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November 24, 2025

Tipton, IN Water Heater Not Heating? 5 Plumbing Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

If your water heater is not heating, you want answers fast. This guide covers the most common causes, safe DIY checks, and when to call a pro in Kokomo. You will also see money-saving options and maintenance tips that prevent future breakdowns. If you are short on time, skip to the checklists and quick fixes below. Prefer a pro to handle it today? Our Kokomo team offers same-day service and a $59 water heater flush with inspection.

Quick Safety Check Before You Troubleshoot

Before touching the unit, do this quick safety check.

  1. Turn off power to electric heaters at the breaker. For gas, set the gas control to Off and wait several minutes.
  2. Let hot components cool. Wear gloves and eye protection.
  3. Close the cold-water supply if you suspect a leak.
  4. Do not plug a leaking TPR valve. It protects against dangerous pressure.

Pro tip: Most homes are comfortable and safer at 120°F. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 120°F to balance comfort, scald protection, and efficiency.

Reason 1: No Power or Fuel Supply

Loss of power or fuel is the simplest reason your water heater produces lukewarm or cold water.

What to check now:

  1. Electric models
    • Confirm the water heater breaker is not tripped. Reset once. If it trips again, call a professional.
    • Press the reset button on the upper thermostat behind the access panel.
    • Inspect for signs of burning on wiring. If found, stop and schedule service.
  2. Gas models
    • Verify gas valve is open and the control is in On or Pilot as required.
    • For standing pilot units, check that the pilot is lit. If it goes out repeatedly, the thermocouple or gas control may be failing.
    • For electronic ignition, listen for clicking or ignition attempts. No ignition points to a faulty igniter or control board.

When to call:

  • Breaker keeps tripping, wires look damaged, or you smell gas. These are not DIY fixes and need a licensed plumber.

Reason 2: Failed Thermostat or Heating Elements (Electric)

If your electric tank is powered but still cold, the thermostats or elements may be at fault. Most electric tanks have two elements and two thermostats that work in sequence.

Signs and checks:

  • Hot water runs out quickly. The lower element may be burned out.
  • Water is scalding or fluctuates. A stuck thermostat can overheat or underheat.
  • You pressed the reset button and it tripped again. That often signals a failing thermostat or element.

DIY steps:

  1. Set temperature to 120°F. This protects against scalding and saves energy.
  2. Turn off power. Use a multimeter to test continuity on elements and thermostats if you are comfortable doing so.
  3. Replace defective parts with manufacturer-approved components, or schedule service for same-day replacement.

Replacement considerations:

  • On older units with heavy rust or repeated element failures, a new high-efficiency unit can lower energy costs and improve recovery time.

Reason 3: Sediment Buildup Reducing Heat Transfer

Hard water in Indiana can leave mineral sediment on the tank bottom and around heating components. Sediment insulates the water from the heat source and causes slow or no heating, rumbling sounds, and higher energy bills.

Why it matters:

  • Sediment increases heating time and stresses the tank.
  • It can clog drain valves and reduce capacity.

DIY flush basics:

  1. Power off and cool the tank.
  2. Shut cold-water supply, attach a hose to the drain valve, and drain to a safe location.
  3. Open a hot faucet to vent air, then open the drain. Flush until water runs clear.
  4. Close the drain, refill, purge air at a hot faucet, and restore power or gas.

Professional service adds:

  • Anode rod inspection and replacement if needed.
  • TPR valve testing to ensure safe pressure relief.
  • Pipe insulation checks to reduce standby losses and protect against freezing.

Local insight: Hard water near Kokomo and surrounding towns like Peru and Tipton speeds up sediment buildup. Annual flushes are worth it here.

Reason 4: Pilot, Thermocouple, or Ignition Failure (Gas)

Gas water heaters rely on a safe, consistent ignition system. If the pilot will not stay lit, or electronic ignition fails, the burner will not heat.

Symptoms:

  • Pilot light goes out repeatedly.
  • You hear clicking with no ignition.
  • Burner lights but shuts off quickly.

What could be wrong:

  1. Dirty pilot orifice restricting gas flow.
  2. Weak thermocouple not proving flame to the gas valve.
  3. Faulty igniter or control module on electronic models.
  4. Poor combustion air due to lint or debris around the burner compartment.

What you can do:

  • Vacuum dust and lint from the combustion area with power and gas off.
  • Relight the pilot per the manufacturer label if you are comfortable.
  • If the pilot will not stay lit, schedule service. Thermocouple and gas valve work require a pro.

Safety first: If you smell gas, leave the area and call your utility, then a licensed plumber.

Reason 5: Pressure, Flow, or Dip Tube Problems

Even if heat is produced, poor flow or failed internal parts can cause cold or inconsistent water.

Common culprits:

  1. Faulty dip tube in storage tanks allows cold inlet water to mix at the top, causing lukewarm water at fixtures.
  2. Partially closed valves or clogged inlet screens restrict flow to tankless units, triggering cold water sandwiches or error codes.
  3. Stuck or failing TPR valve or high system pressure can cause temperature swings.

Action steps:

  • Confirm all shutoff valves are fully open after any maintenance.
  • Have a plumber test house pressure and the TPR valve. The relief valve should open when pressure is excessive. Never cap it.
  • For tankless units, descaling and cleaning inlet screens often restores stable temperature.

When to Repair vs Replace

Not sure if repair is smart money? Consider these guidelines.

Repair makes sense when:

  • The unit is under 8 years old and in good overall condition.
  • The issue is a single failed part, like an element, thermostat, thermocouple, or igniter.
  • The tank is not leaking and energy bills have been stable.

