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hot water suddenly gone cold - where do I even start?
Okay, my water heater decided to stop working this morning out of nowhere. Was enjoying a nice hot shower and boom, ice-cold water hits me mid-shampoo. Not the best start to my day, you know? Anyway, I checked the breaker box already and everything seems fine there. I'm not exactly handy around the house, but before I call in a pro (and shell out $$$), what are some basic things I should be looking at or trying first?
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First see whether the cold water is only at the shower or at other hot taps too; that helps distinguish a shower-side issue from a heater-wide one. Look for obvious leaks around the heater. If you smell gas, leave the area and report it from a safe location; if you see water near electrical parts, don’t troubleshoot further and get professional help. Otherwise, check the heater’s label to tell whether it’s gas or electric; safe next checks depend on the type, so avoid opening covers or touching wiring. What type is it?
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