Quick Fix SurreyHome & utility fixes

No Hot Water? Safe Checks for Gas and Electric Water Heaters

No hot water in your BC home? Safe checks for gas and electric tanks: pilot light, gas valve, breaker, reset button, leaks, and when to call a pro.

Updated September 25, 20266 min readSources checked September 25, 2026

Quick answer

If you smell gas (a rotten egg smell), stop, go outside and call the FortisBC Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911 (24 hours) or 911. If there is no gas smell, check the simple things first. For a gas tank, check that the gas valve is open and whether the pilot or status light is on. For an electric tank, check the breaker. If those do not fix it, or the tank is leaking, call a licensed plumber or gas contractor.

No hot water is one of the most common home problems. Sometimes the fix is simple, like a tripped breaker or a pilot light that went out. Other times the tank has reached the end of its life. This guide shows the safe checks you can do yourself and when to stop and call a professional.

The steps below come from FortisBC, Technical Safety BC, BC Hydro and a major water heater maker (A. O. Smith), checked on September 25, 2026. Always follow the instructions printed on your own water heater first.

Safety: If you smell rotten eggs or hear hissing near a gas appliance, do not troubleshoot. FortisBC says: stop what you are doing, do not use your cellphone, light matches or use electrical switches, go outside and leave the door open behind you, then call 1-800-663-9911 (24 hours) or 911.

First: did you just run out?

If several people showered or the washer ran on hot, the tank may simply be empty. A. O. Smith says gas tanks need about 30 to 40 minutes to recover, and electric tanks need about 60 to 90 minutes. Wait, then test again before doing anything else.

Gas water heater: what to check

  1. Check for a gas smell. If you smell gas, leave and call FortisBC (see above).
  2. Check that gas is reaching the tank. Find the gas shut-off valve on the pipe near the tank. FortisBC says gas is "off" when the valve handle sits sideways across the pipe. The handle should line up with the pipe. If your other gas appliances (stove, furnace) have also stopped, the problem may be the gas supply. Call FortisBC customer service at 1-888-224-2710.
  3. Look at the pilot or status light. Many tanks have a small window or a status light on the gas control. On some A. O. Smith models, a light that flashes every 3 seconds means normal, and a light that stays on without flashing means the pilot has gone out. Check your own manual, because codes differ by brand.
  4. Relight only by the label. If the pilot is out, follow the lighting instructions printed on the tank or in the manual, step by step. Do not go ahead if you smell gas. If it will not light after the tries the label allows, stop and call a professional.
  5. Check the thermostat setting. Make sure the gas control knob has not been turned to a low or "vacation" setting.
  6. Check the air intake. Keep the area around the tank clear. Do not block vents or pipes.

When the pilot will not stay lit

On gas appliances with a pilot light, Trane says a pilot that will not stay lit can be caused by a draft, a dirty or clogged pilot, or a faulty part such as the thermocouple (a small safety part near the pilot flame). Replacing gas parts is a job for a licensed gas contractor. FortisBC also lists frequent pilot outages as a reason to call one.

Electric water heater: what to check

Safety: A. O. Smith warns that high-voltage parts inside an electric water heater can kill, and that some parts stay live even when the heater is not heating. Never remove the covers on the side of the tank unless the power is off at the breaker. If you are not trained, leave the inside of the tank to a professional.

  1. Check the breaker. A tripped circuit breaker is a very common cause. Many electric tanks use a double breaker. A. O. Smith notes that many water heaters have two circuit breakers. Reset the breaker once. If it trips again, leave it off and call a professional, because something is wrong.
  2. Check any power switch on or near the tank and make sure it is on.
  3. Know about the reset button. Electric tanks have a high-limit safety switch with a reset button, which A. O. Smith describes as a red button. A. O. Smith says it can trip because of a faulty thermostat or a grounded heating element. If it has tripped, there is a reason. A professional should find the cause.
  4. Heating elements. Burned-out elements are a common cause of no hot water or lukewarm water. Testing and replacing them means working near live wiring and draining the tank, so most people should hire a plumber or electrician.

A. O. Smith notes that an electric tank must be full of water before the power is turned back on. If the element runs without water around it, it will burn out.

If the tank is leaking

A little water can come from a loose fitting. Water coming from the tank body usually means the tank needs replacing. To limit damage:

  1. For an electric tank, turn off the breaker. For a gas tank, turn the gas control knob to "off".
  2. Close the cold water supply valve on the pipe going into the tank.
  3. Move stored items away and mop up water.
  4. Call a licensed plumber. If you rent, tell your landlord right away.

Safety: Do not touch the temperature and pressure relief valve while the heater is running. A. O. Smith warns that scalding water can shoot out. Tank water can also be hot enough to burn in seconds.

When to call a professional

  • You smell gas: call FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 or 911 first.
  • The pilot will not light or will not stay lit.
  • The breaker or reset button keeps tripping.
  • The tank body is leaking, or the water is rusty.
  • You see soot, scorch marks, or a yellow, wavering flame.
  • The tank is old. BC Hydro says water heaters typically last 10 to 15 years.

Gas work in BC must be done by licensed gas contractors unless you qualify for a homeowner permit from Technical Safety BC. FortisBC and Technical Safety BC both have directories to help you find a licensed contractor.

Carbon monoxide: know the signs

Gas water heaters can produce carbon monoxide (CO) if they are not working properly. CO has no smell. FortisBC lists symptoms such as headaches, nausea, drowsiness, impaired judgment and loss of coordination. If your CO alarm sounds or you suspect CO, FortisBC says to turn off your appliances, get everyone (including pets) outside, and call 911 or 1-800-663-9911.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have no hot water but the pilot light is on?

The tank may be recovering after heavy use, the temperature may be set too low, or the burner or gas control may have a fault. If waiting does not help, call a licensed gas contractor.

Can I relight my water heater pilot myself?

Many gas tanks come with owner lighting instructions on a label or in the manual. Follow them exactly. Stop if you smell gas or if it will not stay lit.

Where is the reset button on an electric water heater?

Its location depends on the model, so check your manual. Turn off the breaker before removing any cover. If the reset has tripped, a professional should find out why.

Who pays to fix the hot water in a rental?

The water heater is the landlord's equipment. Report the problem to your landlord in writing. Technical Safety BC says rental owners must have gas appliances inspected and serviced every year by a licensed contractor.

How long can I go without fixing a leaking hot water tank?

Do not wait. Shut off the power or gas and the cold water supply to the tank, then call a plumber. A leaking tank can cause serious water damage.

Official sources

General information only, not professional advice. Rules and prices change, so check the official sources above before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.