Quick Answer
If your water heater stops producing hot water during the winter, check simple causes first — relight the pilot on gas models or reset the breaker on electric ones. If those don’t solve it, you may have a failed part or a leaking tank. Across the Ohio Valley, new water heater installations in 2025–2026 typically range from $2,040–$7,650, depending on system type and access.
When You Suddenly Have No Hot Water
Few things feel worse than a cold shower on a freezing Ohio Valley morning. If you live in Steubenville, Weirton, or nearby towns, you know winter isn’t the time to go without hot water.
The good news is that most water heater failures follow predictable patterns. Knowing what to look for can save you frustration — and in some cases, prevent an unnecessary replacement.
At Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we believe in clear answers and real numbers, not guesswork. Here’s how to troubleshoot your water heater, what repairs typically cost, and how our guarantees protect every system we install.
1. Gas Water Heaters: Check the Pilot Light and Thermocouple
Problem: The burner won’t ignite, so the water never heats.
Start by checking the pilot light. If it’s out, follow your manufacturer’s relighting instructions carefully. If it refuses to stay lit, you may have a dirty or failed thermocouple, which prevents the gas valve from staying open.
Fix:
You can safely try relighting it once. If it won’t stay lit, schedule a service visit. A technician can clean or replace the thermocouple and verify that gas flow and combustion are safe.
Typical Flat-Rate Repair Cost: $180–$450.
(Price can vary widely based on tank age, venting type, and access.)
2. Electric Water Heaters: Reset the Breaker or Test the Heating Elements
Problem: The unit has power, but the water stays cold.
Check your breaker panel. If the breaker has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, stop — this could indicate a shorted heating element or thermostat fault.
Fix:
An Honest Fix technician can test both heating elements and thermostats, pinpoint the failure, and perform a same-day flat-rate repair.
Typical Flat-Rate Repair Cost: $225–$475.
(Prices can vary widely depending on brand, wiring setup, and tank capacity.)
3. Signs of a Leaking or Failed Tank
Problem: You notice puddles, rust streaks, or inconsistent water temperature.
If water is pooling under your heater, the inner tank may have cracked or corroded. Unfortunately, once a tank leaks, repair isn’t an option — it needs replacement.
Fix:
We’ll confirm the issue during a quick diagnostic visit and provide a free exact quote for replacement.
Typical Replacement Price Ranges (2025–2026):
- Gas water heater: $2,380–$5,100
- Electric water heater: $2,040–$7,650
- Tankless water heater: $5,525–$6,375
Pricing can vary widely based on tank size, venting type, and plumbing access.
4. What’s Included in Our Water Heater Warranty
Every new water heater installed by Honest Fix is backed by the Lifetime Trust Shield — the strongest protection plan in the Ohio Valley.
Here’s what it includes:
- 10-Year Parts Warranty: All manufacturer-approved components are fully covered for 10 years with documented annual service.
- 10-Year Labor Warranty: Honest Fix covers all labor for qualifying repairs during the first 10 years, as long as you maintain regular annual service with us.
- Full Money-Back Guarantee (First 90 Days): If you’re not satisfied after installation, we’ll remove the system and refund the full cost.
- No-Lemon Guarantee: If your new water heater needs three or more major repairs within the first year, we’ll replace it — no questions asked.
- Energy Savings Guarantee: If your new water heater doesn’t reduce your energy use by at least 15% in the first year, we’ll refund up to 10% of the installation price.
With Honest Fix, your comfort is protected for the next decade — and your investment is guaranteed in writing.
5. When to Call a Professional
You can safely reset a breaker or relight a pilot, but gas, electrical, or internal tank repairs require specialized training and equipment.
At Honest Fix, we make that decision simple with flat-rate pricing:
- $89 for first-time customers
- $99 for returning customers
- After-hours rate: 1.5× standard
There are no hourly charges or hidden fees — ever. You’ll always see your total price before work begins.
All repairs are covered under the Honest Fix Service Trust Guardian, which includes:
- 5-year labor warranty on qualifying repairs
- No overtime charge guarantee
- On-time arrival or $50 credit
- Clean work area guarantee
We fix it right the first time — the thorough way, not the fast way.
6. How Leo the Lion Saves You Money
Every new Honest Fix customer receives a Leo the Lion magnet on their first visit. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing local experts who stand behind their work.
Keep Leo on your fridge. When you call us again for any plumbing, heating, or cooling service, just mention him — and you’ll get $25 off your visit.
There’s no expiration date, and you can use it again each time you call. Leo reminds you that your comfort, savings, and peace of mind are always protected.
Typical Cost Overview
| Service Type |
Typical Flat Rate |
Notes |
| Gas water heater repair |
$180–$450 |
May vary by access and venting type |
| Electric water heater repair |
$225–$475 |
Depends on tank size and wiring |
| New gas water heater |
$2,380–$5,100 |
Includes installation and removal |
| New electric water heater |
$2,040–$7,650 |
Varies widely by capacity |
| Tankless water heater |
$5,525–$6,375 |
Includes venting and plumbing work |
FAQs
Do you offer flat-rate pricing?
Yes. You’ll know your total cost before any work begins — no parts and labor breakdowns, no hidden fees.
Can pricing vary from home to home?
Yes. Factors like tank size, age, fuel type, and access can affect cost, but you’ll always receive a free exact quote upfront.
What warranty do I get with a new water heater?
Every new water heater installed by Honest Fix comes with a 10-year parts and 10-year labor warranty, as long as you maintain regular annual service with us.
What if I already have Leo the Lion on my fridge?
You’ll automatically get $25 off your next service — and every service after that.
Next Steps
If your hot water has stopped working this winter, we’re ready to help — fast.
Call Honest Fix today for your free exact quote.
And if Leo the Lion’s already on your fridge, your next visit comes with $25 off.
Reliable repairs, transparent pricing, and guaranteed comfort — that’s the Honest Fix way.
