What to do if you have no hot water

Originally published in March 2023. Refreshed with new information and republished in December 2025. 

There’s never a good time to lose hot water. Whether you’ve suddenly got heating but no hot water, or everything has switched off at once, this guide walks you through the most common causes and what to do next. We’ll also explain when to report the repair online - and when you need to call us because it’s an emergency. 

Jump to:

• Why do I have no hot water?
• Checklist: simple things to check
• What to do if you have heating but no hot water
• When to call an expert
• Emergency vs non-emergency repairs
• FAQs

Why do I have no hot water? 

Hot water systems can stop working for lots of reasons - from a tripped switch to a fault inside your boiler. Some issues are quick to solve, while others need an expert. This guide helps you work through the most common checks safely and confidently. 

If you’re ever unsure, or your boiler isn't behaving as expected, skip straight to When to call an expert. 

Checklist: simple things to check 

These simple steps often fix the problem quickly: 

1. Check your hot water settings 

Your heating and hot water may run on different timers. Make sure the hot water schedule hasn’t been switched off or changed by mistake. 

 If you use a programmable thermostat, this guide may help: How to set your programmable thermostat 

2. Look at the boiler display 

Most boilers display an error code when something is wrong. Your boiler manual will explain what the code means and whether a simple reset can resolve it. 

3. Check the fuse box 

A tripped switch can cut the hot water supply. If you find one has tripped, switch it back on once. If it immediately trips again, call us - it may indicate a fault. 

4. Check your hot water cylinder (if you have one) 

If your home uses a hot water tank, make sure it’s switched on and has been given enough time to heat up. 

If none of these checks solve the issue, move to the next section. 

What to do if you have heating but no hot water 

If you still have heating but no hot water, the problem is usually connected to the boiler’s internal system - such as the diverter valve, hot water sensor, or thermostat. 

Before reporting the issue: 

• Double-check your hot water timer
• Make sure the thermostat is set high enough
• Try resetting the boiler once 

If the hot water doesn’t come back, it will likely need an engineer. 

When to call an expert 

Get in touch if: 

• You’ve completed the checklist and still have no hot water
• Your boiler is showing a fault code
• You can hear unusual noises from the boiler
• The fuse box keeps tripping
• There are signs of a leak
• You can smell gas (in this case, call National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999) 

Emergency vs non-emergency repairs for Places for People Customers 

Emergency repairs 

No hot water is an emergency if you have no other way to bathe - for example, if you don’t have an electric shower or alternative hot water supply. 

If this applies to you and you’re a Places for People Customer, please call us immediately: 

Our Customers Contact Centre: 01772 667002

Non-emergency repairs 

If you do have another way to wash (such as an electric shower), you can report the issue through our online portal. 

Report a non-emergency repair: 

Use the Customer Portal

Frequently Asked Questions