Why Your Water Heater Isn’t Working – And What You Can Do

Imagine you wake up with full energy and start getting ready for the exciting day. Then you step into the shower and get hit by a blast of icy cold water. These things ruin a perfectly good morning.

Many homeowners across Sacramento and beyond face the same frustration because of the water heater acting up.

While the Sacramento sunshine usually keeps us warm, we still rely on a functioning water heater for comfort, hygiene, and sanity! And during winter, a working water heater becomes even more important. 

When your water heater suddenly goes silent, starts making weird noises, or stops heating, it’s easy to panic. But relax, at Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, your trusted water heater company in Sacramento, we’ve seen and fixed every problem imaginable.

In this blog, we’ll help you understand what’s happening inside your water heater and when you should call an emergency water heater repair service in Sacramento.

What Are the Common Issues Behind a Water Heater Failure?

Water heaters, whether electric or gas, may seem simple, but there are several moving parts and underlying factors that can cause issues.

1. Electrical Issues

If you have an electric water heater and it stops working, sometimes the problem is as simple as a tripped circuit breaker. Without power, the heater can’t warm water. 

Another reason could be that the heating element might be burned out or faulty.  Over time, heating elements degrade, and once they fail, the heater won’t heat water at all.

2. Gas & Burner Issues

For gas-powered heaters, there are a few frequent trouble spots.

• The pilot light might have gone out. If the pilot light isn’t burning, the burner won’t ignite, and without the burner, your water heater can’t warm the water. 
• The gas control valve or thermocouple may be malfunctioning. The thermocouple is a safety sensor to detect whether the pilot flame is on. If it’s faulty, it sends the wrong signal and shuts off the gas supply, even if the pilot is lit.
• The burner or orifice may be dirty or clogged. Even when the gas reaches the burner, dirt, dust, or sediment buildup can block the flame. This leads to weak heating, slow heating, or no heating at all because the burner can’t operate at full strength.

3. Sediment Buildup & Mineral Deposits

One of the most common and often overlooked culprits is the buildup of sediment, minerals, or scale inside the tank. Over time, mineral-rich water deposits sediment at the bottom of the tank. That sediment acts like insulation between the heating element (or burner) and the water, preventing effective heating.

Symptoms of Sediment Buildup

• You get lukewarm water instead of hot.
• Strange noises, like rumbling, popping, and banging, occur when heating is on. 
• Reduced efficiency, longer heating times, and higher energy costs.

4. Age, Wear & Internal Corrosion

Like any appliance, water heaters don’t last forever. Most conventional tank water heaters run efficiently for about 8-12 years, depending on their usage, water quality, and maintenance.

After years of heating and cooling cycles and exposure to hard water minerals, internal components like the anode rod, tank lining, or temperature/pressure relief valve may degrade or corrode. This can lead to leaks, water discoloration, loss of heating efficiency, or unpredictable failures.

5. Water Pressure or Flow Issues

Sometimes the water heater itself is fine, but low water pressure or restricted flow can make it seem like it's not working. The main reason behind limited flow is usually the build‑up in supply lines, partly closed valves, or mineral deposits in your pipes.

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Troubleshooting and Quick Fixes for an Acting Water Heater

If your water heater seems to be underperforming or has totally stopped, there are a few steps to try before you call in a pro. These are easy and can solve many common problems.

1. Check Power or Gas Supply

Sometimes, the cause is very common, like a neglected power or gas supply.

For Electric Heaters

Check your circuit breaker. If it’s tripped, try resetting, but if it trips again, there might be a bigger electrical issue. You'll need a qualified technician to inspect it.

For Gas Water Heaters

Make sure the gas valve is fully open, and the pilot light is burning.

• If the pilot isn’t lit, relight it following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• But if you smell gas, or if the pilot keeps going out again and again, you must stop. 
• Don’t keep relighting it. This could signal a gas leak or a failing component. Call a professional immediately to inspect and fix the issue.

2. Flush the Tank Annually or As‑Needed

Mineral buildup is a slow but serious problem for water heaters. Over time, sediment settles at the tank's bottom and makes it harder to heat water. 

• You can flush the water heater tank by attaching a hose to the drain valve. 
• Let the dirty water out, and refill it. This will help in clearing the sediment and improve heating again.

3. Inspect for Leaks, Rust, or Corrosion

If you notice rust‑colored hot water, visible corrosion, or water pooling around the base, it could mean the tank is rotting from the inside. That often requires replacement rather than repair. 

Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most trusted water heater installation providers in Sacramento and can help you replace your system safely and correctly.

 4. Consider the Heater’s Age and Capacity

If your water heater unit is over 10 years old, or if your household demand has increased, even a fixed heater might continue to give trouble. Sometimes, a new, larger, or more efficient system is the smarter and more cost-effective choice.

When to Call Professionals for Water Heater Repair or Replacement?

While checking a breaker or relighting a pilot light is easy enough, anything that involves gas lines, electrical wiring, or a damaged tank should always be handled by a licensed professional. 

For example, a lot of water heater issues come from worn-out components, but detecting and replacing them isn’t something most homeowners can safely do on their own.

For Electric Heaters

Heating elements and thermostats can burn out over time. Testing them requires a multimeter and working around live electrical parts, which can be risky without proper training.

For Gas Heaters

Problems often involve the thermocouple, gas control valve, or burner/orifice. Since these parts control gas flow and ignition, even a small mistake or ignorance can lead to gas leaks or safety hazards.

That’s why DIY repairs here are not recommended. If you can’t pinpoint the issue or don’t want to risk misdiagnosing it, call a trusted expert like Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning in Sacramento. Our technicians will test the system, identify the faulty part, and guide you honestly on whether it can be repaired or if a replacement would be more cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I really need to flush my water heater every year?

Yes! Annual flushing is one of the most important and often overlooked maintenance steps. In areas with hard water, sediment builds up quickly and can reduce your heater’s efficiency by nearly half. 

Flushing the tank once a year helps your system last longer and run better. And if you don’t want to do it yourself, our water heater repair service at Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning can handle the flushing for you.

My heater is more than 10 years old. Is it time to replace it?

If you’re experiencing frequent problems, like rusty water, leaks, inconsistent heating, rising energy bills, a replacement is often a wiser and more cost-effective choice than repeated repairs.

At Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning in Sacramento, we inspect your system, explain your options clearly, and help you choose the right replacement so you don’t waste money on temporary fixes.

Can I fix it myself, or should I call a pro?

You can do simple maintenance, like checking the breaker, flushing the tank if you’re comfortable. But for gas issues, burner/valve problems, internal corrosion, or repeated failures, it’s safer to call a licensed professional like Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning in Sacramento.

Takeaway

A water heater problem can disturb your routine and mood. But most issues start small and are easier to handle when you know the signs. From checking simple power or gas issues to spotting problems like sediment buildup or aging parts, a bit of awareness can help you catch trouble early.

And when the problem seems beyond quick fixes, you should call a local professional who can repair your water heater safely and correctly.

With the right care and timely help, you can keep your hot water flowing and avoid unexpected surprises.

Maximize Your Water Heater’s Efficiency with Ace Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning

If you’ve tried the basic checks and your hot water is still missing, or you think there’s a leak, don’t wait. Schedule an inspection with Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning.

We’re the most experienced and trusted water heater company in Sacramento. We understand that a broken water heater is more than an inconvenience. That’s why we provide same-day services at affordable prices. 

Call us at 916-455-4548 for expert water heater installation, repair, or replacement in Sacramento!