Salem, VA Water Heater Not Heating? Top Plumbing Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 12 minutes

When your water heater not heating ruins a morning shower, you need fast answers, not guesswork. This guide explains why you have no hot water and the safest, smartest ways to fix it. If you are in Roanoke or nearby, we offer same-day, free estimates and 24/7 emergency response. Keep reading for simple checks you can do today and expert tips to avoid repeat breakdowns.

Start Here: Safety and Quick Checks

Before troubleshooting, take a minute for safety.

• Smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide? Leave the home and call emergency services. Do not relight a pilot. We can respond 24/7.
• Look for active leaks. Turn off the cold-water shutoff above the tank. If water continues to flow from the T&P relief valve or a burst line, close the home’s main water valve.
• Cut power to electric units. Switch the water heater breaker OFF at the panel before removing panels or touching wires.
• Give the unit a reset. Wait 5 minutes, then restore power to test. Some electric heaters also have a red high-limit reset button behind the upper access panel.

Local tip: If your home pulls water from Smith Mountain Lake–area wells, sediment can be heavier. Scale builds faster and can choke heating elements or burner performance. Keep that in mind as you read reason #4.

“Mike from Wisler Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric did a whole-home plumbing inspection... flushed our hot water heater... checked our crawl space for leaks.”

Reason 1: Power or Pilot Issues Stopped the Heat

A water heater not heating often points to a simple power or ignition problem.

Electric heaters

• Tripped breaker: Space heaters, holiday lights, or a storm surge can trip the dedicated 240V breaker. Reset fully OFF, then ON.
• Loose wiring or burnt terminal: Heat can loosen lugs at the upper thermostat. If you see scorching, stop and call a pro.
• High-limit switch: Overheating trips the safety. Common causes are a failed thermostat or a tight element pocket creating hot spots.

Gas heaters

• Extinguished pilot: Drafts, a dirty pilot tube, or a weak thermocouple can kill the flame. Relight per the label if you do not smell gas.
• Faulty igniter or dirty flame sensor: These prevent ignition even though the gas valve opens.

How to fix

• Verify the breaker is on and the service switch is engaged.
• Electric: With power OFF, press the high-limit reset on the upper thermostat. Restore power and test after 20 minutes.
• Gas: Relight the pilot per the manufacturer’s steps. If it will not stay lit, the thermocouple, igniter, or gas valve may need replacement.

Call in a pro if breakers repeatedly trip, you see scorched wires, or the pilot will not hold. Our licensed, background-checked, and insured technicians carry the parts to restore heat the same day in most cases.

“Wisler Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric did a fantastic job fixing our hot water heater on a Sunday morning... got it fixed quickly.”

Reason 2: Failed Thermostat or Heating Element (Electric)

Electric water heaters use two thermostats and two elements. When one fails, you can get lukewarm or no hot water.

Symptoms

• No hot water: Often the upper element or upper thermostat failed. That keeps current from reaching the lower section.
• Short bursts of hot water: The lower element or lower thermostat failed, so you only heat the top of the tank.

DIY checks

• Turn OFF power at the breaker. Remove upper and lower access panels and insulation.
• Look for swelling, cracks, or mineral crust on elements.
• With a non-contact tester, confirm power is OFF. With a multimeter, check element resistance. Most read 10 to 20 ohms. An open circuit indicates a bad element.
• Inspect wire terminals and thermostat contacts for pitting.

Fix options

• Replace the failed element with the exact wattage and style. Many Roanoke homes use 4500W screw-in elements. Use new gaskets and torque firmly.
• Replace both thermostats as a pair if the high-limit trips or contacts are burnt.
• Flush sediment after the repair so new elements do not overheat.

Pro tip: Mixing element wattages or thermostats can cause nuisance tripping. We size elements to your circuit and tank rating and verify amperage at the panel.

“Dan... flushed our hot water heater, tested our water pH levels, checked our crawl space... very professional.”

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

If you have no hot water on a gas unit, the issue is often fuel delivery or flame quality.

