7 Common Causes of No Hot Water
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s an annoying scenario, 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 are some of the most likely reasons why you might be having hot water issues so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
Does your home have a gas water heater? It could very well not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a suspicious rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
- Shut 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 to air out the home and evacuate the building.
- Contact the fire department and your utility provider.
- Never attempt to repair the gas line yourself.
2. Gas Valve Failure
This hot water problem can be tricky to detect, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by examining the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems intact, check out the gas valve to confirm it’s in the right 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 blocked in some way. If that’s the case, this might mean it’s time to get 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 work correctly. If the light goes out, there won’t be any hot water. Modern water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to learn if your unit has a pilot light. If so, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to air out before you try to relight it. Call a professional for assistance if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat needs to be set accurately to supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to save energy while you were out of town, check 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 frequent reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is broken, getting a new one to replace it may be the best option.
5. Sediment Buildup
With time, sediment can collect in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can take place anyplace.
Regular maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least once a year, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already happened, you may need Expert services to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to detect sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.
6. Defective Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they are not immune to problems. If you notice there isn’t any hot water, look over 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 might be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters usually provide service for about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the bad elements.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water needs, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re tired of lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready each morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also ask an Expert for more information about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for countless 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, at a fair 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 affect your life any longer! Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment!
