7 Common Causes of No Hot Water
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had an icy cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s a frustrating state of affairs, but don’t fret. Learning the most frequent things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. Here are some of the most likely reasons why you might be having hot water troubles 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 may not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you detect a questionable rotten egg aroma, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
- Turn off the gas valves at your home.
- 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 issue can be challenging to diagnose, but it’s often the cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Get started by examining the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems intact, look at the gas valve to confirm it’s in the correct 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 might mean it’s time to get a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted plumbing specialist like Chief/Bauer Service Experts 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 goes out, there won't be any hot water. Newer water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference 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. Call a professional for advice if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat must be set accurately to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently dialed down the temperature to conserve 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 common reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is broken, buying a new one might be the best option.
5. Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment can accumulate 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 common in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can take place anywhere.
Routine maintenance, including flushing the tank at least once a year, helps protect against this issue. If the problem has already taken place, you could potentially need a specialist's services to clean or replace the tank. Monitor the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can catch sediment buildup before it becomes even more challenging to address.
6. Defective Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid 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 the breakers appear normal, the heating elements may be to blame. 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 water heater rather than repair the problematic elements.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is doesn't have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water needs, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with tepid showers when you’re the last person to get ready in the morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also inquire about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for countless back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Chief/Bauer Service Experts
At Chief/Bauer Service Experts, we strive to resolve your hot water issues fast, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, unmatched customer service and reputation for excellence, 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 for even a minute longer! Contact Chief/Bauer Service Experts and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 217-689-2469 today to arrange an appointment!
