plumbing troubleshooting
No hot water
Common symptoms: no hot water; cold from hot tap; water heater cold
Stop and call a pro if:
- gas smell
- TPR valve discharge
- scorching/burn marks
- smoke
Step-by-step diagnostic flow
Step 1
Any gas smell, smoke, scorching, or TPR valve discharging?
Step 2
Is there no hot water at all fixtures or only some?
Step 3
What type of water heater do you have (if known)?
Step 4
Are nearby electrical devices powered normally (panel not tripped)?
Step 5
Through any sight glass, do you see a status light or indicator?
Do not open panels.
Possible outcomes
Stop and seek professional help immediately
high confidenceSerious safety condition.
Hot water distribution issue possible
low confidenceOnly some fixtures affected.
Safe next steps
- List affected rooms/fixtures
What to document for a pro
- Affected fixture list
- Heater model
Possible electrical power issue
low confidenceNearby power abnormal.
Safe next steps
- Document which circuits/rooms lack power
What to document for a pro
- Breaker panel status
- Power loss timing
Electric water heater issue possible
low confidencePower present but no hot water.
Safe next steps
- Photograph heater labels
- Note heater age
What to document for a pro
- Heater brand/model
- Photo of tank label
- Heater age
Gas ignition/control issue possible
low confidenceStatus indicator suggests fault.
Safe next steps
- Photograph indicator and legend
- Do not attempt to relight if unsure
What to document for a pro
- Heater model
- Status light photos
- Indicator legend
Further professional diagnosis recommended
low confidenceInconclusive non-invasive checks.
Safe next steps
- Collect model/serial, photos of installation
What to document for a pro
- Heater model/serial
- Installation photos
- Recent maintenance history
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