Lebanon, IN Water Heater Not Heating? 5 Plumbing Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

If your water heater not heating is turning every shower into a cold surprise, you are not alone. Most no-hot-water problems come down to a handful of fixable issues. In this guide, you will learn the top causes, simple checks you can do safely, and when to call a pro. Bonus: Brownsburg homeowners can save with seasonal coupons below.

Safety First: Quick Checks Before You Troubleshoot

A water heater can deliver very hot water and operate on high voltage or natural gas. Stay safe.

• Turn off power at the breaker for electric units. For gas, set the gas control to Off.
• Let the tank cool before touching panels or draining water.
• Do not open gas lines, rewire circuits, or bypass safety devices.
• If you smell gas, leave the home and call the utility and a licensed plumber.

Central Indiana’s hard water accelerates scale buildup, which can make small problems worse. Catching issues early saves energy and protects your tank.

"Called at 7am because water heater was leaking. They arrived that afternoon. Leak fixed and even better than before. Definitely recommend."

Reason 1: Power or Gas Supply Problem

When a water heater suddenly stops heating, start with the energy source.

What to check on electric models:

1. Breaker panel. Look for a tripped breaker. Reset it fully Off, then On.
2. Dedicated circuit. Many heaters need a 30-amp breaker. A weak breaker can trip under load.
3. Service switch. Some units have a nearby disconnect that may be Off.

What to check on gas models:

1. Gas valve. Confirm the shutoff valve is open and the control is set to On.
2. Pilot or igniter. View the sight glass. No flame means no heat.
3. Utility service. If other gas appliances work poorly, call the utility.

Fix and when to call:

• If the breaker trips again or the pilot will not stay lit, stop and call a licensed plumber. Repeated trips suggest a wiring fault or failed component.
• Do not attempt to relight a pilot if you smell gas.

"We needed our water heater repaired and Summers was able to get Jeremy out the same day. He completed the repair and answered all my questions."

Reason 2: Thermostat or High-Limit (ECO) Tripped

Electric heaters use thermostats and a high-limit switch to prevent overheating. If water ran too hot or a thermostat misread temperature, the ECO trips and shuts heat off.

How to check:

1. Cut power at the breaker.
2. Remove the upper access panel and insulation carefully.
3. Press the red reset button on the upper thermostat. A click means it was tripped.
4. Restore power and test for hot water in 30 to 60 minutes.

Why it trips:

• Faulty thermostat, loose wiring, or a failing upper element
• Sediment causing hot spots that fool the control

Fix and prevention:

• If the ECO trips again, schedule service. A pro will test elements, wiring, and thermostat calibration with a meter.
• Set temperature to 120 F for safety and efficiency.

"Had water heater flush and the team explained everything, did the work, and were very pleasant. Definitely will use Summers again."

Reason 3: Heating Element, Igniter, or Thermocouple Failure

No hot water or only a quick burst often means the heating source failed.

Electric models:

• Upper element failure causes no hot water at all.
• Lower element failure causes short hot runs then cold.

Gas models:

• A failed hot surface igniter or pilot assembly stops ignition.
• A weak thermocouple or flame sensor will not prove flame, so the gas shuts off.

Signs you may see:

• Breaker holds, but water stays cold
• Burner tries and fails repeatedly to light
• Sooting around the burner compartment

Fix:

• Electric: Replace the bad element and gasket, and test thermostats. This requires proper voltage checks and tank draining.
• Gas: Replace the igniter, pilot assembly, or thermocouple and clear the burner orifice. Confirm proper combustion and venting.

"Very impressed with how professionally my hot water heater was replaced. Called in the morning and it was working great by 9am."

Reason 4: Sediment and Scale Buildup

Central Indiana’s hard water leaves mineral scale that settles at the tank bottom. Over time, sediment insulates the water from the heating source.

Typical symptoms:

• Rumbling or popping sounds during heat cycles
• Slow recovery or lukewarm water
• Discolored water after long periods of no use

DIY maintenance:

1. Turn power or gas off. Close cold supply. Attach a hose to the drain valve.
2. Open a hot tap to break vacuum. Drain several gallons until clear.
3. For heavy scale, a full flush and anode inspection are smart.

Professional help:

• A thorough flush, anode check, and element descaling restore efficiency. Many Brownsburg homeowners schedule a yearly flush to control scale.

"Nate did an exceptional job in replacing our water heater in a timely manner. Very knowledgeable and personable."

Reason 5: Dip Tube or Mixing Issues Causing Lukewarm Water

A cracked dip tube lets incoming cold water blend at the top of the tank, so taps turn lukewarm fast. A stuck mixing valve can also blend too much cold.

How to spot it:

• Hot water starts strong, then turns tepid within minutes
• One fixture gets warm, others stay cool

What to do:

• Inspect the water heater outlet temperature at the heater and at a distant tap. Big differences suggest a mixing or piping issue.
• A plumber can replace the dip tube, adjust or replace the mixing valve, and check for cross connections at faucets or laundry boxes.

