North Louisiana's Premier Plumbing Company

What to Do If Your Water Heater Stops Working Suddenly

There’s nothing quite like waking up on a chilly Ruston morning, turning on the shower, and realizing you’ve got no hot water in your Ruston home. When your water heater stops working without warning, it can throw off your entire day. At Mark Johnson & Sons Plumbing, we know how stressful this situation can be. That’s why we’re here with expert advice on what to do next and how to get fast, reliable water heater repair in Ruston, LA.

Step 1: Don’t Panic

A sudden lack of hot water can happen for a number of reasons, many of which are fixable without needing to replace your water heater. The key is to stay calm and follow a few basic troubleshooting steps—or call in the professionals for help if you’re unsure.

Step 2: Check the Power or Gas Supply

If you have an electric water heater, check your breaker box to see if the circuit has tripped. Flip it back on if needed. For gas models, make sure the pilot light is still on. If it’s gone out, try relighting it—carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the pilot won’t stay lit or you’re unsure how to proceed, it’s time to call a licensed plumber who specializes in water heater repair in Ruston, LA.

Step 3: Look for Leaks or Obvious Damage

Inspect your water heater for visible signs of trouble. This includes water pooling around the base, rust, corrosion, or strange sounds like popping or rumbling. Leaks may point to a larger issue with the tank itself, while noises often indicate sediment buildup inside the tank.

If you spot any of these signs, contact our team right away for expert diagnosis and repair.

Step 4: Check the Thermostat and Settings

Sometimes, the issue is as simple as an incorrect setting. Make sure the thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature (typically around 120°F). If it’s set too low, your water might not be heating up enough. Also, older thermostats can malfunction and may need replacement.

A professional technician from Mark Johnson & Sons Plumbing can check your system and recommend whether a repair or replacement makes more sense.

Step 5: Call Mark Johnson & Sons Plumbing

If you’ve gone through these basic steps and still have no hot water in your Ruston home, don’t wait—call the experts. Water heaters are complex systems that can be dangerous to tinker with if you’re unfamiliar with them.

We offer fast, reliable water heater repair in Ruston, LA, and we’ll get your hot water flowing again as quickly and safely as possible. Whether it’s a simple fix or your unit needs to be replaced, we’ll give you honest recommendations and upfront pricing.

Explore our full list of plumbing services here, or contact us now to schedule service.

Prevent Future Problems with Maintenance

The best way to avoid a sudden cold shower is regular maintenance. We recommend flushing your water heater once a year to remove sediment and extend the life of your unit. Our experienced team can provide annual checkups to catch small issues before they become big problems.

If your water heater is more than 10 years old and giving you frequent issues, it might be time to consider a replacement. We can help you explore energy-efficient options—including tankless water heaters—to suit your home’s needs.

Count on Us When It Matters Most

At Mark Johnson & Sons Plumbing, we’re proud to help homeowners throughout Ruston stay comfortable and safe. Whether your hot water has disappeared suddenly or you’re planning ahead, we’re the team to trust.

Visit markjohnsonplumbing.com to learn more or give us a call to get your hot water back—fast.