Here’s Why Your Electric Water Heater Won’t Turn On

I’ll never forget the first time I got a call from a client who was convinced their electric water heater was “completely dead.” It was a chilly winter morning, and the homeowner was panicking no hot water, no lights on the unit, and kids late for school.

But here’s the thing: what seemed like a major issue was actually a tripped breaker caused by a space heater pulling too much power on the same circuit.

That day taught me something I still tell customers to this day:

Just because your water heater won’t turn on doesn’t mean it’s done for.

As someone who’s spent years working with electric water heaters in homes, rentals, and even tiny houses I want to share the most common causes I’ve seen of electric water heater not working, how I’ve personally learned to troubleshoot them, and what you can try before calling in a pro.

1. Tripped Circuit Breaker Is a Common Reason Electric Water Heaters Stop Working

It’s More Common Than You Think)One of the first things I learned as an apprentice was this: always check the simple stuff first. And in my experience, a tripped breaker is one of the top reasons water heaters stop working.

How I learned this firsthand:

A landlord called me out to a duplex, claiming the tenant’s unit had no hot water. After 30 minutes of testing guess what? The breaker had quietly flipped off due to an overloaded kitchen circuit nearby. One flip of a switch, and everything was back to normal.

Try this:

• Open your breaker box.
• Look for the switch labeled “Water Heater.”
• If it’s in the middle or “off” position, flip it all the way off, then back on.

If it trips again right away? That’s a red flag there may be a short circuit or a faulty heating element.

2. Resetting Your Electric Water Heater Might Solve the Problem

Hit the Reset Button (Yes, It Exists!) but most people don’t realize their electric water heater has a reset button hidden behind the upper thermostat cover.

It’s typically red and designed to shut the system down if it overheats  a safety feature I’ve seen save homeowners from bigger problems.

Learn step by step how to reset form this blog: “How To Reset An Electric Water Heater”

My tip from the field:

Before removing the panel, turn off the power at the breaker. Safety first I’ve gotten a few jolts early in my career for skipping this step. Once you hit that reset button and hear the click, there’s a good chance your unit will power back on.

But if it keeps tripping? You’re likely dealing with a malfunctioning thermostat or an overheating issue caused by scale buildup.

3. Don’t Ignore the Thermostat or Heating Elements

If you’ve ever pulled a heating element out of a tank that’s never been flushed, you’ve seen how much sediment builds up and how fast it ruins your heater’s performance.

Real talk:

I’ve seen heating elements burn straight through from overworking due to mineral buildup. One customer asked why their electric bill doubled it was the water heater fighting to heat through 4 inches of sediment.

What you might notice:

• No hot water at all
• Water only gets lukewarm
• Breaker keeps tripping

You can test the elements and thermostat with a multimeter, but if you’re not comfortable doing that, call in someone who is. It’s not worth the risk if you’re unsure.

4. High-Temperature Cutoff Switch Could Be Shutting Off Your Unit

There’s a small but mighty switch that often gets overlooked the high-limit cutoff switch. It shuts down the system when the water gets too hot (which can happen from thermostat issues or bad wiring).

I once had a client who told me their unit “worked randomly.” Turns out, the high-limit switch was doing its job and preventing a dangerous situation.

If you keep resetting it and the unit shuts off again  don’t ignore it. You need to find the root cause before you risk overheating or a fire hazard.

5. Old or Worn-Out Water Heaters May Need Full Replacement

Know When It’s Time to Let Go I’ve worked on water heaters that are over 15 years old, and at that point, you’re not fixing you’re prolonging the inevitable.

If your unit:

• Constantly trips
• Barely produces hot water
• Shows signs of rust or leaks…it’s likely time to invest in a replacement.

Upgrading to a more efficient model can even save you money on your utility bills long term. I always advise clients to weigh the repair costs vs. replacement.

Final Thoughts (From My Toolbox to Yours)

I’ve learned that most water heater issues start small but ignoring them turns a $150 repair into a $1,500 replacement.

So here’s my advice:

Trust your gut. If your water heater is acting up, take five minutes to check the breaker and reset button. But if something doesn’t feel right, call in a pro. There’s no shame in it I’ve been doing this for over a decade, and even I still find surprises on the job.

And if you’re local to Bay Area, my team and I are just one call away feel free to contact us.

Need Help Fast?

If your electric water heater won’t turn on, and you’ve already tried the basics give us a call. Our licensed plumbers and electricians are ready to get your hot water flowing again fast, safe, and up to code.

For more details on safe operation and energy-efficient water heating, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Heating Guide.

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