Hobart, IN Water Heater Not Heating? 5 Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

No hot water, lukewarm showers, or the water runs cold fast? If your water heater is not heating, a few quick checks can save time and money. This guide explains the top five causes of a water heater not heating and how to fix each one safely. You will see simple steps you can try today, when to call a pro, and how to prevent repeat failures with affordable maintenance.

1) Gas Pilot Light Out or Ignition Failure

A gas water heater relies on a steady flame to heat water. If the pilot light goes out or the electronic igniter fails, the burner never fires and you get cold water.

How to diagnose

1. Look through the sight glass for a steady blue flame. No flame means the pilot is out.
2. Smell for gas only briefly. If you smell strong gas, stop and call a pro immediately.
3. Check that the gas valve is in the ON position and the thermostat is above 120°F.
4. For models with error lights or codes, note the flashing pattern.

How to fix

1. Relight the pilot per the unit’s lighting instructions. Many tanks have the steps printed on the front.
2. If the pilot will not stay lit, clean the thermocouple or flame sensor, or have it replaced.
3. Inspect the combustion air area. Dust, pet hair, or a blocked vent can snuff the flame.
4. If you have an electronic ignition, a failed igniter or gas control valve may need replacement.

When to call a pro

• You smell gas or hear hissing.
• The pilot keeps going out after relighting.
• Error codes reference the gas valve, pressure switch, or vent blockage.

Safety note

• Never bypass safety devices. Gas control repairs should be handled by trained, licensed technicians.

Local insight

• Homes near the lakeshore can see heavier lint and humidity that clog intakes and corrode flame sensors faster. A quick annual cleaning reduces nuisance outages.

2) Tripped Breaker, Burned Element, or Wiring Issue on Electric Units

Electric water heaters use one or two heating elements. If a breaker trips or an element fails, water can stay cold or only heat halfway.

How to diagnose

1. Check the electrical panel for a tripped 240V double‑pole breaker. Reset once.
2. Press the red high‑limit reset button behind the top metal cover on the heater.
3. Run hot water for two minutes. If it warms, then turns cold, the lower element may be bad.
4. Use a multimeter to test element resistance and continuity if you are comfortable with electrical work.

How to fix

1. Replace burned heating elements with the correct wattage and voltage rating.
2. Replace thermostats in matched pairs if elements test good but temperatures swing.
3. Tighten loose connections and verify correct wiring. Loose lugs cause heat damage.

When to call a pro

• Breaker trips again after reset.
• Wiring or terminal blocks show discoloration or melting.
• You are not comfortable working with 240V power.

Maintenance tip

• Sediment insulates elements, making them overheat and fail early. A regular flush reduces scale buildup and electric costs.

3) Heavy Sediment Buildup, Anode Wear, or Pressure Problems

Sediment from hard water settles at the bottom of tank water heaters. This blocks heat transfer and causes rumbling, slow recovery, and lukewarm water. Anodes protect the tank from corrosion, and pressure control prevents dangerous conditions.

How to diagnose

1. Popping or rumbling noise during heating suggests heavy sediment.
2. Water is hot at first but cools quickly, or recovery takes much longer than normal.
3. Rust‑colored water points to anode wear or internal corrosion.
4. TPR valve drips or spurts, a sign of pressure or temperature issues.

How to fix

1. Flush the tank. Turn off power or gas, cool the tank, attach a hose to the drain, and flush until clear.
2. Replace the anode rod if it is under 1/2 inch thick, heavily pitted, or coated.
3. Test the temperature and pressure relief valve. Replace it if it does not operate cleanly.
4. Verify inlet water pressure. Install or service a pressure‑reducing valve if your static pressure is above recommended levels for the heater model.

Professional maintenance advantage

• Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling follows a multi‑point checklist on every water heater visit. We inspect for cracks, leaks, rust, correct wiring, sediment buildup, water quality, tank pressure, pilot light function on gas models, loose connections, pressure valve performance, system ventilation, and proper temperature settings. This prevents many no‑hot‑water calls.

Tankless note

• Tankless systems have no storage tank, so they resist sediment issues and typically last about twice as long as tank models when installed and maintained correctly.

4) Thermostat, Mixing Valve, or Temperature Setting Issues

A mis‑set thermostat or faulty mixing valve can mimic a heater failure. You may get only lukewarm water or fluctuating temperatures.

