Salem NH Water Heater Not Heating? 5 Plumbing Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

No hot water and a busy day ahead? If your water heater is not heating, the fix can be simple or it may need a pro. This guide explains the most common causes, safe DIY checks you can try, and when to call a licensed plumber. If you are in Nashua, Manchester, or nearby, Paul The Plumber offers same-day diagnostics and transparent pricing. Keep reading, then call (603) 541-7986 for fast help.

1) Tripped power, blown fuse, or gas supply issue

When a water heater suddenly stops heating, start with power and fuel. Electric units need a dedicated breaker and good wiring. Gas units need an open gas valve, proper ignition, and safe ventilation. A tripped breaker or closed gas valve is common after storms or heavy appliance use.

What to check safely now:

1. For electric tanks, check the breaker panel. Reset a tripped breaker once. If it trips again, call a pro.
2. Press the red reset button on the upper thermostat of many electric tanks.
3. For gas tanks and tankless units, confirm the gas shutoff is parallel with the pipe. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your utility and a professional.
4. Confirm the unit’s power switch is on and the plug is secure.
5. Verify the thermostat is set between 120 and 125 degrees for safety and comfort.

When to call a pro:

• Breakers that keep tripping indicate a wiring or element fault.
• Gas appliances that will not ignite may have sensor, valve, or venting issues.
• Persistent error codes on tankless models require diagnostics.

Local insight: Southern New Hampshire winters are hard on vent terminations. Wind-driven snow can block exterior vents on tankless or high-efficiency gas heaters. A blocked vent will stop heating. If you see ice at the vent, call us for safe clearing and a venting check.

2) Heating element or thermostat failure (electric tanks)

Electric tanks heat water with one or two elements controlled by thermostats. When an element burns out or a thermostat fails, you get lukewarm water, short hot water runs, or none at all.

DIY checks you can attempt:

1. Turn off power at the breaker. Remove access panels and insulation. Press the reset button on the upper thermostat. Restore power and test.
2. If you are comfortable with a multimeter, you can test elements for continuity with power off. If not, skip this and call a pro.
3. Look for signs of melted wiring or scorch marks. Do not operate the unit if you see damage.

Professional repair steps we perform:

• Replace faulty thermostats or heating elements.
• Inspect and tighten electrical connections.
• Verify correct temperature settings and safety cutoffs.
• Flush the tank to remove sediment that overheats elements.

Good to know: “Every water heater should be flushed periodically.” Sediment insulates the element, causes hotter spots, and can shorten element life.

3) Sediment buildup and scale

New England water can be moderately hard, which accelerates mineral buildup. In tanks, sediment settles at the bottom and reduces heat transfer. In tankless units, scale coats the heat exchanger and restricts flow. The result is slow recovery, lukewarm water, or fluctuating temperatures.

DIY maintenance steps:

1. For tank heaters, turn off power or gas. Attach a hose to the drain valve and flush until clear. Refill and purge air before relighting.
2. For tankless systems, annual or semiannual descaling keeps performance high. Many manufacturers recommend flushing with a mild solution like white vinegar using a pump and hoses.

What we do for you:

• Full tank flush to remove sediment.
• Descaling and cleaning of tankless heat exchangers and inlet screens.
• Filter cleaning and hard water recommendations.
• Reset systems and verify combustion, ventilation, and setpoints.

Pro tip: A tankless water heater should be maintained about twice a year in homes with hard water or heavy use. Regular maintenance improves efficiency and prevents midwinter cold-shower surprises.

4) Failed pilot, igniter, sensor, or venting problem (gas models)

Gas water heaters rely on precise ignition and safe exhaust. A weak igniter, dirty flame sensor, or blocked vent can shut the system down. Modern units also use safety switches that trip when draft or temperature is out of range.

Safe checks you can try:

1. Verify the gas valve is on and the unit has power.
2. If you have a standing pilot, see if the pilot is lit. If not, follow the manufacturer lighting instructions exactly.
3. Look outside for blocked or iced vent pipes on high-efficiency or tankless systems.

Why a pro is wise here:

• We perform combustion analysis, clean flame sensors, and verify gas pressures.
• We confirm proper ventilation and safety for gas water heaters and check for backdraft risks.
• We read and clear error codes, test igniters, and confirm safe operation.
• We ensure carbon monoxide alarms are present and functioning.

Hard fact: Paul The Plumber is BBB accredited with an A+ rating. Safety checks are standard on every gas water heater service we perform.

5) Sizing, mixing valves, and usage pattern problems

Sometimes the water heater is healthy, but the home’s hot water demand is higher than the system can deliver. This is common after adding a large soaking tub, rain shower, or a growing household.

Clues you are under-sized:

1. Hot water runs out during back-to-back showers.
2. Dishwasher or laundry usage immediately cools shower water.
3. Tankless unit shows flow rate limits during peak times.

Fixes that work:

• Adjust setpoint to 120 to 125 degrees and confirm the mixing valve is working.
• Add a recirculation loop to reduce wait time and perceived shortage.
• Upgrade to a properly sized tank or a high-output tankless system.
• Install a second tank or a buffer for large households.

Our advantage: We size systems based on fixtures, flow rates, and simultaneous use. For tankless, we match fuel type, venting, cold-water inlet temperature, and desired gallons per minute, so you get consistent comfort even on bitter January mornings in Manchester or Concord.

