November 24, 2025
Spanish Fork Water Heater Not Heating? 5 Plumbing Fixes
Estimated Read Time: 12 minutes
No hot water today? If your water heater is not heating, you’re not alone. Utah County’s hard water can be tough on tanks and tankless units, and simple issues often cause total hot-water loss. This guide explains the five most common causes, what you can safely check, and when to call Eric’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning for fast, code-compliant repair or replacement. Bonus: ask about our VIP Membership for a free annual water heater flush.
Start Here: Quick Safety and Warranty Checks
Before you grab tools, take 60 seconds to stay safe and avoid voiding warranties.
- Turn off power or fuel.
- Electric: flip the dedicated breaker OFF.
- Gas: set the gas control to OFF and close the gas shutoff valve if you smell gas.
- Verify water is on and look for leaks. A dry tank or visible leak can damage elements and controls.
- Note your make, model, and serial number. This helps with parts, recalls, and warranty status.
- Know your limits. Combustion, venting, and electrical work can be hazardous. If you are unsure, stop and call a licensed pro.
Local insight: Utah County has notably hard water, which accelerates scale buildup that insulates heating surfaces and reduces output. Annual flushes help, and our VIP Membership includes one free water heater flush each year.
Fact check you can trust:
- Water heating accounts for roughly 18% of a home’s energy use, so an underperforming unit costs real money.
- Our installers hold current Utah Journeyman Plumber licenses, and every new fixture or equipment we install carries a one-year materials warranty.
Reason 1: Pilot, Ignition, or Gas Supply Problems (Gas Water Heaters)
If a gas water heater isn’t heating, start with ignition.
What to check:
- Pilot status. Look for the sight glass. If the pilot is out, relight per the manufacturer’s instructions on the tank label.
- Gas shutoff valves. Ensure the handle is parallel to the pipe at both the appliance and meter.
- Thermocouple or flame sensor. A weak or dirty sensor won’t prove flame and will shut the gas valve.
- Error codes. Modern gas valves flash codes. Count blinks and reference the label.
DIY steps you can try:
- Relight the pilot following the tank’s instructions. Wait 5 to 10 minutes to confirm a stable flame.
- Gently clean a removable flame sensor with a fine abrasive pad. Do not bend the rod.
Stop and call a pro if:
- You smell gas, suspect a venting issue, or the pilot will not stay lit. Combustion safety is critical, especially with tight homes and power-vent models.
"Came promptly, clearly communicated options, and my water heater was replaced in a few hours. Will definitely use them again."
Reason 2: Tripped Breaker or Failed Heating Elements (Electric Water Heaters)
Most no-heat electric issues trace to power supply or an element.
What to check:
- Dedicated breaker. Flip fully OFF, then ON. A half-tripped breaker looks on but isn’t.
- High-limit reset. Remove the upper access panel, press the red reset button on the thermostat.
- Continuity on elements. If you have a multimeter and know how to use it safely, test each element after power is off.
DIY steps you can try:
- Reset the breaker and high-limit switch.
- Inspect and tighten loose wire connections with power off. Look for scorch marks or brittle insulation.
When to call us:
- Burned wiring, recurring trips, or an open element. We stock common elements and thermostats and can restore hot water the same day.
"Excellent service and very fair. Fixed a water heater and pressure reducer. I would use Eric’s Plumbing again for sure."
Reason 3: Thermostat Settings, Dip Tube Failure, or Mixing Valve Issues
If water is warm but not hot, you may have a control or mixing problem.
What to check:
- Setpoint. Many tanks ship at 120°F. Bump carefully in small increments. Use a thermometer at a faucet to verify.
- Dip tube. A failed dip tube lets incoming cold water shortcut to the hot outlet. Symptoms include short bursts of heat that turn lukewarm fast.
- Mixing valve. Anti-scald valves or recirculation check valves can stick or fail, blending too much cold.
DIY steps you can try:
- Calibrate the thermostat. Wait an hour between adjustments and tests.
- Exercise a sticking mixing valve by turning it from min to max and back a few times.