Replace is smarter when:

  • The tank is leaking or rusted. Replacement is the only safe option.
  • The unit is 10 to 12 years old and repairs are frequent.
  • You want lower bills and faster recovery. New high-efficiency or tankless systems cut energy use and improve comfort.

Energy fact: According to Energy.gov, gas tankless water heaters can be 24 to 34 percent more efficient for homes that use 41 gallons or less hot water daily. Even in higher-use homes, tankless models can be more efficient when properly sized.

DIY Checklist: Restore Hot Water Fast

Use this quick list before calling.

  1. Verify power or gas supply is on and the breaker is not tripped.
  2. Set temperature to 120°F. Higher is rarely needed and increases scald risk.
  3. Relight pilot or reset electronic control if applicable.
  4. Drain a few gallons from the tank to check for heavy sediment.
  5. For tankless, clean inlet screens and descale if due.
  6. If you see rust, leaks, scorching, or smell gas, stop and call a professional.

Preventive Maintenance That Actually Works

Pro-grade maintenance protects your investment and reduces energy costs.

What our plumbers perform during a tune-up:

  1. Drain tank and remove sediment to restore efficient heat transfer.
  2. Inspect anode rod and replace if depleted to prevent corrosion.
  3. Review temperature settings and verify 120°F for safety and savings.
  4. Test the pressure relief valve to ensure it opens correctly under excess pressure.
  5. Check the insulation on exposed hot and cold water pipes to prevent heat loss and winter damage.
  6. For tankless, clean water lines and heat exchanger to prevent mineral blockage.

Value in Kokomo: Hard water and winter cold near Howard County make pipe insulation and annual flushes a smart hedge against breakdowns and burst pipes.

Why Tankless Solves Many Intermittent Heat Issues

If you are tired of running out of hot water or waiting for a tank to recover, tankless could be the answer.

Benefits you will notice:

  • Endless hot water when sized correctly for your faucets and showers.
  • Space savings that free up closets or utility rooms.
  • Higher efficiency compared to storage tanks, especially in modest-use homes.
  • Lower water usage since you are not dumping cool water while you wait for a tank to recover.

What matters most is correct sizing, gas line capacity, venting, and water quality treatment. Our team handles all of it and backs the installation with warranties and a Worry-Free Guarantee.

Why Choose Summers for Water Heaters in Kokomo

Homeowners choose our team because we make it simple, fast, and affordable.

  • Same-day service and 24/7 emergency availability when you have no hot water.
  • We match or beat competitor pricing and provide clear, upfront quotes.
  • Full service: installation, repair, and maintenance for tank and tankless models, gas or electric.
  • Warranty-backed installs and guaranteed workmanship.
  • Local pros who know Kokomo water conditions and seasonal demands.

If you want an expert to evaluate repair vs replace, we can test components, flush the tank, inspect safety devices, and provide options on the spot.

Special Offers for Kokomo Homeowners

  • Save $59 on a Water Heater Safety Inspection and Flush. Preventative maintenance, improved efficiency, and peace of mind. Limited time. Must be presented at time of service. Expires 2025-11-05.
  • Tankless Water Heater Discount: $200 Off Your Purchase. This month only. Call now to redeem. Expires 2025-11-05.

Call (765) 252-0727 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/kokomo/ to claim these offers before they expire.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Ethan did a wonderful job. Very professional and thorough, on the inspection and worked with me to find the best solution for our water heater."
–Gina C., Water Heater Service
"I had my water heater burst... Summers had a tech here in a couple of hours. He installed the shut off and restored water to my home."
–Terry B., Water Heater Emergency
"Westly... flushed out my tankless water heater and had it done in no time. The Summers team are well worth the money."
–Darrell S., Tankless Maintenance
"Cody came out on a Sunday evening of a Holiday weekend to fix an issue with our tankless hot water heater... He quickly diagnosed our issue and set up a time to come back with the part to fix it."
–Lisa P., Tankless Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my water heater not heating after a storm?

Power surges can trip breakers or damage electronic controls. Check the breaker and reset once. If it trips again or controls are dead, call a licensed plumber.

What temperature should I set my water heater to?

Most homes are well served at 120°F. It helps prevent scalding and reduces energy use while providing comfortable hot water.

How often should I flush my water heater in Kokomo?

Annually for most homes. With hard water or heavy use, a flush every 6 months can prevent sediment and restore efficiency.

Is tankless worth it for a family of four?

Yes when properly sized. Tankless can deliver endless hot water and higher efficiency. A professional sizing check ensures stable temperature at multiple fixtures.

When should I replace instead of repair?

Replace if the tank leaks, is 10 to 12 years old with frequent issues, or if repairs approach half the cost of a new, efficient unit.

Final Takeaway

No hot water rarely means a total failure. Most issues trace to power or gas supply, failed controls, sediment buildup, ignition problems, or flow restrictions. A few safe checks can restore heat fast, and professional service protects your warranty and safety devices. If your water heater is not heating in Kokomo or nearby towns, we can help today.

Ready for Hot Water Again?

Call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling at (765) 252-0727 or book online at https://www.summersphc.com/kokomo/. Mention our $59 Water Heater Flush with Inspection or take $200 off a new tankless system before 2025-11-05. Get upfront options, same-day service, and a Worry-Free Guarantee.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling: Serving Kokomo and nearby communities for 40+ years, our licensed plumbers deliver same-day service, upfront pricing, and a Worry-Free Guarantee. We install and service tanked and tankless systems, match or beat competitor pricing, and back new installs with warranties. Count on transparent recommendations, financing options, and 24/7 emergency support from a locally owned team that treats your home like our own.

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