No Hot Water in the Shower? This is How to Fix it
Knowing what's wrong is half the battle. The other half is finding someone who won't turn a $200 repair into a $2,000 system replacement. Simfield members get pre-vetted, licensed tradies with capped hourly rates and a strict no-upsell policy. So when the pilot light trick doesn't cut it, you already know exactly who to call.
Jan 26, 2026 | Steve Simoes
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There’s nothing quite like a hot shower to start your day off right. But what do you do when there’s no hot water coming out of the shower? Before you start panicking, take a deep breath and relax – we’re here to help.
Your Water Heater Isn’t Big Enough
If you have a small tankless water heater or an undersized traditional water heater, it might not be able to keep up with demand – particularly if multiple people in your household are trying to use hot water at the same time. In cases like this, you might need to invest in a larger water heater.
Your Pilot Light Has Gone Out
If you have a gas-powered water heater, it uses a pilot light to ignite the burners. If this pilot light goes out, your burner won’t turn on – and your water will stay cold. Fortunately, relighting a pilot light is relatively easy; simply follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Your Power Has Gone Out
If an electrical outage has caused your power to go out, your electric water heater will stop working. Once power is restored, your water heater should start up again automatically.
Your Thermostat Is Set Too Low
Most modern water heaters have an adjustable thermostat that allows you to control the temperature of the water. If this thermostat is turned down too low, you might not get as much hot water as you’d like. Try turning it up incrementally until you find a temperature that suits you.
You Have a Leak
A leak in your home’s plumbing can cause your hot water supply to dwindle more quickly than usual. If you suspect that there might be a leak somewhere in your home’s plumbing, shut off your main water valve and call a plumber right away.
Your Neighbours Are Using Too Much Hot Water
In apartments or other multi-family dwellings, each unit shares a central boiler or other type of heating system. If your neighbours are using too much hot water, it can diminish the amount of hot water available to you.
Is It Time to Call a Professional Plumber?
If there’s no hot water coming out of your shower, don’t despair – there’s likely an easy fix. In most cases, adjusting your thermostat or relighting your pilot light will do the trick. However, if those solutions don’t work or if you suspect there might be a leak in your home’s plumbing, it’s best to call a professional plumber right away.
The information provided is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, or professional advice. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the information may not be complete, current, or applicable to your specific situation. You should always do your own research and, where appropriate, seek advice from a qualified professional before making any decisions based on this information.
When the Fix Is Beyond the DIY, Don't Trust It to Just Anyone
Knowing what's wrong is half the battle. The other half is finding someone who won't turn a $200 repair into a $2,000 system replacement. Simfield members get pre-vetted, licensed tradies with capped hourly rates and a strict no-upsell policy. So when the pilot light trick doesn't cut it, you already know exactly who to call.