7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you just had an icy cold shower or turned on the faucet to discover that your house doesn’t have hot water. It’s a frustrating province of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most likely causes of no hot water is the first step toward finding an answer. Here is a look at why you might be having hot water problems so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Does your home 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 smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:

• Turn 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.
• Contact the fire department and your utility provider.
• Do not ever try to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water issue can be tricky to diagnose, but it’s a frequent cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by inspecting the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem secure, inspect the gas valve to confirm it’s in the correct position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is operating the way it should but you still don’t have any hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. Unfortunately, this could mean it’s time to get 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 correctly. If the light is out, there won’t be any hot water. Newer water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult 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 disperse before attempting to relight it. Consult with a professional for assistance if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat needs to be set accurately to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned 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 damaged, buying a new one might be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can collect in the base of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.

Routine maintenance, including flushing the tank at least annually, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already taken place, you could potentially need Expert assistance to clean or replace the tank. Keep an eye on the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can detect sediment buildup before it becomes a larger issue.

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 your home doesn’t have 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 problem. Water heaters typically provide service for 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 hardware.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is doesn’t have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water requirements, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re sick and tired of putting up with not very hot showers when you’re the last person to get ready every day, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also want to learn more 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 know it’s important to solve your hot water issues quickly, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, first-class 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 for even a minute longer! Reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 866-397-3787 today to arrange an appointment!