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November 24, 2025

Erie, CO Water Heater Repair: 5 Common Heating Issues

Estimated Read Time: 9 minutes

No hot water is frustrating, especially on a cold Front Range morning. If your water heater not heating is the problem, you can often pinpoint the issue with a few simple checks. Below, we break down the five most common causes and what to do next, plus when to call a 24/7 pro. Stick around for a Denver-only coupon and a maintenance tip that can pay for itself.

Quick Safety First

Before you start, turn off power to electric units at the breaker. For gas models, set the gas control to pilot or off. If you smell gas, hear hissing, or see active leaking, stop and call a licensed plumber. Safety devices like the TPR valve protect against dangerous pressure. If a TPR valve is dripping constantly or stuck, it needs professional testing or replacement.

  • Shut off water at the cold inlet valve if you see a leak.
  • Give tanks time to recover after adjustments. Most heaters need 30 to 60 minutes.
  • Keep children and pets away from the work area.

Denver tip: Hard water here accelerates sediment buildup, and colder winter inlet temps can reduce hot water output. Both issues require local adjustments or maintenance.

1) Tripped Power, Pilot, or Thermostat Setting

Loss of power or an incorrect setting is the most common reason for no hot water.

What to check:

  1. Electric models
    • Verify the dedicated breaker is on and not warm or tripped.
    • Press the high-limit reset button on the upper thermostat behind the access panel.
    • Confirm the temperature setting is 120 to 130 F for most households.
  2. Gas models
    • Check the thermostat dial is set to hot, not vacation or pilot.
    • Look for a lit pilot on older units. If out, follow the manufacturer’s relight steps.
    • For electronic ignition, ensure power is reaching the control board and that error lights are not flashing.

When to call: If the pilot will not stay lit, the thermocouple or gas control could be faulty. Gas diagnostics involve combustion checks and should be handled by a licensed pro, especially at Denver’s altitude, which requires proper venting and air-fuel mix.

2) Failed Heating Elements or Thermostats (Electric)

If power is good but water stays cold or lukewarm, the upper element or thermostat may have failed. The upper element heats first. If it fails, you get no hot water. If the lower element fails, you often get a short burst of hot water that goes cold fast.

DIY checks:

  1. Turn off power at the breaker and verify with a non-contact tester.
  2. Remove access panels and insulation carefully.
  3. Use a multimeter to test continuity on upper and lower elements.
  4. Inspect for charred wires or melted terminals.

Fixes:

  • Replace a failed element with the correct wattage rating.
  • Replace thermostats in matched pairs when in doubt.
  • Tighten all electrical connections and replace brittle wire.

Cost note: Parts are affordable, but improper element wattage can cause nuisance trips or premature failure. A pro will also test the high-limit switch and ensure the tank is full before energizing to prevent dry firing.

3) Burner, Ignition, or Gas Supply Problems (Gas)

Gas heaters rely on proper combustion and venting. A weak flame, dirty burner, or faulty igniter can stop heating. At altitude, draft and combustion tune are critical for safety and efficiency.

What to look for:

  • Pilot will not stay lit or is yellow instead of blue.
  • Soot around the draft hood or a faint exhaust smell.
  • Error code on newer electronic gas valves.
  • Recent utility work or a shut valve limiting gas supply.

Professional solutions:

  • Clean the burner assembly and pilot or flame sensor.
  • Adjust gas pressure to manufacturer spec for Denver altitude.
  • Verify venting and combustion air. Correct backdrafting issues.
  • Replace a faulty gas control valve or igniter after testing.

Safety fact: The TPR valve must open if pressure or temperature spikes. If overheating occurs due to combustion faults, a pro should test TPR function during the repair.

4) Sediment Buildup Reducing Heat Transfer

In Denver and surrounding cities, hard water leaves sediment on elements and the tank bottom. Sediment insulates heat and can cause rumbling noises, longer heat times, or lukewarm water.

Signs and risks:

  • Popping or rumbling when heating.
  • Cloudy or rusty water during first draw.
  • Inconsistent hot water or scalding swings.

How to fix:

  1. Turn off power or set gas to pilot. Shut off the cold water inlet.
  2. Connect a hose to the drain valve and flush until clear.
  3. Open the TPR valve lever briefly to help vent while draining, then reseat.
  4. Refill, purge air at a hot tap, then restore power or gas.

Pro maintenance checklist items that matter:

  • Full tank flush and sediment drainage.
  • Anode rod inspection and replacement if depleted.
  • Burner inspection for gas models and electrical connection checks for electric models.

Hard fact: Annual maintenance is recommended. For older units over 10 years or frequent issues, bi-annual service can extend life and improve efficiency.

5) Incorrect Sizing, Mixing Valve, or Crossover Issues

Sometimes the heater is healthy, but the system is not matched to your home’s demands. Cold inlet water in winter or simultaneous showers can exceed capacity. A faulty mixing valve or plumbing crossover can also mimic a failing heater.

What to check:

  • Compare tank size to household needs. Common sizes range from 30 to 80 gallons.
  • Confirm recovery rate and temperature rise meet your peak demand.
  • Inspect the thermostatic mixing valve for correct setting and function.
  • Test for crossover by shutting off the cold supply to the heater. If hot taps still flow strong, you may have a mixing or cartridge issue allowing cold to bleed into hot.

