a bad element, thermostat, or igniter. Replacement is smarter when the tank is leaking, repairs are frequent, or the heater is undersized for your household.
What WireNut checks during diagnosis:
- Incoming gas pressure or electrical supply stability.
- Venting integrity and combustion safety.
- Sediment level, anode rod condition, and thermostat calibration.
- Sizing compared to family usage, bathrooms, and simultaneous fixtures.
We start with a diagnostic-first approach so you only pay for what solves the problem long term.
Maintenance That Prevents No-Heat Emergencies
Proactive care is cheaper than emergency calls. Our routine services include:
- Regular inspections of safety controls and venting.
- Annual flushing and sediment removal.
- Anode rod replacement before the tank begins to corrode.
- Thermostat and heating element testing.
Membership perks: priority scheduling, annual tune-ups, and predictable pricing. Ask about instant hot water options at the sink for faster dishwashing.
Upgrades That Save Energy and Improve Comfort
If your system is failing or underperforming, consider these upgrades:
- Tankless water heaters for on-demand hot water and lower gas draw compared to typical tanks.
- Hybrid heat pump water heaters that can be two to three times more efficient than standard electric models.
- High-efficiency storage tanks with better insulation and faster recovery.
We install tank, tankless, hybrid, electric, and gas systems, including full conversions with proper venting and gas sizing.
Local Help Across the Pikes Peak Region
We serve Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Palmer Lake, and more. Same-day service is often available when you call before early afternoon. Our team calls 30 minutes ahead so you are not stuck waiting.
What To Expect With WireNut
Our water heater process:
- Initial consultation and thorough diagnosis.
- Clear recommendation and transparent quote.
- Professional installation or repair by licensed technicians.
- System testing, customer education, and tidy cleanup.
Every job is backed by our Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee and a 1-year risk-free product pledge for added protection.
Special Offer: Save $400 on a New Water Heater Installation
Replace smarter and save today. Get $400 off new water heater installation. Use code CPN400 before Aug 31, 2025. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
What Homeowners Are Saying
"Moving into a new home should be an exciting time, but for Lydia S., her joy quickly turned into stress when her water heater broke down. With four young kids and no hot water for almost a week... That’s when she called WireNut Home Services. Not only did they immediately sense her urgency and schedule a technician for the same day, but they installed a new water heater swiftly, turning a nightmare into a manageable situation."
–Lydia S., Water Heater Replacement
"I didn’t have any hot water for over three days... needed some repairs to my hot water tank and value setup... They’re efficient and got me on the schedule today for diagnostics and tomorrow for the work to be done so I won’t be long without hot water... I have hot water again! Yay!"
–Homeowner, Water Heater Repair
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my water heater not heating after a power outage?
A tripped breaker or high-limit switch is common. Reset the breaker once and press the reset on the upper thermostat. If it trips again, call a technician.
What temperature should I set my water heater to?
120 degrees Fahrenheit is a safe, efficient target for most homes. It lowers scald risk and reduces energy use without sacrificing daily comfort.
How often should I flush my water heater in Colorado Springs?
Once per year is recommended due to hard water on the Front Range. Heavy usage or sediment noise may require semiannual flushing.
When should I replace instead of repair?
If the tank leaks, is 8 to 12 years old, or repairs exceed about 40 percent of replacement cost, replacement is usually the better bet.
Can I convert from a tank to tankless?
Yes. Expect gas line, venting, and water line adjustments. Benefits include endless hot water and lower gas draw during operation.
Conclusion
Most no-heat issues come down to power supply, thermostat or element failure, ignition problems, sediment, or system age. Try the quick checks above, then call us for expert diagnostic and repair. For homes near Colorado Springs and across the Pikes Peak region, we make fixing a water heater not heating fast and stress free.
Call or Schedule Now
Speak with a licensed pro at (719) 227-0500 or schedule at https://thewirenut.com/. Need a new unit? Save $400 on installation with code CPN400 through Aug 31, 2025. Same-day service is often available.
Call WireNut Home Services at (719) 227-0500 or book online at https://thewirenut.com/ for same-day water heater repair and installation across Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, Manitou Springs, and more. Ask for code CPN400 to save $400 on a new installation before Aug 31, 2025.
About WireNut Home Services
WireNut Home Services is Colorado-owned and operated, serving Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and nearby communities. Our licensed plumbers deliver straightforward pricing, same-day service, and a Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee. We are a 10-time BBB Excellence in Customer Service award winner, including 2024. Our technicians are trained in gas safety and carbon monoxide prevention. We stand behind every job. No exceptions.