McLean, IL Water Heater Repair: 5 Top Causes & Fixes

Estimated Read Time: 8 minutes

No hot water is a day‑stopper. If your water heater is not heating, start with a few safe checks before you panic. This guide explains the five most common causes for gas and electric systems, how to fix them, and when to call a pro in Bloomington–Normal. Bonus: look for our $59 water heater flush and safety inspection specials that help prevent cold‑shower surprises.

First, stay safe before you troubleshoot

Electric and gas water heaters can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. Protect yourself and your home.

1. Turn off power at the breaker for electric units. For gas, set the control to Off.
2. If you smell gas, evacuate and call your gas utility first.
3. Let the tank cool before opening panels or draining.
4. Close the cold‑water supply valve if you suspect a leak.

If any step feels uncertain, stop and schedule a professional. Our 24/7 team serves Bloomington, Normal, Le Roy, El Paso, Heyworth, Lexington, Hudson, Atlanta, Chenoa, and Downs.

Reason 1: Tripped breaker or blown fuse (electric)

A sudden outage often points to a simple electrical issue.

What to check:

• Inspect your electrical panel for a tripped breaker. Fully switch it Off, then back On.
• If it trips again, you may have a shorted heating element or thermostat.
• Verify the water heater’s service disconnect is On.

How to fix:

1. Reset the breaker once. If it holds, wait 30 to 60 minutes for hot water.
2. If it trips again, leave it off and call a licensed technician. Repeated trips signal a component failure that can overheat wiring.

Pro tip: Label the water heater breaker so family members can find it fast. Many homes near Constitution Trail have older panels that benefit from a quick safety check.

Reason 2: Pilot light out or ignition failure (gas)

No hot water on a gas heater often means the burner is not lighting.

What to check:

• Look through the sight glass for a steady blue pilot flame. If off, follow the lighting instructions on the unit.
• Confirm the gas supply valve is parallel with the pipe, which means open.
• Inspect for drafts that can blow out pilots, especially in basement utility rooms near exterior doors.

How to fix:

1. Relight the pilot per the manufacturer’s guide. Hold the pilot button long enough for the thermocouple to heat.
2. If the pilot will not stay lit, the thermocouple or flame sensor may be dirty or failed.
3. Modern units use spark or hot‑surface igniters. If you hear clicking but no flame, the igniter or gas valve may need service.

Call a pro if you smell gas, see soot, or the pilot goes out repeatedly. These point to unsafe combustion.

Reason 3: Faulty thermostat or heating elements (electric)

Electric heaters use upper and lower elements controlled by thermostats. Failure leads to lukewarm or cold water.

Typical symptoms:

• Only short bursts of hot water. Often the lower element has failed.
• No hot water at all. The upper element or high‑limit switch may be tripped.

DIY checks:

1. Turn off power. Remove access panels and insulation.
2. Press the red high‑limit reset button. Restore power and test after 30 minutes.
3. If it trips again, or you measure faulty resistance at the elements with a multimeter, schedule repair.

Why it happens: Sediment can bury the lower element, causing overheating and early failure. Homes on older water mains in Bloomington often see faster element wear without regular flushing.

Reason 4: Gas supply, valve, or venting problems (gas)

If you have a lit pilot but still no hot water, the main burner may not be getting steady fuel or proper draft.

What to look for:

• The gas control knob not set to On. Many get left on Pilot after relighting.
• Kinked or undersized flexible connectors.
• Blocked vent pipes or backdrafting, especially after roof work.

Fixes a pro performs:

• Test manifold gas pressure at the valve.
• Clean or replace a sticky gas valve.
• Verify proper vent sizing and slope for safe exhaust.

Never alter gas piping or venting without a licensed technician. Incorrect venting can allow carbon monoxide into living spaces.

Reason 5: Sediment buildup, dip tube issues, or anode problems

Mineral scale is the silent killer of water heaters in Central Illinois. The more sediment, the more the burner or elements overwork.

Common signs:

• Rumbling, popping, or kettle sounds while heating.
• Lukewarm water that runs cold fast.
• Discolored or rusty water.

DIY steps:

1. Power or gas Off. Attach a hose to the drain valve and flush until clear.
2. If draining is slow or gritty, sediment may be heavy. A service flush is recommended.
3. Ask about dip tube inspection if cold and hot mix inside the tank.

Anode rod insight: The anode protects your tank from corrosion. Once consumed, rust can spread fast. Replacement is affordable and extends life.

Repair or replace: how to decide

Consider these factors before putting more money into an old unit.

• Age: Most standard tanks last 8 to 12 years. If yours is in this range with recurring issues, replacement is smart.
• Efficiency: New tanks and tankless units use less energy, reducing utility bills.
• Safety: Repeated tripping, gas smells, or leaks warrant replacement.
• Capacity: If your family has grown, upsizing or going tankless ends the hot‑water battles.

Rule of thumb: If repair costs exceed 50 percent of a new unit, replace. Our team provides an in‑depth consultation to size the right model and explain venting or electrical needs.

