No Hot Water?
We're On It.
Emergency water heater repair throughout the Triad — same-day service when you need it most.
When the Hot Water Goes Out, Everything Stops
No showers. No clean dishes. No laundry. When your hot water heater fails, your whole routine grinds to a halt. And it always seems to happen at the worst possible time — early morning, before guests arrive, or in the middle of winter.
All-Star Plumbing treats no-hot-water calls as emergencies. We respond fast, diagnose the problem, and get your hot water back — often the same day you call. Serving High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and communities throughout the Triad.
We repair both tank and tankless water heaters. Gas, electric, propane — whatever you have, we work on it. And if repair isn’t the answer, we can replace your water heater quickly so you’re not without hot water for days.
Why You Have No Hot Water
Several things can cause a water heater to stop producing hot water. Here’s what we check.
Pilot Light Is Out (Gas Water Heaters)
- What it means: The flame that ignites the burner has gone out. No flame, no heat.
- Why it happens: Draft, thermocouple failure, gas supply issue, or the pilot just needs relighting.
- Fix: Sometimes relighting the pilot solves it. If it won't stay lit, the thermocouple likely needs replacement.
Thermocouple Failure (Gas Water Heaters)
- What it means: The thermocouple senses the pilot flame. When it fails, the gas valve shuts off as a safety measure — no pilot, no heat.
- Fix: We replace the thermocouple. It's a common, affordable repair.
Heating Element Failure (Electric Water Heaters)
- What it means: Electric water heaters have one or two heating elements. If one fails, you get less hot water. If both fail, you get none.
- Fix: We test and replace the failed element(s). Common repair for electric units.
Tripped Reset Button (Electric Water Heaters)
- What it means: The high-limit reset button tripped due to overheating. It's a safety feature.
- Fix: We reset it and determine why it tripped. Could be a bad thermostat or element causing overheating.
- Note: If it trips repeatedly, there's an underlying problem that needs fixing.
Tripped Breaker or Blown Fuse
- What it means: No power to the water heater.
- Check first: Look at your electrical panel. If the breaker tripped, reset it. If it trips again, there's a problem.
- Fix: We diagnose why it's tripping — could be the water heater or the circuit.
Gas Valve Failure
- What it means: The gas valve controls gas flow to the burner. When it fails, no gas reaches the burner — no heat.
- Fix: Gas valve replacement. More expensive than thermocouple, but still often worth repairing on newer units.
Thermostat Failure
- What it means: The thermostat tells the heater when to heat. If it fails, the heater doesn't know to turn on — or doesn't shut off (dangerous).
- Fix: We test and replace the thermostat.
Sediment Buildup
- What it means: Minerals settle at the bottom of the tank over time, insulating water from the heat source. Heater works harder and produces less hot water.
- Fix: We flush the tank to remove sediment. If buildup is severe and the tank is old, replacement may be the better option.
Water Heater Is Simply Dead
- What it means: The unit has failed beyond practical repair — usually due to age, tank corrosion, or multiple component failures.
- Average lifespan: Tank water heaters last 10-15 years. Tankless units can last 20+ years with maintenance.
- Fix: Replacement. We can often do same-day or next-day installation so you're not without hot water long.
Tank vs. Tankless — Different Problems
The type of water heater determines what can go wrong.
Tank Water Heater Emergencies
Common issues:
- ➟ Pilot light out
- ➟ Thermocouple failure
- ➟ Heating element failure (electric)
- ➟ Sediment buildup
- ➟ Tank leak (replacement needed)
Good news: Most repairs are straightforward and affordable. We stock common parts.
Tankless Water Heater Emergencies
Common issues:
- ➟ Ignition failure
- ➟ Flow sensor problems
- ➟ Scale buildup (needs descaling)
- ➟ Venting issues
- ➟ Error codes
Note: Tankless units are more complex. Some repairs require manufacturer-specific parts. We work on all major brands.
Before You Call — Quick Checks
Sometimes the fix is simple. Try these first.
- Check the Pilot Light (Gas)
Look through the access panel. Is the pilot lit? If not, try relighting it following the instructions on the unit. If it won’t light or won’t stay lit, call us.
- Check the Breaker (Electric)
Look at your electrical panel. Is the water heater breaker tripped? Reset it. If it trips again, there’s a problem — call us.
- Check Other Hot Water Fixtures
Look through the access panel. Is the pilot lit? If not, try relighting it following the instructions
on the unit. If it won’t light or won’t stay lit, call us.
- Check the Pilot Light (Gas)
- Check the Thermostat Setting
- Check for Leaks
how can we help?
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Installation, repair, and maintenance for tank and tankless water heaters.
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Your Plumbing Problem, Solved in 3 Simple Steps!
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Helpful Plumbing Tips From Local Experts
Our blog shares clear advice homeowners can use right away.
When Should You Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures?
What Causes Low Water Pressure in Your Home
Simple Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
When Should You Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures?
What Causes Low Water Pressure in Your Home
Simple Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Locations and Areas Served
Plumber Service Company Serving the Entire Triad
Hot Water Emergency Questions
How quickly can you come out?
We prioritize no-hot-water calls. Depending on the current call volume, we’re often there within a few hours. Call and we’ll give you a realistic timeframe.
How much does emergency water heater repair cost?
Depends on the problem. Thermocouple replacement or relighting a pilot is on the lower end. Gas valve or element replacement costs more. We quote before starting.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
General rule: If it’s under 8 years old and repair is less than 50% of replacement cost, repair usually makes sense. Over 10-12 years with significant problems? Replacement is often smarter.
Can you replace my water heater the same day?
Often, yes. If we have your unit in stock (or can get it quickly), we can frequently install same-day. Call and we’ll check availability.
Why won't my pilot light stay lit?
Usually the thermocouple. It senses the pilot flame and tells the gas valve it’s safe to stay open. When it fails, the gas valve closes. Replacement is a common, affordable repair.
My water heater is making popping/rumbling noises. Is that an emergency?
Not immediately, but it’s a warning sign. Popping and rumbling usually indicate sediment buildup. The tank should be flushed. If ignored, efficiency drops and the tank can fail sooner.
What brands do you repair?
All major brands: AO Smith, Rheem, Bradford White, State, Navien, Rinnai, and others. Brand doesn’t matter — we work on them all.