How to diagnose

1. Check the dial at the gas control or the electronic setpoint. Aim for 120°F for most homes.
2. If the tank is hot but fixtures are lukewarm, your anti‑scald mixing valve may be restricting temperature.
3. If water alternates hot and cold in the shower, a pressure imbalance or tempering valve problem may be the cause.

How to fix

1. Set the thermostat to 120°F and wait a full heating cycle. Test again at a faucet.
2. Exercise the mixing valve by turning it through its full range, then set it back.
3. Replace a failed mixing valve or faulty thermostats. A pro can also balance system pressures.

Important safety

• Do not set above 130°F without child‑safety planning. Higher temperatures increase scald risk.

Energy savings

• Each 10°F reduction can save energy while protecting your tank. For households that need higher temps, pair a safe setpoint with a mixing valve to extend hot water capacity.

5) Wrong Size, Old Age, or Hot Water Demand Outpacing the System

Sometimes the heater is healthy, but the home’s usage has changed. Finishing a basement bath, adding a soaking tub, or welcoming a growing family can exhaust a small tank or older unit.

How to diagnose

1. You run out of hot water during peak times, but the water is hot again after recovery.
2. The water heater is 10 to 12 years old for tank models or 18 to 20 years for tankless.
3. Frequent short showers are fine, but a bath or laundry causes immediate cold water.

How to fix

1. Upgrade capacity. A 50‑gallon tank may replace a 40‑gallon for larger families.
2. Consider a high‑efficiency tankless heater for endless hot water and space savings. Tankless models mount on a wall and are known for energy efficiency.
3. Add a recirculation solution if fixtures are far from the heater and you wait minutes for hot water.

Brand guidance

• We install and service leading brands such as Rinnai and Bradford White. Our team can size your system based on simultaneous fixtures, ground‑water temperature, and recovery targets.

Local climate insight

• Northwest Indiana’s cold ground‑water temperatures in winter reduce usable capacity. Sizing must account for seasonal temperature drop to avoid lukewarm showers.

DIY vs Pro: When to Call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

DIY steps are helpful for resets and basic checks. Call a licensed pro when you see any of the following.

1. Gas smell, soot, or repeated pilot failure.
2. Tripped breaker returns, burned wiring, or melted terminals.
3. Persistent sediment, rust‑colored water, or a dripping TPR valve.
4. Leaks at the tank seam or heavy corrosion at connections.
5. Age beyond typical life or no‑hot‑water after basic resets.

What you can expect from us

• 24/7 emergency response and same‑day service.
• Fully stocked trucks for faster fixes and fewer trips.
• Straightforward pricing that matches the quote.
• A multi‑point inspection on every water heater visit.

Preventative Maintenance That Stops No‑Hot‑Water Emergencies

Preventative care is the most affordable way to keep hot water steady and bills low.

Suggested schedule

1. Annual flush for tank water heaters in hard‑water areas.
2. Anode inspection every 2 to 3 years, sooner if water is aggressive.
3. Combustion cleaning and vent check yearly on gas units.
4. Inlet screen and descaling service on tankless systems as needed.

Benefits you will notice

• Faster heat recovery and stable shower temperatures.
• Lower energy usage due to clean heat transfer surfaces.
• Longer equipment life and fewer surprise breakdowns.

What our maintenance includes

• The same multi‑point checklist our technicians perform on service calls, plus water pressure testing and temperature calibration. We document findings so you can plan, not react.

Emergency Situations: What To Do Right Now

If the tank is leaking from the base or you see steam, take these steps before help arrives.

1. Turn off power. For gas, set the gas valve to OFF. For electric, shut the breaker.
2. Close the cold‑water inlet valve at the top of the heater.
3. Do not drain a scalding tank. Wait until safe or until a technician directs you.
4. Keep children and pets away from the area. Watch for signs of mold or water damage.

We offer 24/7 emergency service. Our Chesterton team can often arrive the same day, including nights and weekends, to secure the area and restore hot water.

Upgrade Path: When Tankless Makes Sense

Tankless water heaters provide endless hot water, higher efficiency, and more floor space since they mount on a wall. They require fewer repairs and typically last about twice as long as tank models when maintained.

