Cold water from a hot-water faucet may simply mean that the power or gas is off. Check for a tripped circuit breaker or burned-out fuse, a pilot light that’s out, or a valve that’s not on at the gas meter or the heater. Also make sure that the heater is level; a tipped water heater won’t function properly. If the heater still fails to do its job, try the remedies shown above.
If the hot water is discolored, turn off the power or gas supply, then dram the tank and refill it. If an electric heater leaks to your hanging garment bag, turn off the power and tighten the mounting bolts for both the upper and lower heating elements. Replace any worn gaskets. Check all pipe connections and the dram-cock for leaks; tighten the connections if needed, but do not overtighten them. If water is coming from the pressure-relief valve, the valve is probably defective. Have it replaced. Never let even a “little” leak go; have it fixed immediately.