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 a frustrating scenario, 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 review of the reasons why you might be having hot water troubles so you can get back to enjoying the hot showers you deserve.
1. Gas Leak
Does your home have a gas water heater? It might not be making hot water because of a gas line leak. If you notice a suspicious rotten egg smell, assume you have a leak and follow these steps:
- Close off the gas valves at your residence.
- 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 problem can be difficult to identify, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Start off by evaluating the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If these both seem intact, inspect the gas valve to confirm it’s in the right position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is functioning correctly but you still don't have any hot water, the gas supply may be blocked in some way. Regrettably, this may mean it’s time to purchase a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a trusted plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to be sure.
3. The Pilot Light Is Out
The pilot light is vital for older gas water heaters to work properly. If the light goes out, you’ll have no hot water. Modern water heaters have glow plugs or spark igniters, so consult your owner’s manual to see if your unit has a pilot light. If that's the case, you may need to turn off the regulator and wait for the gas to dissipate before attempting to relight it. Contact a professional for advice if you’re unsure how to relight the pilot.
4. Thermostat Malfunction
Your water heater thermostat must be set correctly to supply your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to save 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 frequent reason for no hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is malfunctioning, replacing it might be the best remedy.
5. Sediment Buildup
After awhile, 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, contributing to inefficiency and a potential lack of hot water. Sediment buildup is more frequent in areas with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.
Scheduled maintenance, such as flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps prevent this issue. If the problem has already taken place, you may need professional services to clean or replace the tank. Be mindful of the clarity and quality of your hot water so you can identify sediment buildup before it becomes even more challenging to address.
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, 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 could be the problem. 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 thing rather than repair the problematic components.
7. Undersized Water Heater
If the tank is too small for your household’s hot water needs, you may find yourself running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with tepid 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 countless back-to-back showers.
No Hot Water? Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
At Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to resolve your hot water issues promptly, at a fair 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 any longer! Reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 352-414-4006 today to arrange an appointment!