Common causes

• Weak thermocouple or dirty flame sensor: The pilot lights but will not stay lit.
• Dirty burner or orifice: Soot, pet hair, or dust starves oxygen and lowers flame temperature.
• Low gas pressure or closed valve: Renovation work or meter changes can reduce supply.
• Faulty gas control valve: Internal safety fails and blocks flow.

What you can do safely

• Check that the gas valve on the line is parallel with the pipe. If perpendicular, it is closed.
• Inspect the combustion chamber window. A strong blue flame is good. Lazy yellow flames suggest cleaning and air issues.
• Vacuum lint from around the base. Do not disassemble sealed combustion systems.

Professional fixes

• Clean pilot assembly and burner, replace thermocouple or igniter, and set manifold pressure to spec.
• Verify venting and draft. Backdrafting can extinguish flames and is a safety risk.

In Roanoke, older basement heaters often sit near laundry. Lint and dryer sheets shed into the burner area. A yearly burner cleaning keeps ignition reliable.

“Called them at 7:30... by 3:30 they had the old one out, the new one installed... very professional.”

Reason 4: Sediment, Scale, and Rust Are Smothering Heat Transfer

Southwest Virginia water can carry minerals that settle at the bottom of tanks. Over time, a thick layer insulates the water from the heating surface.

Signs of sediment problems

• Rumbling or popping sounds during heat cycles
• Cloudy or sandy hot water
• Short hot-water runs despite a full-size tank
• Element burnouts or tripping high-limit switches on electrics

How to fix

• Power or gas OFF. Attach a hose to the drain valve. Open a hot faucet and the drain to flush until clear.
• For heavy scale, a professional delime may be needed. We remove and inspect elements, vacuum debris, and flush from the cold inlet using a pump.
• Replace a depleted anode rod to reduce future tank corrosion.

Prevention

• Flush annually for typical Roanoke city water. For well water in Hardy, Wirtz, or Goodview with high minerals, schedule every 6 months.
• Consider a heat pump water heater or a tank with an upgraded anode for better life.

Hard fact: Our team recommends tankless water heater service about every two years to maintain efficiency and safety. The same mindset applies to tanks with yearly flushes.

“He proceeded to service the water heater, flushing it, cleaning the filters and vents... very impressed.”

Reason 5: Tankless-Specific Issues — Flow, Filters, and Sizing

A tankless water heater not heating or giving warm–cold swings often comes down to flow and maintenance.

Typical causes

• Dirty inlet screen or scale in the heat exchanger limits flow below the minimum GPM to fire.
• Clogged condensate trap or vent sensors prevent ignition.
• Cold-water sandwich: Short bursts of cold between uses due to system design.
• Undersized unit for simultaneous showers, laundry, and dishwasher demand.

DIY steps

• Clean the cold-inlet screen. Many models have a small filter that clogs with debris.
• Ensure faucets flow enough to reach the unit’s minimum activation rate. Trickle flow may not fire the burner.
• Check error codes on the display. Reference the manual for specific resets.

Professional service

• Descale the heat exchanger, clean filters and vents, verify gas pressure, and update DIP switch settings for your altitude and gas type.
• Right-size replacement using gallons per minute at your winter inlet temperature. We match fuel source and GPM so two showers plus a washer stay hot.

If your family has grown or you added a suite, a properly sized tankless or a high-recovery hybrid may be the better long-term answer. Financing with 0% options is at times available through our partner, subject to approval.

“Our tankless water heater malfunctioned... technician... flushing it, cleaning the filters and vents... answered all of my questions!”

Repair or Replace: How to Decide

Not every water heater should be repaired. Use these guidelines to protect your budget and comfort.

Repair makes sense when

• Unit is under 8 years old and the tank is not leaking
• Issues are limited to elements, thermostats, igniters, sensors, or valves
• Energy costs are reasonable and recovery time meets your needs

Replace is smarter when

• Tank leak present. No sealant will fix a corroded tank.
• Age is beyond expected life. Standard tanks last 8 to 12 years in our area. Heavy sediment or poor water chemistry shortens that.
• Capacity is short for your household. If you run out of hot water at the same time daily, capacity or recovery is the constraint.
• Repeated repairs or high energy bills signal inefficiency.