Best use cases

1. Households that run showers, laundry, and dishwasher at overlapping times.
2. Homes adding a large tub or secondary bath without room for a bigger tank.
3. Owners seeking long‑term efficiency and lower utility bills.

What to expect with installation

• Our team handles removal of the old unit, code‑compliant venting, gas sizing, and condensate routing. Many installs are completed in hours, not days. We also perform a site inspection for water damage or mold and flush existing lines to remove sediment.

Financing and savings

• Ask about current specials on tankless installs and maintenance. Upfront savings plus long‑term efficiency can make the upgrade surprisingly affordable.

Special Offers for Chesterton‑Area Homeowners

• Special Offer: Water Heater Flush + Plumbing Inspection for $59. Schedule by 11/05/2025.
• Special Offer: Save $200 on your water heater purchase. Call now. Expires 11/05/2025.
• Special Offer: $59 Water Heater Safety Inspection. Must schedule by 11/30/2025.
• Special Offer: Save $500 on tankless water heater installation. Must schedule by 11/30/2025.

Use any active offer when you call (219) 500-8902 or book at https://www.summersphc.com/chesterton/. Coupons may not be combined with other offers.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Replaced broken water heater within a day. Amazing service."
–Ann S., Water Heater Replacement

"My experience with Summers was a positive one. After contacting another company about my water heater failing and trying to get someone to come out, they stopped responding to me. I called Summers the next day and someone (Kevin) came out within 30 minutes and found out what the problem was... About 3 hours after I called to make an appointment for an estimate, I had a brand new water heater... Bottom line: They are quick, knowledgeable, and effective."
–Mike D., Water Heater Replacement

"Called due to a leak from my water heater... When we decided on a tankless water heater they were out first thing the next morning to put it in. Very professional. On time to the minute of when they said they’d be there. Couldn’t recommend this company enough."
–Stephen B., Tankless Water Heater Install

"Jesse Kokinda was very professional... He did an awesome job flushing my water heater. Summers PHC you are the best."
–Cora H., Water Heater Flush

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my water heater not heating after a storm or outage?

Power surges can trip breakers or the high‑limit switch. Reset the breaker once and press the unit’s red reset button. If it trips again or wiring looks damaged, call a licensed technician.

How often should I flush my tank water heater?

In hard‑water areas, flush annually. Flushing removes sediment that slows recovery and overheats elements. Many Chesterton homeowners pair a yearly flush with a safety inspection to keep warranties valid.

What temperature should I set my water heater?

Most homes do well at 120°F. This protects against scalds and saves energy. If you need hotter water for sanitation, use a mixing valve so you get safe tap temperatures.

Is a tankless water heater worth it in Northwest Indiana?

Yes, especially for high‑demand homes. Tankless units deliver endless hot water, are energy efficient, and mount on a wall. They often last about twice as long as tank models when maintained.

When should I replace instead of repair?

Consider replacement if the tank leaks, is over 10–12 years old, or repairs cost more than 40–50% of a new unit. Tankless may be the best long‑term value for heavy usage homes.

In Summary

Most no‑hot‑water issues come down to ignition failures, electrical faults, sediment, settings, or sizing. Start with safe checks, then call our licensed team for fast help and long‑term fixes. If you are dealing with a water heater not heating in Chesterton, we are ready 24/7.

Call, Schedule, or Chat Now

• Call: (219) 500-8902
• Book online: https://www.summersphc.com/chesterton/
• Current coupons: $59 Flush + Inspection, $59 Safety Inspection, $200 Off Purchase, $500 Off Tankless Install.

We serve Portage, Valparaiso, Hobart, Chesterton, Porter, Knox, Kouts, Burns Harbor, Beverly Shores, and Wheeler. Restore reliable hot water today.

Call (219) 500-8902 or book at https://www.summersphc.com/chesterton/ to schedule your water heater service. Ask for the $59 Flush + Inspection or $500 Off Tankless Install while they are active.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

For 40+ years, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has helped Northwest Indiana homeowners with licensed, insured, and background‑checked pros. We offer same‑day service, 24/7 emergency response, and fully stocked trucks. Expect clear pricing, strong warranties, and brands like Rinnai and Bradford White. We serve Chesterton and nearby cities with maintenance plans, financing options, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.