Fixes:

  • Upgrade to a larger tank or consider a tankless system for endless hot water.
  • Replace or recalibrate the mixing valve.
  • Repair crossover at faulty cartridges or recirculation components.

Denver-specific insight: Altitude and cold inlet temperatures increase required BTU and recovery. Our installation team sizes and configures systems for local water hardness, altitude venting, and winter temperature rise.

When Repair vs Replacement Makes Sense

Not sure which path to take? Use these rules of thumb.

  • Replace if your tank is over 10 to 12 years old, the tank is corroded, or the repair exceeds 50 percent of replacement cost.
  • Repair if the unit is under 8 years old and the issue is a replaceable component like a thermostat, element, igniter, or valve.
  • Consider tankless if you want on-demand hot water and energy savings. Modern tankless can reduce energy use by up to 30 percent.

Financing can soften the upfront cost of replacement. We provide transparent flat-rate pricing before any work begins, so there are no surprises.

DIY Steps vs When to Call a Pro

Things you can do safely:

  1. Check breakers, thermostat settings, and pilot status.
  2. Flush sediment if you are comfortable with valves and hoses.
  3. Replace faucet cartridges that may cause crossover.

Call a licensed technician for:

  • Gas control, combustion, or venting issues.
  • Repeated breaker trips, melted wiring, or element replacements you are not comfortable performing.
  • Persistent leaks near the tank, TPR valve, or fittings.
  • Altitude adjustments for gas venting and air-fuel mix.

Our process: We start with a full-system inspection including tank, connections, venting, electrical, safety devices, and temperature-pressure tests. You get a written diagnosis and upfront options for repair or replacement on the same visit, 24 hours a day.

Preventive Maintenance That Actually Works

A well-maintained heater delivers more hot water and lasts longer.

What our techs service during a tune-up:

  • Temperature and pressure regulation check
  • Anode rod inspection and replacement when needed
  • Full sediment drainage and flush
  • Safety valve and TPR testing
  • Flue pipe and vent cleaning for gas units
  • Electrical connection checks for electric units
  • Expansion tank inspection where installed
  • Burner assembly inspection and cleaning for gas models
  • Leak detection across all fittings

Membership options:

  • Green Club: Scheduled check-ups, priority service, and repair discounts. Starts at $29.95 per month.
  • HERO Club: Front-of-the-line scheduling, extra discounts on repairs and replacements, no emergency fees, and easy auto-renewal.

Result: Fewer breakdowns, better efficiency, and priority support when you need it most.

Special Offers

  • Save $100 on a water heater replacement. Use code WH100 before 2025-11-05.
  • Club members receive a complimentary water heater flush. Join the Green Club to redeem before 2025-11-05.

Call (720) 734-7243 and mention the offer, or schedule at https://fixmyhome.com/.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Recently Fix-it 24/7 replaced my water heater. I was lucky enough to have Charles D. and Edgar O. do the work. They couldn't have been better. Because of them and all their employees I recommend Fix-it 24/7. I won't call anyone else."
–Homeowner, Denver Metro
"Josh Danielson was so helpful. He installed our water heater quickly and no mess to clean afterwards. He also noticed a small leak from one of our bathrooms which saved us a lot of time and money."
–Homeowner, Denver Metro
"Fix-it 24/7 helped us immediately when our water heater started leaking. They installed a new unit that was up and running within 24 hrs. Quick and efficient."
–Homeowner, Aurora CO

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have no hot water after a reset?

If the high-limit switch tripped, you may have a failed element or thermostat. After resetting, test elements and thermostats. Call a pro if it trips again.

How often should I flush my water heater in Denver?

At least once per year. With hard water or older tanks over 10 years, consider a flush every 6 months to reduce sediment and improve recovery.

What temperature should I set my water heater to?

120 to 130 F suits most homes. Lower reduces scald risk and saves energy. Higher temps can increase capacity but require mixing valves for safety.

Is a tankless water heater a good option for cold Colorado winters?

Yes. Properly sized tankless units deliver on-demand hot water and can cut energy use by up to 30 percent. Correct venting and gas sizing are essential.

When is replacement better than repair?

Replace when the tank is 10 to 12 years old, repair exceeds 50 percent of a new unit, or there is rust or structural damage. Repair younger units with component failures.

Conclusion

If your water heater not heating is causing stress, start with safe checks, then tackle the likely culprit from the five issues above. Denver’s hard water, altitude, and cold inlet temps make local sizing and maintenance essential. We offer 24/7 same-day service, transparent pricing, and financing for replacements.

Ready to Get Hot Water Back?

Call (720) 734-7243, chat or schedule at https://fixmyhome.com/. Mention code WH100 to save $100 on water heater replacement. Club members get a complimentary flush.

Get fast, local help now: call (720) 734-7243 or book at https://fixmyhome.com/. Save $100 with code WH100 on replacement and ask about the $29.95 per month Green Club for a complimentary flush.

About Fix-it 24/7 Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric

Fix-it 24/7 is Denver’s trusted, family-owned team for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. We offer 24/7 emergency service, licensed and insured technicians, and honest flat-rate pricing. Our crew is EPA and NATE certified, with an A+ BBB rating and awards like Angie’s List Super Service and HomeAdvisor Top Rated. We tailor installs for altitude, cold inlet temps, and hard water. Every job is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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