Your water heater stopped working and now you have a house full of people and no hot water. Before you pick up the phone, run through these quick checks — some water heater problems are genuinely DIY-fixable, and others will confirm you need a professional. Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc. provides same-day water heater service throughout Riverside County, including Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Perris, and Lake Elsinore.

For GAS Water Heaters

Check 1: Is the pilot light lit?

On older water heaters with a standing pilot (a small, always-on flame), the pilot light may have blown out. Look through the small viewport window on the front of the heater. If you see no flame, relight the pilot following the instructions on the label. Most modern heaters walk you through this step-by-step.

Check 2: Is the thermostat set correctly?

The thermostat on a gas water heater is the dial or knob on the front of the unit. The recommended setting is 120°F (the “HOT” marking on many dials). If it got turned down accidentally, turn it up and wait 30-60 minutes for the tank to reheat.

Check 3: Is the gas supply on?

Locate the gas shutoff valve on the supply line leading to the water heater. It should be inline with the pipe (parallel = open, perpendicular = closed). Also check if other gas appliances in your home are working — if your stove also doesn’t work, you may have a gas supply issue.

For ELECTRIC Water Heaters

Check 4: Is the circuit breaker tripped?

Electric water heaters have a dedicated 240V circuit breaker (usually labeled “Water Heater” in your panel). Check if it’s in the tripped position (center, between ON and OFF). Reset it by turning it fully OFF, then back ON.

Check 5: Has the high-temperature limit switch tripped?

Electric water heaters have a red reset button (called the high-limit switch or thermal cutout) on the upper heating element panel. If the water got too hot for any reason, this safety switch trips. Press the reset button firmly until you hear a click. If it trips again immediately, there’s an underlying issue requiring a plumber.

For Both Gas and Electric

Check 6: Is the unit making unusual noises?

Rumbling, popping, or banging sounds indicate sediment buildup (common in hard water areas like Riverside County). The unit may still produce hot water but is operating inefficiently and nearing the end of its life.

Check 7: Is there water leaking around the unit?

Puddles around the water heater base are a serious warning sign. If the leak is from the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve on the side, the valve may be stuck open (normal to occasionally drip) or the tank pressure/temperature is too high. If the tank itself is leaking from a seam or the bottom, replacement is required.

Check 8: How old is the unit?

Check the serial number on the label. The year of manufacture is typically encoded in the first 4 characters (varies by brand). If your unit is over 10-12 years old and not producing hot water, replacement is likely more cost-effective than repair.

Same-Day Water Heater Service in Riverside County

If the above checks don’t resolve your issue, call Davis Plumbing and Heating at (951) 657-0393. We provide same-day and next-day water heater repair and replacement throughout Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, San Jacinto, Sun City, and all of Riverside County. Or schedule online.