What we do during estimates

• Same-day, free estimate and a clear diagnosis. We present side-by-side repair vs. replace options before work begins.
• Correct sizing. For tankless, we size by gallons per minute at winter inlet temperature. For tanks, we match first-hour rating to your fixtures and usage.
• Compliance and protection. We pull permits, set expansion tanks where required, and follow manufacturer specs so your warranty stays valid.

Hard facts that matter to homeowners

• Technicians are NATE-certified and background checked. We are BBB certified in Virginia.
• Recognized performance: Virginia Business Best Places to Work 2024 and Angi 2022 Super Service Award.

Preventive Maintenance: The Simple Way to Avoid No-Hot-Water Surprises

Regular service keeps efficiency high and breakdowns rare.

Suggested schedule

• Tank heaters: Flush annually. Inspect anode rod every 2 to 3 years. Check T&P valve function.
• Tankless: Service about every two years to maintain efficiency and safety. In hard-water areas or heavy-use homes, annual descaling is smart.
• Whole-home check: Plumbing inspections catch small leaks, valve failures, and water pressure issues before they become emergencies.

Why homeowners join our Diamond Club

• 10% discount on HVAC repairs and plumbing services
• Priority repair scheduling
• Reduced service fee to $69 instead of $99
• Up to three complimentary Without Worry Comfort Checks each year, including plumbing inspections
• Specific perk: Flush of water heater tank included. For tankless, descaling is available at a charge with a 10% discount

Local insight: Many Roanoke basements run cool in winter. Setting pipes and the tank with proper insulation reduces standby loss and improves first-hour performance.

Special Offer for Roanoke Homeowners

Join the Diamond Club and keep hot water reliable while saving on service.

• Save $30 on every service fee. Members pay $69 instead of $99.
• Get 10% off discounted repair pricing on plumbing and HVAC.
• Receive a complimentary water heater tank flush as part of your membership benefits. For tankless systems, get 10% off the descaling service.
• Enjoy priority scheduling and up to three complimentary Without Worry Comfort Checks annually.

Membership is just $24 per month. Call (540) 426-1351 or visit https://callwisler.com/ to join today and lock in your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my electric water heater running but still cold?

A tripped high-limit switch, failed upper element, or bad thermostat can stop heating. Reset power, press the red reset behind the upper panel, then test. If it trips again, call a pro.

Can sediment really cause no hot water?

Yes. Heavy scale insulates elements and lowers burner efficiency. You may hear rumbling and get short hot-water runs. A thorough flush and anode check restore performance.

How often should a tankless water heater be serviced?

Generally, about every two years to maintain efficiency and safety. Hard water or heavy use may require annual service. Filter cleaning between visits helps.

When should I replace instead of repair?

Replace if the tank leaks, the unit is 10 to 12 years old, or you face repeated repairs. Also replace if capacity or recovery no longer meets household demand.

Do you offer emergency water heater repair in Roanoke?

Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency water heater repair in Roanoke and surrounding areas, with same-day, free estimates when replacement is needed.

Conclusion

A water heater not heating usually traces to power, ignition, or buildup you can prevent with routine service. If you need help in Roanoke, Cave Spring, Salem, Vinton, or nearby, we are ready to diagnose, repair, or replace the right way.

Call or Schedule Now

Get same-day, free estimates and 24/7 emergency help from Wisler Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric. Call (540) 426-1351 or book at https://callwisler.com/. Ask about the Diamond Club to save $30 on service fees and 10% on repairs.

About Wisler Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric

For nearly four decades, our locally owned team has protected Roanoke homes with transparent pricing, same-day estimates, and 24/7 emergency service. Our licensed, background-checked, NATE-certified technicians install and service all water heater types, follow permit and code requirements, and back our work with a labor warranty. Recognitions include Virginia Business Best Places to Work 2024 and Angi’s 2022 Super Service Award. We serve Roanoke, Cave Spring, Salem, Vinton, Rocky Mount, and nearby communities.