7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to discover that your house doesn’t have hot water. It’s an annoying state of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most frequent things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water problems so you can get back to enjoying 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 detect a questionable rotten egg odor, 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 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 issue can be hard to diagnose, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Begin by inspecting the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems undamaged, look at the gas valve to make sure it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning properly but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Regrettably, this might mean it’s time to buy a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted 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 function properly. If the light goes out, you won’t have any hot water. Recently manufactured water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult your owner’s manual to learn 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 must be set correctly to supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned down the temperature to conserve energy while you were out of town, check 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 very common reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is broken, buying a new one may be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

After awhile, sediment can build up in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, contributing to inefficiency and the possibility you’ll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in areas with hard water, but it can happen anywhere.

Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least annually, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already occurred, you could potentially need Expert assistance to clean or replace the tank. Monitor the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can catch sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.

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 you notice there isn’t any hot water, check the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.

If the breakers haven’t tripped, the heating elements might be the problem. Water heaters usually last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire thing rather than repair the bad components.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water needs, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re tired of tepid showers when you’re the last person to get ready each morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also inquire about tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand for endless back-to-back showers.

No Hot Water? Contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we strive to resolve your hot water issues quickly, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, 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 any longer! Get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment!