What to Do When Your Home Water Heater Breaks: Expert Repair Tips

Head to your mechanical room and take a look at the base of your hot water tank. If you have a standing pilot, check to see if the flame is lit. No flame? Try to relight it following the instructions on the tank’s label.

If your water heater uses spark ignition, locate the dial on the side of the tank, turn it off, wait for a click, and then turn it back on. You should hear another click or see a spark indicating it’s trying to ignite.

Newer water heaters are often equipped with a gas control valve about a foot and a half off the ground. Look for any flashing lights or error codes. Compare them to the troubleshooting guide printed on the side of the tank — this can help you quickly identify the issue.

If you’ve tried relighting or resetting your system and still don’t have hot water, it’s time to contact a qualified plumbing and heating technician. Continuing to troubleshoot without proper experience can lead to safety issues or further damage.

While waiting for help, take a moment to consider your long-term options. Do you often run out of hot water? Would a tankless water heater be a better fit for your home? This downtime can be the perfect opportunity to plan an upgrade that meets your future needs.

Water heaters typically last 8–12 years. If yours has reached or exceeded that lifespan, it’s wise to start budgeting for a replacement. Depending on the type and size of the system, expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000 for a new water heater installed in Calgary.

Being proactive not only ensures comfort but also prevents you from facing another cold shower unexpectedly.