Call a pro when:
- You suspect a dip tube failure or a faulty tempering valve. These require parts replacement and leak checks to remain code-compliant.
"We had a new water heater that night. Everything was done so professionally, and Hunter was so nice."
Reason 4: Sediment and Scale Buildup Reducing Output
In Provo, Orem, and nearby cities, hard water deposits accumulate fast. Sediment insulates heating surfaces, causes rumbling, lengthens recovery time, and can trigger the high-limit cutoff.
What to check:
- Noises. Popping or rumbling is classic sediment boil.
- Slow recovery. The tank runs but cannot keep up with normal use.
- Dirty drain water. Attach a hose to the drain valve and briefly flush. Milky or gritty discharge means sediment.
DIY steps you can try:
- Drain and flush: power or gas off, water off, attach hose, open drain and temperature-pressure relief valve to vent, flush until clear, close, refill, purge air at a hot faucet, then restore power or gas.
- For tankless: clean the inlet screen and schedule a professional descaling with food-grade solution if you lack the proper pump and hoses.
Why this matters locally:
- Utah County’s hard water accelerates scale. Annual flushing extends life and keeps energy use in check. Our VIP Membership includes a free yearly flush to protect your heater and performance.
"They installed a new water heater and brought everything up to code. Very friendly and explained everything I needed to know."
Reason 5: Expansion, Pressure, or Venting Problems That Trip Safety Devices
Modern systems include safety controls that shut heat off when something is wrong.
Common triggers:
- Closed plumbing systems with pressure-reducing valves require an expansion tank. A failed or missing tank can cause relief valve drips and heat shutdowns.
- Blocked or undersized vents on gas heaters can cause roll-out or sensor trips.
- High inlet pressure or faulty pressure relief valves can force the system to cycle off.
DIY steps you can try:
- Look at the expansion tank. If it is waterlogged, corroded, or undersized, it needs service or replacement.
- Check that vents are connected, sloped per manufacturer specs, and unobstructed. Do not modify venting without a licensed technician.
Why code compliance matters:
- Utah homes commonly pair a PRV with an expansion tank to manage thermal expansion. Our licensed team ensures correct sizing and installation so safety controls stop tripping.
"They diagnosed the problem and had the replacement water heater already on their truck. New water heater installed within a few hours. Excellent work and very timely."
When Repair Makes Sense vs. Replacement
Consider repair when:
- The tank is under 8 years old and the failure is a replaceable part.
- There is no tank leak and the interior is not heavily compromised by sediment.
- Energy costs are reasonable and hot water demand has not increased.
Consider replacement when:
- Tank is 10 to 12 years old, leaking, or heavily scaled.
- You want higher efficiency, faster recovery, or endless hot water from tankless.
- You need to meet updated code, like proper venting, expansion control, or seismic strapping.
What you get with Eric’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning:
- Set pricing, not hourly. Know the total before we start.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee and one-year materials warranty on what we install.
- Licensed Journeyman plumbers who handle permits, code updates, and inspection.
- Financing options to fit your budget.
DIY Checklist: No-Heat Troubleshooting in 10 Minutes
- Verify energy source is on: breaker or gas valve.
- Check the thermostat setpoint and high-limit reset.
- Confirm pilot status or ignition error codes on gas units.
- Inspect for leaks, corrosion, or scorch marks.
- Flush a few gallons to check for heavy sediment.
If any step fails or seems unsafe, call us. We repair most issues same day and carry common parts to get your hot water back fast.
Tankless-Specific Tips
- Descale annually in hard-water areas. Performance drops quickly with scale.
- Confirm gas line sizing and venting match the unit’s requirements. Many retrofits need upsized gas piping.
- Clean inlet screens. A clogged screen starves the heat exchanger.
- Watch error codes. Tankless units self-diagnose. We can translate codes and recommend fixes on the spot.
"We ended up going with a tankless water heater. Eric explained every option based on where our heater is and our high water issues. We’re grateful and recommend them always!"
