7 Common Causes of No Hot Water
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had a breathtakingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s an irritating situation, but don’t stress. Learning the most likely things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding a solution. 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 generating hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a questionable rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
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- Turn off the gas valves at your residence.
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- Don’t switch any electrical appliances on or off.
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- Avoid smoking or using a lit match.
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- Open windows and doors for ventilation and evacuate the building.
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- Call the fire department and your utility provider.
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- Never attempt to repair the gas line yourself.
2. Gas Valve Failure
This hot water problem can be difficult to identify, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by checking the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem secure, inspect the gas valve to ensure it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning the way it should but you still do not have hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. Regrettably, this could 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 operate properly. If the light is out, there won’t be any hot water. Modern water heaters feature glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult your owner’s manual to see 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 attempting to relight it. Contact 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 properly to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to use less energy while you were out of town, check 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 frequent reason for homes not having hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, getting a new one to replace it may be the best remedy.
5. Sediment Buildup
After awhile, 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, leading to inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more common in homes with hard water, but it can take place anytime.
Scheduled maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least annually, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already happened, you may need a specialist’s services to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to identify sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.
6. Faulty Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are known as particularly solid components in the plumbing world, but even they can have problems. If you’re experiencing no 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 to blame. Water heaters typically have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the faulty elements.
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 ask an Expert for more information 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 fast, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, unmatched 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 disrupt your life for even a minute longer! Get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment!
