7 Common Causes of No Hot Water

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance it’s because you just had a breathtakingly cold shower or turned on the faucet to find no hot water. It’s a frustrating province of affairs, but don’t stress. Learning the most common things that leave you with no hot water is the first step toward finding a remedy. Here is a look at 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 might not be generating 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:

• 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 common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start by examining the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If it all appears undamaged, inspect the gas valve to make sure it’s in the proper position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is working the way it should but you still have no hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. Unfortunately, this may 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 correctly. If the light is out, you’ll have no hot water. Modern 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 so, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to disperse before you try to relight it. Call a professional for help if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat has 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 a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, getting a new one to replace it may be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

With time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates a barrier 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 prevalent in homes with hard water, but it can happen anytime.

Scheduled maintenance, including flushing the tank at least annually, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already taken place, you might need professional services to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water in order to catch sediment buildup before it becomes even more challenging to address.

6. Defective Electric Water Heater

Electric water heaters are reliable components in the plumbing world, but even they sometimes experience problems. If you’re experiencing no hot water, examine the connections to the water heater and reset any tripped breakers at the electrical panel.

If the breakers appear normal, the heating elements may be to blame. Water heaters generally have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire water heater rather than repair the problematic components.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water demands, 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 in the morning, consider upgrading to a larger tank. You might also want to learn more 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 are dedicated to solving your hot water issues fast, at a fair price and with long-lasting results. With our Expert specialists, dedicated customer service and reputation for excellent craftsmanship, 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 a moment 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 arrange an appointment!