No hot water in Minnetonka? Start here

Look through the small window near the bottom of the tank. If you cannot see a flame and you do not smell gas, the pilot may have gone out. Most tanks have relighting steps printed on a label on the front, and following those exactly is generally safe for a homeowner.

If the pilot lights but will not stay lit after you release the knob, the thermocouple or flame sensor is the usual suspect. Newer units with electronic ignition may flash a status light code instead. Note the flash pattern before you call.

Also confirm the gas valve on the supply line is open and other gas appliances work. If none do, call your gas utility.

Start at the breaker panel. Electric water heaters are usually on a double breaker, and if it has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call, since repeated trips point to a shorted element or wiring problem.

Many electric units also have a red high-limit reset button behind the upper access panel. Pressing it requires removing the panel and insulation near live parts, so it is best done only with the breaker off. If the reset keeps tripping, something is overheating and the unit needs a proper diagnosis.

Stop and call if you smell gas, see scorch marks or soot near the burner, hear a hissing sound, or find water coming from the tank itself. Also stop if the relief valve is discharging hot water, since that can mean the tank is overheating or over-pressurized.

Never cap, plug or remove the temperature and pressure relief valve. It is the safety device that keeps the tank from failing violently.

A plumber will confirm the fuel supply and power, then test the ignition parts, gas valve or elements and thermostats. On older units they will also look at the venting and the condition of the tank to see whether a repair is worth it.

Common parts like thermocouples, igniters, elements and thermostats can often be replaced in a single visit. If the gas control valve has failed on a tank that is 10 or more years old, you may hear that replacement is the better value. You should get a quote before any work starts.

Calls are answered 24/7 by an automated assistant that takes your details and passes them to a local plumber serving Minnetonka, Hopkins, Wayzata and nearby. Have the heater's age, fuel type and any error codes ready to speed things up.