Frisco, TX Water Heater Not Heating? 5 Common Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

No hot water can stop your whole day. If your water heater not heating, use this guide to pinpoint the cause and decide what to do next. You will learn simple checks, safe DIY steps, and when to call a pro. We also cover repair versus replacement costs and a limited-time way to save on new installs. North Texas hard water makes sediment a common issue, so act fast to protect your system.

Safety First: Quick Checks Before You Troubleshoot

Start with these fast, safe checks to avoid damage and get clues about the problem.

1. Verify power or gas supply
2. • Electric: Check the breaker and the dedicated water heater switch. Reset once.
   • Gas: Confirm the gas valve is open and your other gas appliances work.
2. Confirm temperature setting is 120–130°F. Higher can scald and accelerate tank wear.
3. Look for leaks around the base, fittings, or T&P valve discharge line.
4. Listen for odd sounds: popping points to sediment. Whistling suggests pressure issues.
5. Note the age. Typical tank life is 10–12 years. Tankless can last up to 25 years with maintenance.

If you smell gas, hear electrical arcing, or see active leaking, turn off power and water, then call a licensed plumber immediately.

“I woke up to a leaking water heater issue and they solved the issue in a speedy fashion. Will definitely book these guys for future services!”

Reason 1: Tripped Breaker or Failed Heating Element (Electric Tanks)

When an electric water heater stops heating, the most common culprits are a tripped breaker, high-limit switch trip, or a bad element.

How to troubleshoot

1. Breaker and high-limit switch
2. • Flip the water heater breaker fully OFF, then ON.
   • Remove the upper access panel. Press the red reset on the high-limit switch once. If it trips again, an element or thermostat may be faulty.
2. Test elements
3. • Power off at the breaker. Remove the element wires and test resistance with a multimeter. A failed element shows no continuity.
3. Inspect wiring
4. • Look for burnt insulation or loose connections at thermostats and elements.

Fix options

• Replace the failed heating element. Most homeowners can do this with the right wrench, thread seal, and a new gasket.
• If elements and wiring check out, replace the thermostat set.
• Persistent trips suggest scaling. Plan a tank flush and inspect the anode rod.

DFW tip: Our hard water accelerates scale on elements. A yearly flush prevents premature burnout.

“Tech performed an excellent job on flushing my hot water heater.”

Reason 2: Pilot, Igniter, or Gas Supply Issues (Gas Tanks)

No flame means no heat. Drafty North Texas winters and attic installs can blow out pilots or stress igniters.

How to troubleshoot

1. Confirm gas supply
2. • Make sure the manual shutoff is parallel to the gas line. Test another gas appliance.
2. Pilot or igniter
3. • For standing pilots, follow the lighting instructions on the tank label. If it will not stay lit, the thermocouple may be bad.
   • For electronic ignition, listen for clicking. No click could be a bad igniter or control board.
3. Venting and draft
4. • Check for obstructions at the draft hood. Strong crosswinds can backdraft and extinguish the pilot.
4. Burner inspection
5. • Look for rust flakes or debris. A dirty burner reduces flame quality and heat output.

Fix options

• Replace a weak thermocouple or flame sensor.
• Clean the burner and orifices. Restore proper draft and clear blockages.
• If the gas control valve fails to open or regulate, replace the valve.

Call a pro if you smell gas, the pilot repeatedly goes out, or you have any venting concerns. Safety and code compliance matter.

“Nick came out to my leaking hot water heater just in time… He had our new hot water heater installed within a few hours of arriving… very professional and to the point.”

Reason 3: Sediment Buildup Reducing Heat Transfer

Mineral scale and sediment settle at the bottom of the tank, insulating the water from the heat source. Expect popping or rumbling noises, longer heat-up times, and lukewarm water.

How to troubleshoot

1. Listen for popping during a heat cycle.
2. Compare hot water duration to normal use. A sudden drop suggests heavy sediment.
3. Check the drain. Slow flow or gritty water indicates buildup.

Fix options

• Flush the tank
• 1. Power or gas OFF. Cold water supply OFF.
  2. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and route to a floor drain.
  3. Open the drain valve and a hot faucet to vent. Drain until clear.
  4. Close, refill, and restore power or gas only after the tank is full.
• Inspect or replace the anode rod to slow future corrosion.
• Consider a water softener or sediment filter if you live on a hard water supply.

Hard fact: Tank heaters typically need a yearly flush. Skipping it shortens the 10–12 year expected life and raises energy costs.

“Steve did a great job installing a new water heater. He was here on time and was very professional and explained everything along the way.”

Reason 4: Thermostat or T&P Valve Problems Causing Temperature Swings

If water alternates between hot and cold, the thermostat may be misreading temperature or a failing temperature and pressure valve is relieving heat too soon.

How to troubleshoot

1. Verify settings
2. • Set both upper and lower thermostats on electric tanks to the same temperature, ideally 120–130°F.
2. Check wiring and sensors
3. • Loose thermostat wiring or faulty sensors can confuse the control board.
3. Inspect the T&P valve
4. • Intermittent discharge or constant dripping indicates overpressure, overheat, or a failing valve.

Fix options

• Replace faulty thermostats in matched pairs for even heat control.
• Test and replace the T&P valve if it drips or sticks. Never cap a T&P discharge line.
• Evaluate system pressure. Add an expansion tank if your home has a closed water system.

Professional note: A malfunctioning T&P is a safety risk. Always address it promptly and in compliance with local code.

“This experience was like night and day due to Kevin’s clear explanations and corrections to enable my tankless water heater to provide consistent hot water…”

Reason 5: Tankless Maintenance or Flow Issues

Tankless units can appear to “not heat” when mineral scale restricts the heat exchanger or when flow is below the activation threshold.

