Colfax, IN Water Heater Not Heating? 5 Common Plumbing Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 14 minutes

No hot water is more than an inconvenience. If you searched water heater repair near me, you are likely staring at a cold shower or a blinking error light. This guide explains the five most common reasons your water heater is not heating and the safe steps you can take before calling in a pro. Bonus: Crawfordsville homeowners can grab our $59 inspection to prevent repeat issues.

Quick Safety Checks Before You Start

Water heaters combine hot water, gas or high voltage, and pressure. A few quick checks can keep you safe and may restore heat fast.

1. Verify power or gas supply is on.
2. • Electric: Confirm the water heater breaker is ON at the panel. Many homes have a dedicated 30‑amp double pole breaker.
   • Gas: Make sure the gas valve is open and the control is set to ON or Heat.
2. Set the thermostat to at least 120°F. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 120°F for safety and efficiency.
3. Inspect the area for leaks or a rotten‑egg smell. If you smell gas, leave the area and call a professional immediately.
4. Do not cap, plug, or tamper with the temperature and pressure relief valve. T&P valves are typically rated to open near 150 psi or 210°F to prevent dangerous pressure buildup.

“On a dark and rainy night, Heather came out late to disconnect a leaking water heater. We are so fortunate to benefit from your 24‑hour emergency service!”

Reason 1: Tripped Breaker, Blown Fuse, or Power Interruption (Electric)

When electric units stop heating, a power issue is the most common root cause.

What to check:

• Main panel and any subpanel for a tripped breaker. Reset once by switching fully OFF, then back ON.
• High‑limit reset button. Turn power OFF at the breaker. Remove the upper access panel. Press the red reset. Restore power and test.
• Loose wiring at the junction box on top of the heater. If you see char, melting, or a loose wire nut, stop and call a licensed tech.

DIY fix you can try:

• After a reset, give the tank 45 to 60 minutes to recover.
• If the breaker trips again, you likely have a shorted element or wiring problem. Do not keep resetting. Schedule service.

Local insight:

• Many homes in Montgomery County have older panels or tandem breakers. Heavy appliances cycling on a cold night can nudge a weak breaker over the edge.

“Travis quickly solved my problem and got my hot water flowing again. Thank you!”

Reason 2: Failed Heating Element or Thermostat (Electric)

Electric heaters have two elements and two thermostats. A failed upper element or thermostat can leave you with completely cold water. A failed lower element often causes short showers.

Symptoms:

• Cold water only: suspect upper element or upper thermostat.
• Runs hot then turns cold quickly: suspect lower element or heavy sediment around the lower element.

DIY steps:

1. Turn power OFF. Verify with a non‑contact tester.
2. Remove access panels and insulation. Visually inspect for swelling or burn marks.
3. If you have a multimeter and are comfortable, you can test element continuity. No continuity usually means a failed element.
4. Replace elements and thermostats in matched sets if one has failed.

When to call a pro:

• Signs of wiring damage, melted insulation, or repeated high‑limit trips. A trained tech will test load, verify voltage, and ensure proper thermostat staging.

Hard fact:

• Elements commonly last 6 to 10 years in moderate water quality. In hard water areas, they can fail earlier due to scale insulation on the element.

“Travis was professional & informative. He took the time to explain the service he was completing on the hot water heater.”

Reason 3: Pilot, Ignition, or Gas Supply Problems (Gas)

If you have a gas water heater and no hot water, the pilot system or ignition is a top suspect.

Common culprits:

• Extinguished pilot or dirty pilot assembly
• Faulty thermocouple or flame sensor
• Electronic ignition failure
• Gas valve turned OFF or stuck
• Venting or make‑up air issues that shut the unit down for safety

DIY checks:

1. Confirm the gas control is set to ON and the thermostat is above Warm.
2. If your model has a standing pilot, follow the lighting instructions on the unit. If it will not stay lit, the thermocouple may be bad.
3. Look for error codes on newer electronic ignition models. Codes guide diagnosis, but repairs should be done by a licensed tech.

Safety first:

• If you smell gas, do not relight the pilot. Exit the home and call for emergency service.

Local detail:

• In older Crawfordsville basements, dust and lint can clog pilot orifices. A quick professional cleaning often restores reliable ignition.

“Travis was punctual and explained in detail that the hot water heater needed to be replaced.”

Reason 4: Sediment Buildup and Scale

Central Indiana has hard water. Minerals settle to the bottom of tanked heaters, blanketing the lower element and reducing burner efficiency. This leads to lukewarm water, rumbling noises, and higher bills.

What you may notice:

• Hot water runs out faster than it used to
• Popping or rumbling sounds during heat cycles
• Discolored or rusty water after long idle periods

DIY maintenance:

1. Power or gas OFF. Cold water supply OFF.
2. Attach a hose to the drain valve and route to a safe drain. Open a hot water faucet to break vacuum.
3. Drain several gallons or perform a full flush until water runs clear.
4. Refill and purge air before restoring power or relighting.

Professional help:

• Annual flushes, anode inspection, and, if needed, a powered descaling service. An anode rod typically lasts 3 to 5 years depending on water chemistry.

Energy fact:

• Sediment forces longer heat times. The DOE notes water heating is about 18% of a typical home’s energy bill. Keeping the tank clean helps curb costs.

“While Sara was here for the yearly plumbing and water heater inspection I had her quote a price to flush the water heater so I had her flush it and she was very thorough and explained everything to me.”

Reason 5: Incorrect Settings, Small Tank, or Mixing Valve Issues

Sometimes the heater is working, but settings or sizing are off for your household.

