7 Common Causes of No Hot Water
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had an icy cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s an annoying state of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most common things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water issues so you can get back to getting the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
First, is this a situation where you have a gas water heater? It may not be generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you sense a questionable rotten egg odor, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
-
- Close off the gas valves at your house.
-
- Don’t switch any electrical appliances on or off.
-
- Avoid smoking or using a lit match.
-
- Open windows and doors for ventilation and evacuate the building.
-
- Call the fire department and your utility provider.
-
- Never try to repair the gas line yourself.
2. Gas Valve Failure
This hot water problem can be tricky to diagnose, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by checking the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem intact, look at the gas valve to ensure it’s in the right position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is operating properly but you still don’t have any hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. Regrettably, this could mean it’s time to buy a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is vital for older gas water heaters to operate properly. If the light is out, you won’t have any hot water. Newer water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to find out if your unit has a pilot light. If that’s the case, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to dissipate before attempting to relight it. Consult with a professional for advice if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat has to be set accurately to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to save energy while you were out of town, look at the thermostat to make sure it’s between 120 and 140 degrees F. Also, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a very common reason for homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, getting a new one to replace it could be the best option.
5. Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.
Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you might need a specialist’s help to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can catch sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.
6. Faulty Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are dependable components in the plumbing world, but even they sometimes experience problems. If your home doesn’t have any hot water, check the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.
If the breakers appear normal, the heating elements may be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters generally have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it could be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the bad hardware.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water demands, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re tired of lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready every day, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also want to learn more about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for unlimited back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we know it’s important to solve your hot water issues fast, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, dedicated customer service and reputation for quality work, you can rest assured we will go the extra mile to meet all your plumbing needs.
Don’t let a lack of hot water interrupt your life any longer! Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll get you back to enjoying the comfort and convenience of reliable hot water. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment!
