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Universal Air Systems

Troubleshooting

Water Heater: No Hot Water

Quick answer

Gas: check the pilot light or burner ignition. Electric: check the breaker, then the upper element. Both: confirm the temperature setting hasn't been bumped.

Common causes

  • Pilot light out (gas)

    easy

    Older units with standing pilots can blow out from a draft. Relight per the label on the unit.

  • Tripped breaker (electric)

    moderate

    Element shorted or breaker tripped. Reset once; if it trips again, element is gone.

  • Upper element burned out (electric)

    moderate

    If the upper element fails, you get no hot water at all. Lower element fails = small amount of hot water at the top.

  • Thermostat dial bumped

    easy

    Common — someone bumps the dial during a cleaning. Set to 49°C (120°F) for safety, 60°C max.

  • Tank failure

    urgent

    Older tank rusted through. You'll see water around the base. Replace the tank.

DIY first

  • 1 Check the gas knob is on PILOT or ON (not OFF).
  • 2 Check the electric breaker — usually labeled WATER HEATER.
  • 3 Set thermostat to 49°C and wait 30 minutes.

Call us if:

  • There's water around the base of the tank
  • Pilot won't stay lit after relighting
  • Tank is making banging or popping sounds (sediment + overheat)
  • Tank is older than 10 years

Related service

Water Heaters

Other symptoms in this category

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