Why Does My Hot Water Heater Keep Going Out?
QUICK ANSWER
A gas water heater pilot light that keeps going out is usually a failed thermocouple, dirty pilot orifice, or a draft. An electric water heater breaker that keeps tripping is usually a failed heating element, faulty thermostat, or wiring issue requiring a pro.
A water heater that keeps shutting itself off has different causes for gas versus electric models, but the troubleshooting follows similar logic in both cases. The key safety distinction: pilot light issues on gas heaters are often DIY fixable, but repeated breaker trips on an electric heater suggest a real electrical problem that needs a licensed electrician. Here is what each symptom means and when to call a pro.
What does "going out" mean for your water heater?
Two different problems with similar symptoms. For gas water heaters, "going out" usually means the pilot light keeps extinguishing, leaving you with no hot water until you relight it. For electric water heaters, "going out" usually means the circuit breaker keeps tripping at the main panel, cutting power to the heater. Identify which type you have first (gas heaters have a pilot access window at the bottom, electric heaters have a thermostat access panel on the side). The fix depends entirely on the type.
Why does a gas water heater pilot light keep going out?
The most common cause is a failed thermocouple, the small metal probe next to the pilot flame that detects the pilot is lit and tells the gas valve to stay open. When it fails (usually from age, corrosion, or carbon buildup), the gas valve closes and the pilot goes out. Replacement thermocouple costs 10 to 20 dollars and takes 30 minutes to install. Other causes: a dirty pilot orifice (clean with compressed air), a draft from a nearby vent or window, or a failing gas valve (call a pro). Strong gas smell? Stop and call the gas company.
Why does an electric water heater keep tripping the breaker?
Repeated breaker trips mean the breaker is doing its job, protecting against an electrical fault. Common causes: a failed heating element with shorted wiring (the most common, around 30 dollar part to replace but requires draining the tank), a faulty thermostat allowing the element to run too hot, a wiring connection that has loosened and is arcing, or in rare cases an undersized breaker (uncommon since water heaters are wired during installation). A water heater breaker is usually 30 or 40 amps and double-pole; repeated trips need attention promptly.
When should you call a pro?
For gas heaters: call a pro for any gas smell (call the gas company immediately, not a plumber), if the pilot will not stay lit even with a new thermocouple, or if the gas valve makes clicking sounds without firing. For electric heaters: call a licensed electrician for any repeated breaker trip, since these can indicate dangerous wiring faults. Replacing a heating element is DIY-friendly. Anything involving the wiring connections themselves should be done by a pro since water heater circuits are 240V and dangerous to work on incorrectly.
A water heater that keeps going out usually has a specific cause: thermocouple failure on gas heaters, heating element or wiring fault on electric. Thermocouples are a DIY-friendly fix. Repeated breaker trips on an electric heater need a licensed electrician since the cause could be a dangerous wiring fault. Always call the gas company immediately for any gas smell, not a plumber, and never try to bypass safety devices.
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