"Great service. They came out within 48 hours and got us a new water heater ASAP. Signed up for their annual services as well."

Simple DIY Fixes You Can Safely Try

• Verify power or gas supply. Reset the breaker or set the gas control to On if safe.
• Press the thermostat reset on electric models.
• Set temperature to 120 F. Higher temps increase scald risk and energy use.
• Flush several gallons to clear sediment. Use caution with hot water.
• Clean debris around the burner compartment. Do not alter gas components.

If these steps do not restore heat, professional diagnostics will prevent repeat failures and protect warranties.

When to Repair vs Replace

Repair makes sense when the unit is newer, leaks are minor, and parts are available. Replacement is often smarter when:

• The tank is 10 to 12 years old or leaks from the body
• Energy bills climb despite maintenance
• You want better efficiency or endless hot water

Tankless units can last up to twice as long as conventional tanks and save energy with on-demand heat. Many buyers prefer homes with tankless systems, which can boost resale appeal.

Summers can also coordinate utility rebates when available. Our team has helped customers secure heat pump water heater incentives through local utilities when applicable.

Preventive Maintenance Checklist for Central Indiana Homes

• Annual water heater flush to remove sediment
• Anode rod inspection every 2 to 3 years in hard water areas
• Combustion safety and vent check for gas models
• Element, thermostat, and wiring test for electric models
• Expansion tank pressure check and TPR valve test
• Verify 120 F set point and test at a distant tap

Regular maintenance improves efficiency, reduces surprise breakdowns, and protects your warranty.

Why Summers for Fast, Reliable Hot Water

• 24/7 emergency service with fully stocked trucks for same-day solutions
• Licensed, background-checked, and drug-tested technicians
• Clear pricing, financing options, and a one-year labor and manufacturer parts warranty on plumbing work
• Local Brownsburg knowledge, including hard water and code requirements

"We recently hired Summers to install a tankless water heater. The team was fast, responsive and professional. We will continue to use Summers."

What We Do During a Professional Water Heater Service

• Full diagnostic: power or gas supply, thermostat, elements or burner
• Safety: TPR valve test, draft or electric continuity checks
• Performance: temperature, recovery rate, and mixing evaluation
• Maintenance: tank flush, sediment removal, anode assessment, leak check
• Options: honest repair vs replace guidance with upfront pricing

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has served Brownsburg families since 1969, and we stand behind our work with real warranties and friendly service.

Special Offers for Brownsburg Homeowners

• $59 Water Heater Flush + Plumbing Inspection. This month only. Preventative maintenance and improved efficiency.
• $200 Off Water Heater or Tankless Purchase. This month only. Call to apply before 11/05/2025.
• $500 Off Tankless Water Heater Installation. Must schedule by 11/30/2025. Cannot be combined with other offers. Present at time of service.

Ready to save? Call (317) 765-1855 or schedule online at https://www.summersphc.com/brownsburg/. Mention the offer you want when booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my electric water heater running but not heating?

A tripped high-limit switch, failed heating element, or faulty thermostat are likely. Reset the thermostat, then test elements. If it trips again, call a licensed plumber for safe electrical testing and replacement.

How long should a water heater last in Brownsburg?

Conventional tanks often last 8 to 12 years. Hard water can shorten life without flushing and anode checks. Tankless systems can last up to twice as long with yearly descaling and service.

What temperature should I set my water heater to?

Most homes do well at 120 F. It saves energy and reduces scald risk. Consider 130 F if you have larger households, then install anti-scald mixing valves for safety.

Is a bigger water heater always better?

No. Oversizing can waste energy and cost more. The right size depends on peak gallons per hour, fuel type, and recovery rate. A pro can size it for your family’s usage.

Can I do my own water heater flush?

Yes, with caution. Power off, attach a hose, open a hot tap, then drain until clear. Avoid touching hot water and never bypass safety valves. Annual professional service is still recommended.

The Bottom Line

Most water heater not heating problems come from five causes you can diagnose quickly. In Brownsburg and nearby communities, hard water adds to scale and slow recovery. If simple checks do not restore hot water, we can help the same day.

Call, Schedule, or Chat

Call (317) 765-1855 or book at https://www.summersphc.com/brownsburg/ for fast, licensed service. Ask about the $59 flush or $500 off tankless installation when scheduling.

Get your hot water back today. Call (317) 765-1855 or schedule online at https://www.summersphc.com/brownsburg/. Use our current specials: $59 Flush + Inspection, $200 Off Water Heater, or $500 Off Tankless Install before deadlines.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Serving Brownsburg since 1969, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling delivers fast, honest plumbing with licensed, background-checked technicians. We are 100% employee owned and operate fully stocked trucks for same-day repairs. We back plumbing labor and manufacturer parts with a one-year warranty, hold Plumbing License C05130016, and offer 24/7 emergency response plus financing. Local expertise, clear pricing, and friendly service on every visit.