When repair is best vs replacement

Repair makes sense when the unit is newer, parts are available, and the tank is intact. Replacement is smarter if the tank is leaking, the unit is past typical life, or repairs approach half the cost of a new heater.

General life spans:

• Standard tank: often 8 to 12 years with maintenance.
• Tankless: often 15 to 20 years with regular descaling and filter cleaning.

We provide straightforward, upfront pricing for both paths, so you can decide with confidence. All our services include a 2-year parts and labor warranty, and members in Paul’s Promise Plan receive priority service and exclusive savings.

What a professional diagnostic includes

A proper diagnostic prevents repeat breakdowns and surprise costs. Here is what our licensed technicians check:

1. Power, breakers, fuses, and wiring integrity.
2. Gas supply, pressures, ignition, and flame sensors.
3. Error codes on tankless control boards.
4. Thermostats, elements, anode rod, and tank integrity.
5. Sediment levels, water quality, and scale.
6. Venting, combustion air, and carbon monoxide safety.
7. Mixing valve function and temperature accuracy.
8. Leak inspection at valves, unions, and relief lines.

You get clear findings, photos, and options before any work. No surprises. That is how we earn thousands of verified 5-star reviews across New Hampshire.

Preventative maintenance to avoid no-hot-water events

Simple routines extend life and keep the hot water flowing:

1. Flush tank heaters annually to remove sediment.
2. Descale tankless systems once or twice a year depending on water hardness.
3. Test temperature and pressure relief valves.
4. Clean tankless inlet screens and check filters.
5. Inspect anode rods on tanks every 2 to 3 years.
6. Keep setpoints at 120 to 125 degrees to balance comfort and safety.

Join Paul’s Promise Plan for scheduled visits, priority service, and exclusive savings. Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent emergency calls and cold showers.

Quick troubleshooting checklist

Use this short list when your water heater is not heating:

1. Check breaker or power switch.
2. Confirm gas valve on and no gas smell.
3. Verify thermostat set to 120 to 125 degrees.
4. Look for error codes on tankless and note the code.
5. Flush or descale if maintenance is overdue.
6. Call a licensed pro if issues persist or safety is in question.

Serving Nashua, Manchester, Portsmouth, Dover, Concord, Derry, Salem, Merrimack, Londonderry, and Hudson with same-day service and upfront pricing.

Special Offers for New Hampshire Homeowners

• Save $50 on water heater installation or replacement. Use code WH50. Coupons and special offers cannot be combined with other offers. Valid on standard pricing only. Limit one offer per household. Coupon must be presented prior to starting job. Coupon must be mentioned at the time of booking job.
• Save $100 on tankless water heater installation or replacement. Use code TANKLESS100. Coupons and special offers cannot be combined with other offers. Valid on standard pricing only. Limit one offer per household. Coupon must be presented prior to starting job. Coupon must be mentioned at the time of booking job.

Call (603) 541-7986 or book at www.paultheplumbernh.com to claim your discount before it expires.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Great service. They were responsive and answered all our questions. They fixed our plumbing issue and installed a new hot water heater. Highly recommend." –Google Reviewer, Southern NH

"My hot water heater went, uggh! Kyle and Adam came out same day. Removed old water heater and restored water overnight, then replaced the next day. Polite, prompt, professional." –Google Reviewer, Nashua

"They were able to see me same-day for a water heater repair. Colby was very knowledgeable and made sure it was necessary to replace the part in question. Very positive experience." –Google Reviewer, Manchester

"We elected to go with a tankless system, which was installed the next day. The process was very quick and the new hot water heater is working very well." –Google Reviewer, Merrimack

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my water heater not heating after a power outage?

Breakers can trip and thermostats can lock out. Reset the breaker once and press the red reset on the upper thermostat. If it trips again, call a pro.

How often should I flush my water heater?

At least once per year for tanks. Tankless models benefit from descaling once or twice per year depending on water hardness and usage.

What temperature should my water heater be set to?

Most homes do well at 120 to 125 degrees. This balances comfort, scald safety, and energy efficiency without stressing components.

Do tankless water heaters run out of hot water?

They provide continuous hot water within their flow limit. Proper sizing based on winter inlet temperatures and fixture demand is key.

When should I replace instead of repair?

If the tank is leaking, if repairs are near half the cost of a new unit, or if the unit is past typical life, replacement is usually smarter.

Final Takeaway

If your water heater is not heating, start with safe power and gas checks, then move to elements, sensors, and sediment. For fast, guaranteed repairs in southern New Hampshire, from Nashua to Manchester, call Paul The Plumber. We offer upfront pricing and a 2-year parts and labor warranty.

Ready to Restore Hot Water?

Call (603) 541-7986 or schedule at www.paultheplumbernh.com. Mention WH50 or TANKLESS100 if you are installing a new tank or tankless system today.

Call now: (603) 541-7986
Book online: www.paultheplumbernh.com
Active coupons: WH50 for $50 off standard water heater installs. TANKLESS100 for $100 off tankless installs. Terms apply as listed above.

About Paul The Plumber

Paul The Plumber is New Hampshire’s trusted, family-operated plumbing team. We deliver upfront, straightforward pricing, licensed technicians, and fast response across southern NH. We back our work with a 2-year parts and labor warranty and are BBB accredited with an A+ rating. From tankless installs to emergency tank replacements, we help Nashua, Manchester, and nearby homeowners stay comfortable and safe.