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 an irritating state of affairs, but don’t panic. Learning the most likely reasons your home has 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 challenges so you can get back to enjoying the hot showers you deserve.

1. Gas Leak

Does your home have a gas water heater? It may 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:

Close 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.
Call the fire department and your utility provider.
Never attempt to repair the gas line yourself.

2. Gas Valve Failure

This hot water problem can be challenging to diagnose, but it’s a common cause of no hot water coming from a gas water heater. Get started by inspecting the gas inlet valve and gas supply tube for leaks. If everything seems intact, check out the gas valve to confirm it’s in the right position and the gas is turned on. If the pilot light is performing correctly but you still don’t have any hot water, the gas supply may be restricted. Unfortunately, this could mean it’s time to buy a new, more energy-efficient water heater. Contact a skilled plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 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 is out, you won’t have any hot water. Recently manufactured 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. Contact a professional for help if you’re confused about how to relight the pilot.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

Your water heater thermostat needs to be set correctly to provide your home with adequate hot water. If you recently lowered the temperature to save energy while you were out of town, check 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 frequent reason for a lack of hot water. If it turns out the thermostat is damaged, replacing it may be the best solution.

5. Sediment Buildup

Over time, sediment can build up in the bottom of the water heater tank. This buildup creates an obstruction between the heating element or burner and the water, causing inefficiency and could lead to no hot water. Sediment buildup is more prevalent in neighborhoods with hard water, but it can occur anywhere.

Routine maintenance, which includes flushing the tank at least one time per year, helps avoid this issue. If the problem has already taken place, you may need Expert help 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 a larger issue.

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, examine 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 usually have a life span of about 10 years, so if yours is getting older, it could be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than repair the faulty elements.

7. Undersized Water Heater

If the tank is doesn’t have enough capacity to meet your household’s hot water requirements, you may wind up running out of hot water. If you’re done dealing with not very hot showers when you’re the last person to get ready each morning, 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 & Plumbing

At Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we know it’s important to solve your hot water issues quickly, affordably and with long-lasting results. With our Expert technicians, unmatched 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 interrupt your life for even a minute longer! Reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing and we’ll restore hot water to your home. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule your appointment!