Losing hot water—especially in the middle of winter—is never fun. Whether you’re gearing up for a shower, washing up after dinner, or doing the laundry, hot water is something we all rely on. So, what should you do when it suddenly runs cold?
The good news? In many cases, the fix is simpler than you might think. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue before calling in the pros.
Start by checking your hot water unit.
For gas systems: Is the pilot light out? If so, relighting it may be all that’s needed to get things running again.
For electric systems: Check the circuit breaker. If it’s tripped, reset it and wait to see if the system heats up again.
Also, listen out for any unusual sounds or signs your system isn’t operating as it should—this could indicate a bigger issue.
A leak in your hot water system can quickly reduce pressure or cause a complete loss of hot water. Inspect around the unit, hot water pipes, and taps for any obvious signs of water. Even a slow drip could point to a problem that needs attention.
Sometimes, your system just can’t keep up. If multiple people have showered back-to-back or you’re running the dishwasher and washing machine at the same time, your hot water unit might simply need time to recover. Give it a moment, then try again.
If none of the above steps help, it’s time to call a licensed plumber. The issue could be with the thermostat, a failed heating element, or another internal fault. A qualified professional can test your system, make safe repairs, and get your hot water flowing again in no time.
While some hot water issues are easy to fix, others can be more complex—and potentially dangerous if left unchecked. If you’re unsure or just want peace of mind, Plumbing & Pipeline Solutions is here to help. Our licensed plumbers have the tools and expertise to diagnose and repair hot water problems across all types of systems.
No hot water? Give us a call—we’ll get things heated up again in no time.