How to troubleshoot

1. Check error codes on the display. Many codes point to descaling needs or sensor faults.
2. Verify minimum flow. Open another hot fixture to see if heat engages.
3. Inspect inlet screens and water filter for debris.

Fix options

• Descale the heat exchanger
• • Follow manufacturer steps to circulate a descaling solution with a pump through service ports.
• Clean inlet screens and ensure adequate gas supply and venting.
• Install a scale reduction system or schedule annual maintenance.

Hard facts you can bank on

• With proper maintenance, gas or electric tankless systems can last as long as 25 years.
• Descaling and component inspections are essential to keep performance and efficiency high.

“The additions to my water heater system ensures that I will never be caught off guard by flooding.”

Repair or Replace: How to Decide

Use the 50 percent rule and age to guide your choice.

• Age
• • Tank: 10–12 years average life. Frequent issues after year 10 suggest replacement.
  • Tankless: Up to 25 years with maintenance. Repairs can be worthwhile well into midlife.
• Cost
• • If a repair is more than 50 percent of the price of a new unit, consider replacement.
• Performance and efficiency
• • Slow recovery, limited capacity, and high utility bills are signs a new system will pay off.

Typical Dallas–Fort Worth ranges

• Tank water heater installed: about $3,500 to $5,500, brand and capacity dependent.
• Tankless installed: about $4,500 to $15,000, based on fuel type, venting, and upgrades.

On Time Experts backs new installs with up to a 10-year warranty and offers energy-efficient options that lower monthly costs.

Maintenance Checklist to Prevent No-Heat Problems

Put these tasks on your calendar. Your system will run safer and longer.

• Annually for tank heaters
• 1. Flush to remove sediment and restore heat transfer.
  2. Inspect and replace the anode rod when depleted.
  3. Test the T&P valve function and the discharge line.
  4. Check for leaks, corrosion at fittings, and insulation damage.
• Annually for tankless
• 1. Descale the heat exchanger per manufacturer instructions.
  2. Clean inlet screens and test condensate drain if applicable.
  3. Verify gas pressure and vent clearances.
• Always
• • Keep temperature set at 120–130°F.
  • Ensure clearances around the unit for ventilation and service.

Ask about our Preventative Maintenance and Service Agreements for front-of-the-line scheduling and member discounts on repairs.

Local Insight: North Texas Homes and Water Heaters

• Hard water in Dallas, Garland, Plano, and Frisco speeds up scale and sediment. Plan annual flushing at minimum.
• Many DFW homes have water heaters in the attic. Install a pan, drain, and leak protection to prevent ceiling damage.
• Windy cold fronts can blow out pilots in vented gas tanks. Check draft hoods and keep the area clear.

“What we thought was a broken or busted pipe turned out to be a broken water heater… replacement the following day was just as fast and easy… respectful of our home.”

When to Call a Pro vs DIY

DIY is fine for simple resets, basic flushing, and temperature adjustments. Call a licensed plumber when you notice any of the following:

• Repeated breaker trips or scorching near wiring
• Pilot will not stay lit, gas odors, or backdraft signs
• Persistent leaks, rust-colored water after a flush, or valve failure
• Age beyond 10 years on a tank with multiple issues
• Tankless error codes relating to sensors, exhaust, or gas supply

Our team is available 24/7. We offer same-day service, or your service fee is free. We secure permits when required and follow Texas code for safe installs.

Special Offer: Save $250 on Water Heater Installation

Upgrade with confidence and keep hot water flowing. Save $250 on any water heater install when you schedule with On Time Experts before June 30, 2025. Combine this with our up to 10-year installation warranty and same-day service guarantee.

Call (469) 336-3435 or book at www.theontimeexperts.com to claim your savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my electric water heater running but not heating?

A tripped high-limit switch or failed heating element is likely. Reset the breaker and the red reset button once. If it trips again, test and replace bad elements or thermostats.

How often should I flush my water heater in North Texas?

At least once per year for tank heaters. Hard water around Dallas and Plano adds sediment quickly. Tankless units need annual descaling and inlet screen cleaning.

Is 120°F hot enough for my home?

Yes. Set 120–130°F for comfort, safety, and efficiency. Higher settings risk scalding and faster tank wear. Keep upper and lower thermostats matched on electric tanks.

When is replacement better than repair?

If your tank is over 10 years old or the repair exceeds 50 percent of a new unit, replacement is usually smarter. Consider efficiency and warranty benefits.

Do you install both gas and electric tankless systems?

Yes. We install gas and electric tankless water heaters, handle conversions, and provide 24/7 emergency service with permits and code compliance.

Conclusion

No hot water is frustrating, but most causes are fixable with smart steps. If your water heater not heating after basic checks, schedule a pro to protect your home and budget. On Time Experts serves Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Garland, and nearby cities with same-day help and up to a 10-year install warranty.

Call or Schedule Now

• Phone: (469) 336-3435
• Web: www.theontimeexperts.com
• Limited-time offer: Save $250 on any water heater install when you book before June 30, 2025.

Get fast, trusted service today. Whatever it takes.

About On Time Experts

For more than a decade, On Time Experts has helped Dallas–Fort Worth homeowners with fast, honest plumbing. We back installs with up to a 10-year water heater warranty and guarantee same-day service or your service fee is free. Our licensed team holds Plumbing License #M-41383 and HVAC License #TACLB26616E. You get upfront pricing, drug and background checked pros, and 24/7 live support. Whatever it takes to make it right.