If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had a shockingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s a frustrating scenario, but don’t fret. Learning the most likely 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 challenges so you can get back to experiencing the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
Do you have a gas water heater? It may not be producing 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:
- Close 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 so the gas can disperse 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 issue can be hard to diagnose, but it’s a frequent 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 it all appears intact, check out the gas valve to confirm it’s in the proper 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. Regrettably, this may mean it’s time to invest in a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted plumbing specialist like Rob's Albertan Service Experts 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 isn't lit, you’ll have no hot water. Modern water heaters use glow plugs or spark igniters, so seek advice from your owner’s manual to find out 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. Call a professional for help if you’re uncertain how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat must be set correctly to furnish your home with adequate hot water. If you recently turned down the temperature to save energy while you were out of town, examine 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 very common reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, buying a new one could be the best option.
5. Sediment Buildup
Over time, sediment can collect in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and the possibility you'll have no hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in homes with hard water, but it can occur anyplace.
Scheduled maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least annually, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already taken place, 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 to catch sediment buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.
6. Defective Electric Water Heater
Electric water heaters are reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they can have problems. If your home doesn't have 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 could be the cause of your hot water issues. Water heaters generally have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire water heater rather than repair the faulty components.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is doesn't have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water requirements, you may end up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with 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 unlimited back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Rob's Albertan Service Experts
At Rob's Albertan Service Experts, we know it's important to solve your hot water issues promptly, at a competitive price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, 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 affect your life for even a minute longer! Get in touch with Rob's Albertan Service Experts and we’ll get the hot water flowing again. Call 780-800-9047 today to arrange an appointment!