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 irritating state of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most frequent causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here is a review of the reasons why you might be having hot water challenges so you can get back to enjoying 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 sense 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 for ventilation and evacuate the building.
• Call the fire department and your utility provider.
• Do not ever try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water problem can be hard to diagnose, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by evaluating the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If it all appears secure, 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 correctly but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be obstructed. Unfortunately, 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 work effectively. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Newer water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so reference your owner’s manual to find out 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 trying to relight it. Consult with a professional for advice if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat needs to be set properly 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. While you’re at it, check for a tripped high-temperature cutoff switch, as this is a very common reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, buying a new one could be the best remedy.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can collect in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a blockage between the heating element or burner and the water, leading to inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in areas with hard water, but it can happen anywhere.

Scheduled maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least once a year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already taken place, you could potentially need professional services to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water to catch sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.

6. Faulty Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they sometimes experience 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 might be the problem. Water heaters generally last about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it could be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the problematic components.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is not big enough to handle your household’s hot water needs, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with lukewarm showers when you’re the last person to get ready every day, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also inquire 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 strive to resolve your hot water issues promptly, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert professionals, first-class 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 disrupt your life for even a minute 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!