7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you just had an icy cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s an annoying situation, but don’t panic. Learning the most likely reasons your home has no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water problems so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

First, is this a situation where you have a gas water heater? It might not be producing hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a suspect rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

Turn 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 so the gas can disperse and evacuate the building.
Notify the fire department and your utility provider.
Never try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water issue can be challenging to diagnose, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by evaluating the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem intact, look at the gas valve to make sure it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is operating properly but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. If that’s the case, this may mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact an experienced plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to be sure.

3. The Pilot Light Is Out

The pilot light is necessary for older gas water heaters to operate correctly. If the light isn’t lit, you won’t have any hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult your owner’s manual to see if your unit has a pilot light. If your water heater does have a pilot light, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to air out before attempting to relight it. Contact a professional for help if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat has to be set correctly to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned down the temperature to use less energy while you were out of town, examine the thermostat to make sure it’s between 120 and 140 degrees F. As long as you’re looking at it, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a frequent reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, replacing it might be the best option.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in homes with hard water, but it can occur anyplace.

Routine maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least once a year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already developed, you may need a specialist’s help to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water to catch sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.

6. Malfunctioning Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they can have problems. If your home doesn’t have any hot water, examine the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.

If you don’t find any tripped breakers, the heating elements may be the problem. Water heaters typically have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it could be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing rather than repair the faulty components.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water demands, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re sick and tired of putting up with lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready each morning, 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 are dedicated to solving your hot water issues promptly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, first-class 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 affect your life for even a minute longer! Reach out to 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 arrange an appointment!