Check the basics:

• Thermostat: Aim for 120°F. Lower settings produce lukewarm water, and higher settings can be unsafe.
• Vacation mode: Many newer heaters have Eco or Vacation modes that limit heating.
• Dip tube: A broken dip tube mixes hot and cold at the top of the tank, delivering tepid water.
• Mixing valve: If a thermostatic mixing valve sticks, it can throttle hot water.

Is your tank undersized?

• A 40‑ or 50‑gallon tank may not keep up with back‑to‑back showers and laundry. Recovery rates drop in winter when inlet water is colder along the Wabash River corridor.

Solutions:

• Calibrate settings, replace a damaged dip tube or mixing valve, or consider a high‑recovery or tankless upgrade for on‑demand hot water.

“Nate surveyed our home and gave us examples to decide on a tankless water heater vs replacing our existing water heater. He took time to answer all of our questions.”

When Repair Becomes Replacement

Water heaters have a service life, and certain failures signal it is time to plan a swap.

Red flags for replacement:

• Tank leak from the shell
• Frequent resets or tripped breakers
• Repeated thermocouple or control failures
• Advanced corrosion or heavy rust in drained water
• Unit is 10 to 12 years old for standard tanks, older if maintained well

Why many Crawfordsville homeowners go tankless:

• Endless hot water with no recovery wait
• Higher efficiency since water heats only on demand
• Smaller wall‑hung footprint for tight utility rooms
• Long life when maintained and flushed per manufacturer specs
• Can raise perceived home value with modernized mechanicals

Budgeting help:

• Summers offers free estimates on new equipment and flexible financing.

“Travis came back out immediately and did everything he could to resolve my hot water issue. He even tried to source a warranty part locally to speed things up.”

Professional Maintenance That Prevents No‑Heat Calls

Our multi‑point tune‑up helps protect your home and wallet. During a visit, a Summers technician checks:

• Tank pressure and temperature settings
• Venting and combustion air on gas models
• T&P valve operation and connections
• Pilot or ignition systems where applicable
• Water quality and coloring
• Visible cracks or leaks
• Wiring integrity and element readings
• Sediment buildup and anode condition

Benefits you will notice:

• Lower energy use and faster recovery
• Quieter operation with fewer pops and rumbles
• Longer equipment life and fewer surprise breakdowns
• Safer performance with verified relief valve operation

Local tip:

• Hard water in Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties accelerates scale. Annual flushes and timely anode replacement save elements and gas valves.

“Nate was very informative on what I needed to do to keep my plumbing and my water heater and softener running for a long time.”

Step‑By‑Step: Simple Fixes You Can Try Today

1. Verify fuel or power is on and set temperature to 120°F.
2. Electric only: Press the red high‑limit reset. Wait up to 60 minutes.
3. Gas only: Follow the lighting instructions for your model to relight the pilot. If it will not stay lit, call us.
4. Flush a few gallons from the drain valve to reduce sediment.
5. Test hot water at two fixtures after changes. If temperatures vary widely, suspect a mixing valve or dip tube.

Stop and call a professional if you notice any of the following:

• Gas odor
• Scorch marks, melted wire insulation, or repeated breaker trips
• Leaks from the tank body
• Water that is rusty and does not clear

“Bradley at Summers did a great job! He went to get the equipment needed so we could get our water turned back on.”

Special Offers for Crawfordsville Homeowners

• Water Heater Safety Inspection for $59. Schedule by 11/30/25. Cannot be combined with other offers.
• Water Heater Flush + Plumbing Inspection for $59. This month only. Limited‑time scheduling.
• Save $500 on tankless water heater installation. Schedule by 11/30/25. Must present coupon at time of service.

Call (765) 310-3070 and mention the $59 water heater specials or the $500 tankless install to lock in your savings. Visit https://www.summersphc.com/crawfordsville/ to schedule online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my water heater on but not producing hot water?

Power, gas supply, or safety resets are common culprits. Check the breaker, thermostat set to 120°F, and on gas units verify the pilot or ignition. If it still fails, schedule service.

How often should I flush my water heater in Crawfordsville?

At least once per year due to local hard water. Heavy sediment or noisy operation may require flushing twice a year to protect elements and improve efficiency.

Is 120°F hot enough for my home?

Yes for most homes. The DOE recommends 120°F to reduce scald risk and energy use. Households with immune concerns may use higher settings with a mixing valve.

When should I replace instead of repair?

If the tank leaks, the unit is 10 to 12 years old, or you have repeated control or element failures, replacement is often more cost‑effective than repeated repairs.

Will a tankless water heater fix my running‑out‑of‑hot‑water problem?

Yes. Tankless systems heat on demand for continuous hot water. Proper sizing and gas line capacity are key. A professional assessment ensures the right model for your home.

Key Takeaway

Most no‑heat issues come down to power, ignition, sediment, or incorrect settings. Start with safe checks, then book a pro tune‑up to prevent the next outage. For fast water heater repair near me in Crawfordsville, Lebanon, Lafayette, and nearby, call our local team today.

Get Hot Water Back Today

• Call now: (765) 310-3070
• Schedule online: https://www.summersphc.com/crawfordsville/
• Active coupons: $59 inspection or flush, and $500 off tankless installs when scheduled by 11/30/25.

Your comfort and safety come first. Book your visit, restore hot water, and protect your system for the seasons ahead.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

For 50+ years, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has helped Indiana homeowners with honest pricing and reliable service. Our licensed, background‑checked technicians arrive in fully stocked trucks, offer free estimates on new equipment, and stand behind every job with a satisfaction guarantee. We are local to Crawfordsville and nearby communities, provide 24/7 emergency service, and offer flexible financing. Expect upfront prices, clear communication, and dependable warranties on installations.