Code and Safety Essentials Utah Homeowners Should Know
- Combustion air and venting must match manufacturer specs. Improper vent pitch or termination is dangerous and can void warranties.
- Closed systems typically require a properly charged expansion tank. Many Utah County homes have PRVs that create closed conditions.
- T&P relief valves must vent to an approved location and never be plugged. Test annually.
- Seismic strapping and clearances are required. We bring equipment up to code during replacements.
With our set-price proposals, you see all required code items before work starts. No surprises, no upsells you do not need.
Why Choose Eric’s for Water Heater Repair or Replacement
- Fast response, including 24/7 emergency service when a failure cannot wait.
- Clear, set pricing and options. You approve the price before we start.
- One-year materials warranty on installed fixtures and equipment, plus our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Local pros who understand Utah County’s hard water and common code issues.
- Financing available. Ask for details during your estimate.
"They had Hunter out within half an hour, and we had a new water heater that night. Everything was done so professionally."
Ready for Hot Water Again?
Call (801) 852-5651 or schedule at ericsplumbinganddrain.com. If you are staring at a cold shower, we will prioritize your job and restore hot water quickly, often the same day.
Special Offer: VIP Membership Benefits for Water Heaters
Join the VIP Membership and keep your hot water reliable all year.
- Free annual water heater flush to fight Utah County hard-water scale
- 10% discount on select services
- Priority scheduling
Ask your technician to enroll you during your visit, or call (801) 852-5651 for details.
What Homeowners Are Saying
"I called up Eric's Plumbing on Wednesday evening with a broken water heater. Eric was at my house with one of his plumbers before 10 AM Thursday! They diagnosed the problem and had the replacement water heater already on their truck. They got my new water heater installed within a few hours. Excellent work and very timely. A+"
–Jared, Water Heater Replacement
"I called and they were able to fit me in the same day and install a new water heater and bring everything up to code. Weston and Alex were very friendly and explained everything I needed to know to me. I would use them again."
–Homeowner, Water Heater Installation
"Eric's Plumbing is great! Our water heater was leaking so I called them for help and they came out the next day. The technician, Hunter, assessed the situation, gave me options, and replaced our water heater within two hours. Eric's pricing is fair and their service is incredible!"
–Homeowner, Leaking Water Heater
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my water heater not heating after a power outage?
A tripped breaker or high-limit switch is common. Reset the breaker and press the red reset on the upper thermostat. If it trips again, call a pro.
How often should I flush my water heater in Utah County?
At least once a year due to hard water. Our VIP Membership includes a free annual flush to reduce sediment and extend heater life.
Is it safe to relight my gas water heater pilot?
Yes if you follow the manufacturer’s label exactly and do not smell gas. If the pilot will not stay lit, stop and call a licensed plumber.
When should I replace instead of repair?
Consider replacement if the tank is 10 to 12 years old, leaking, or heavily scaled, or if you want higher efficiency or more hot water capacity.
Do you offer set pricing and warranties?
Yes. We provide set pricing with no hourly rate and a one-year materials warranty on equipment we install, backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
In Summary
If your water heater is not heating, start with safe checks for power, gas, thermostat settings, ignition, and sediment. Utah County’s hard water makes annual maintenance essential. For fast, code-compliant repair or replacement, call Eric’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning.
Need help now in Provo, Orem, or nearby? Call (801) 852-5651 or book at ericsplumbinganddrain.com. Ask about our VIP Membership for a free annual water heater flush and 10% off select services.
Get Your Hot Water Back Today
- Call now: (801) 852-5651
- Schedule online: ericsplumbinganddrain.com
- Active offer: Join our VIP Membership for a free annual water heater flush and 10% off select services
We respond fast, provide set pricing before work begins, and back every installation with a one-year materials warranty and our satisfaction guarantee.
About Eric’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning
Family-owned and local to Utah County, we deliver set pricing with no hourly rate, licensed Journeyman plumbers, and 24/7 emergency response. Our installations include a one-year materials warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We offer financing options and a VIP Membership with a free annual water heater flush and 10% off select services. Expect clean work, straight talk, and code-compliant results, every time.