The 5 maintenance steps we perform in Bloomington–Normal

Water Heating Maintenance in Bloomington‑Normal, IL, includes five simple steps performed by a professional technician. These steps include:

• Visually inspect the unit for rust, leaks, corrosion, loose parts, and proper pilot performance.
• Flushing the tank to remove any sediment buildup.
• Testing the pressure release valve and inspecting gas lines.
• Replacing the anode rod when necessary.
• Cleaning or replacing various parts of the unit as necessary.

These preventive steps keep elements from burning out, reduce energy waste, and help your heater reach its full lifespan.

Tank vs. tankless: which solves no‑hot‑water headaches

Tank systems store hot water and reheat after draws. Tankless units heat only what you use.

Benefits of going tankless:

• Energy efficient. Tankless water heaters are designed only to heat the water that is needed at the time it is required.
• Extended lifespan compared to many tank models.
• Less maintenance required than traditional heaters, with proper water quality.
• Security for the family with consistent hot water on busy mornings.
• Creating much‑needed storage space by removing a bulky tank.

Good fits for tankless in our area:

• Homes near Uptown Normal where utility rooms are tight.
• Large households that often run showers, laundry, and dishwashers together.
• Owners seeking long‑term energy savings and utility rebates when available.

We also handle conversions from storage tanks, including venting and location guidance.

When to call a pro in Bloomington–Normal

You should schedule service if you notice any of the following:

1. Repeated breaker trips, pilot outages, or error codes.
2. Rotten‑egg odor, sooting, or signs of backdraft.
3. Water around the base of the tank or rust at fittings.
4. Noises that return after a full flush.
5. Discolored water or metallic taste.

Why Summers is trusted locally:

• Serving the Bloomington–Normal area since 1969 with licensed, insured, and background‑checked technicians.
• On‑call professionals are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Upfront pricing and a price‑match promise.
• Strong warranties, including up to 10 years on select labor.

Schedule same‑day service before 2 p.m. and ask about priority maintenance plans that come with discounts on repairs and parts.

Special Offers for Bloomington–Normal Homeowners

• Water Heater Flush + Plumbing Inspection $59. This month only. Preventative maintenance that improves efficiency and safety.
• $59 water heater safety inspection. Must present coupon at time of service. Must schedule by 11/30/25. Not combinable with other offers.
• $500 off tankless water heater installation. Must present coupon at time of service. Must schedule by 11/30/25. Not combinable with other offers.
• $200 off your purchase on tankless water heaters. This month only. Call to redeem during this month only.

Call (309) 317-4215 or book at https://www.summersphc.com/bloomington-normal/ to claim your savings.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Sooo~it’s been almost 2 wks and my new water heater and kitchen faucet are running perfectly!... Summers worked with me... Matt was able to get the water heater installed without incident."
–Linda K., Bloomington

"Zach was really helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Our new water heater is working great and we're really happy we chose Summers to do the work."
–Crystal P., Normal

"My water heater needed replaced after 7in deep sewer backup in basement. Jeremy and Austin came over the very next day after I called, they were quick, friendly, and very professional."
–Mary H., Bloomington

"Zach and Rusty... Installed tankless water heater for me. They knew exactly what they are doing. No mess... Really happy with my experience with them."
–Mandar K., Tankless Installation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my water heater not heating after a power outage?

A tripped breaker or high‑limit switch is common. Reset the breaker once and press the red reset on the upper thermostat. If it trips again, call a pro.

How often should I flush my water heater in Central Illinois?

Once per year is typical. Areas with harder water or sediment benefit from twice‑yearly flushing to protect elements and maintain efficiency.

Can I relight my gas water heater pilot myself?

Yes, if you follow the unit’s instructions and do not smell gas. If the pilot will not stay lit, the thermocouple or igniter likely needs service.

Is a tankless water heater better for a large family?

Often yes. Tankless units deliver continuous hot water, higher efficiency, and can free up space. Proper sizing and venting are required.

When should I replace instead of repair?

If your tank is 8 to 12 years old with recurring issues or repairs exceed 50 percent of replacement, it is time to upgrade.

Bottom Line

If your water heater is not heating, start with safe checks, then work through power, pilot, thermostat, gas, and sediment causes. Annual flushing and anode inspections prevent most breakdowns. For fast help in Bloomington–Normal, schedule same‑day service with a licensed tech who can repair or replace with confidence.

Ready to get hot water back today?

Call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling at (309) 317-4215 or book online at https://www.summersphc.com/bloomington-normal/. Ask for the $59 water heater flush and safety inspection or take $500 off tankless installation when scheduled by 11/30/25. Get honest pricing, 24/7 emergency support, and a solution that fits your home.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Since 1969, homeowners in Bloomington–Normal have trusted Summers for plumbing, HVAC, and water heater service. Our licensed, background‑checked techs provide upfront pricing, same‑day service, and 24/7 emergency support. We offer strong warranties, including up to 10 years on select labor, and we match or beat competitors’ prices. From water heater repairs to tankless upgrades and maintenance, we deliver reliable work backed by hundreds of 5‑star reviews.