Water Heater Not Working? Here’s What You Can (and Can’t) Fix Yourself

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It always happens at the worst time.

You step into the shower on a chilly Georgia morning, expecting a blast of warmth—and instead, you're met with freezing cold water. You do what we all do: check the knobs, test the sink, maybe even curse the water heater under your breath.

At Buffington’s Plumbing, we get dozens of calls every year from homeowners in Brooks and surrounding areas who are suddenly facing the dreaded "no hot water" surprise.

Before you assume the worst, here are a few quick and safe steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem yourself. If none of these work—or if something looks off—it might be time to schedule a professional water heater repair in Brooks, GA.

Step 1: Check the Power or Gas Supply

It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often the fix is as simple as a tripped breaker or an unlit pilot light.

For Electric Water Heaters:

• 
  
• Go to your breaker panel and look for a tripped breaker labeled “Water Heater.”
  
  
• Flip it off, then back on.
  
  
• Wait 15–30 minutes to see if the water starts to heat.
  
  

For Gas Water Heaters:

• Check to see if the pilot light is on.
  
  
• If it’s out, follow your unit’s instructions to safely relight it.
  
  
• If you smell gas or feel unsure—stop immediately and call a professional.
  
  

✅ Still no hot water? Move to the next step.

Step 2: Inspect for Obvious Leaks or Sounds

Listen carefully. Is the tank hissing, popping, or rumbling?

That could mean there’s sediment buildup inside—especially common with hard water. This buildup makes your heater work harder (and heat less effectively).

Also check for:

• Puddles under or around the tank
  
  
• Rusty water from faucets
  
  
• Moisture on pipes or valves
  
  

These are signs it may be time to flush the tank—or that your system has a deeper issue.

Step 3: Try a Tank Flush (If Comfortable)

If your heater is heating somewhat, but not enough, it might be due to sediment clogging the bottom of the tank.

To flush a tank:

1. Turn off the power/gas supply.
   
   
2. Turn off the cold water valve.
   
   
3. Attach a hose to the drain valve and run it to a bucket or outside.
   
   
4. Open the valve and let it drain until the water runs clear.
   
   
5. Close the valve, remove the hose, and turn water/power back on.
   
   

⚠️ If you hear odd noises or notice milky, smelly water—stop and call a pro. A DIY flush won’t fix aging or corroded tanks.

⚠️ When to Call for Professional Water Heater Repair in Brooks, GA

Sometimes, no matter how handy you are, the problem is beyond a simple fix. Here’s when it’s time to bring in the experts:

Your water heater is leaking from the tank itself

• The breaker keeps tripping or won’t reset
  
  
• The pilot light won’t stay lit
  
  
• You’ve flushed the tank, but still have no hot water
  
  
• Your unit is 8–12+ years old and struggling to keep up
  
  

At Buffington’s Plumbing, we’ve been helping homeowners with reliable, honest water heater repair in Brooks, GA for over 30 years. Whether it’s a simple part replacement or time for a new tank or tankless upgrade, we’ll walk you through every step—no pressure, no guesswork.

📞 Don’t Freeze Another Morning

If you’ve run through your DIY water heater troubleshooting checklist and you’re still out of hot water, don’t wait.

📞 Call Buffington’s Plumbing at (678) 939-0187 or schedule your repair online.

We serve Brooks, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Griffin, Zebulon, and the surrounding areas.

Warm showers are just one call away.